Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/28087
6A – Daily News – Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Opinion Re: Antelope D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 sewer project Editor: Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer’s home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 I attended a meeting more than 40 years ago about the Antelope water quality prob- lem. Now, without official notice and after being an Ante- lope property owner for more than 43 years, I’m informed by a flyer at my front door there is to be another meeting. However, the proposed solu- tion will not solve the public health problem. The existing contamination wells will con- tinue to deliver unsafe water, and a water system will still be needed to protect the public health. The pollution problem may not go away for years, even with the proposed project. A water distribution system or low interest loan program to update the problem wells could probably be done at a much lower cost. Wells will continue to be pol- luted as the ground water moves slowly to new areas to pollute different wells. The recent study confirmed what Public Works Director Director Gary Antone already knew and has been known for years. It may be useful in deter- mining which areas need an immediate solution. A water system could then be designed for an economical solution by delivering water to the present problem areas. It could be expanded in the future as need- ed. As stated earlier, Antone is now proposing a project that will not solve the problem — which is drinking water related. When I looked at the DWR study and found that a neigh- bor’s well was polluted, I went to bottled water, not knowing when or if my well would ever be polluted. I am a retired civil engineer. Hal Gjermann, Red Bluff Presidential words, deeds Editor: It's been said former Presi- dent Reagan inspired patriotism in America. To a great extent this is true. As testimony, his powerful 1987 admonition to Soviet Leader Gorbachev to "tear down this wall" continues to resonate deeply with many Americans. Words, however, pale in comparison to deeds. Consider some of what the Reagan Presi- dency actually did. He tripled the national debt. He backed Saddam Hussein in the Iraq-Iran war. He poured bil- lions into the illusion of Star Wars. He supported death squads in Central America. He confused old movies with for- eign policy. He traded arms for hostages and diverted money to drug-running death squads. As we remember the inspir- ing words of our 40th Chief Executive let's also keep in mind what actually occurred during the Reagan Era. David Janott, Red Bluff Editor: Treasure lost Editor: The vintage car world lost a treasure recently. Dan Hartley passed away March 1, at age 99. He led a colorful and productive life. He worked in the lumber industry, including operating steam locomotives and steam log loading equipment. He drove his first Model T at the age of 12, helping his dad on the farm. He loved old cars, espe- cially Fords, though with tongue firmly planted in cheek he'd say, "They used to say dri- ving a Ford made walking a pleasure." Dan retired to Red Bluff in 1977. He lost his beloved wife, Janet in 1996. To keep his mind active and his body limber, he'd work en just about every old car make imaginable, such as Brush, Essex, Reo, Marmon, Stanley, Studebaker, Franklin, and of course, Fords. Along the way, he generously passed along his considerable knowl- edge about antique cars to any- one who wanted to learn. He was a rich resource for those of any generation who shared his love of old motor vehicles. He was the go-to guy for problems big or small. His love of old cars was equaled only by his love of old steam engines. He delighted in recounting stories of the bygone era in which he grew up. As he got along in years, his eyesight grew dim, but his hear- ing stayed acute. He tutored willing fellows, letting them be his eyes as they worked on the cars. A steady stream of old car buffs stopped by to see Dan, to either have him solve a problem for them, or show off their latest vehicle acquisition to him. Peo- ple just naturally started check- ing on how Dan was doing as he got older, bringing him home- cooked meals, taking him to the doctor or other errands, clean- ing his house, and taking him on outings. People enjoyed his company, and someone was always stopping by to jaw a lit- tle. Dan was a man of modest means, but he was rich in friends. Dan's personality, expertise Your Turn and encyclopedic knowledge of old cars will be missed by many. Farewell, old friend. We are all better for having known you. Dee Hamill, Red Bluff Foreigners Editor: I applied for a per- sonal license plate, PR14ENG. The California DMV turned it down, saying it might offend an illegal immigrant, but 99 per- cent of illegal immigrants would have no idea what it meant. I am damn fed up on the offending of illegal immigrants. I pay for their housing, food stamps, education, medical care, child births, incarceration, etc. I have a mind to check with an attorney to see if Americans still have any rights in this coun- try. It's getting damn tiresome taking back seat to all of these damn foreigners that our gov- ernment is giving our country to. I served in the Korean war, had a brother in the Navy and a brother in the Air Force, plus I had a business partner for 23 years that served in the Marine Corps. This is just proof that we are losing more of our freedom to foreigners. By the way, see if you can figure out what PR14ENG is, and why it would offend any- one. Jerri Champayne, Tehama Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 6031 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319-2102 STATE SENATOR — Doug LaMalfa (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 3070 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Jerry Brown, State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2635 Forest Ave. Ste. 100, Chico, CA 95928; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 403-0100. Fax (202) 224- 0454. Why the rich don’t feel rich Commentary ing very rich. Get this: Rich folks aren't feel- Reuters reports that a Fidelity Investments survey found 42 per- cent of more than 1,000 Americans who have at least $1 million in assets aren't feeling very wealthy. They say they'd need to have at least $7.5 million to feel they're well-to-do. As ridiculous as that may sound to some, it makes perfect sense to me. There is every indication that America could enter a hyperinfla- tionary period not unlike the 1970s. Inflation is a boon to people who owe money -- your fixed-rate mortgage could be a charm if infla- tion pushes housing values up -- but a real drag to people who have money. As the cost of goods and ser- vices increases, you see, every dol- lar you have buys less of them. And your retirement plan sud- denly looks very shaky. Let's say you have accumulated a nest egg of $1 million after a life- time of sacrifice and prudent deci- sions. You put your nest egg into a rel- atively secure fund that pays you a 5 percent annual return, so you can enjoy a $50,000 retirement income. percent. But then inflation soars to 10 At the end of the first year, you've been able to live off your 5 percent interest, so you still have, technically, $1 million in your account. But inflation has reduced the purchasing value of your $1 mil- lion by 10 percent or $100,000! Technically, your $1 million nest egg is worth only the equivalent of $900,000. What's worse: Your $50,000 retirement income is able to pur- chase only the equivalent of $45,000 in goods and services -- because its value has gone down by 10 percent, too. Now you have to take more money out of your account to live on, which means you're now draw- ing down your principal. You can see how easy it could be, five to 10 years down the line, to run completely out of dough -- and that assumes the economy doesn't melt down again. And so it is that a million bucks isn't what it used to be. What we need in America is a massive infusion of wealth -- not riches. Consider: We all dream about winning the lottery, but an excess of dough doesn't drive an excess of hap- piness. According to a John Stossel report, one woman who won the lottery said she was very happy for a spell, but then the thrill wore off. Stossel also cited a money doesn't equate to more hap- piness. What we all long for is some stability, security and the notion that our future looks bright. All most of us want is to spend less than we earn, yet still provide for our families. Tom survey of 49 of the world's richest folks. The mega-rich aren't a whit happier than any of us average Joes. Purcell Stossel interviewed Jean Chatsky, a columnist for Money magazine, who conducted an inter- esting poll that may explain why. Chatsky found that money makes folks happier only if their family's income is below $30,000 a year. Once a family's income exceeds $50,000 — once it is able to meet basic material needs — more All most of us want is the opportunity to work and produce and assem- ble a little long-term wealth of our own, so we can retire one day. With our economy a mess, our spending out of control, our unem- ployment high and our future looking dicey, such wealth is hard to come by. So I hope you can forgive the rich for not feeling so rich any- more. Tom Purcell, a humor columnist ——— for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syn- dicate. Visit Tom on the Web at www.TomPurcell.com or e-mail him at Purcell@caglecartoons.com.