Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/37174
4A Daily News – Friday, July 22, 2011 Opinion Explanations not always accepted, which is OK 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 This week was full of inter- esting reader complaints – not so much the number, but the nature of the complaints, which prompted me to take a closer look at them. A reader wrote a letter to the 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 editor regarding the headline "Helter shelter" in a story about the state of flux in which the proposed homeless shelter was at the time. The writer, an acquaintance whose opinion I respect, said it was inappropriate and in poor taste to use words so closely tied to the Charles Manson murders of the late 1960s. I received a phone message a few days earlier expressing the same criticism. While I certainly wasn’t in any way trying to invoke images or emotions of the Man- son killings, at least two readers took that from the headline. The explanation I offered was that Helter Skelter is a phrase that dates back to the 16th century used to convey a state of disarray or confusion -- much like the fate of the pro- posed shelter at the time of its writing. The next meaning that came to my mind was the Beatles’ 1968 hit Helter Skelter – taken in part from amusement rides in England built to look like light- houses with giant slides from the top to the bottom. Hence the opening lyrics. These rides were called Helter Skelter. I was four when the Manson killings took place, but I lis- tened to Beatles albums all through high school and col- lege. Still do from time to time. While I knew that Manson adopted the term Helter Skelter to mean a race war that would be prompted by the murders he orchestrated, Manson is not the first association I make when I hear the term. In fact, it didn’t even occur to me. For anyone of age at the time, the grizzly crimes would certainly leave an indelible mark, so I certainly understand why some took offense. For that I apologize and thank these readers for keeping me honest. The second complaint proba- bly doesn’t warrant much space here, as the writer failed to include a name, address or phone number for a response. As it stands, this person blew off some steam about me and how I lead coverage in the Daily News. In an effort to make this person’s anger pro- ductive, I’ll offer some short responses to the letter received. The writer found it "repulsive" that we devoted most of a page to the latest Harry Potter movie in our July 14 edition. I’m guessing at least some in the crowds that stood in line all day in the heat to see the midnight showing of the last film in the series appreciated the items. Next, the reader called this column and another weekly column a waste of space. Not everything in the Daily News is intended to appeal to every reader, but we try to offer some- thing for every reader. Finally, the reader com- plained that the Reader Photos we publish and alliterate head- lines on Annie’s Mail- box each day are just "too cute" and had no place in the Daily News. Chip Thompson 545 Diamond Ave. On the other hand, the reader urged us to cover T-ball games because it is "adorable" watching the youngsters make base running errors and struggle to grasp the rules of baseball. Cute is in the eye of the beholder, I sup- pose. I always appreciate feedback — even anonymously — as it gives me the chance to step back and look at what we do and why we do it. Chip Thompson can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 112 or by e-mail at editor@redbluffdailynews.co m. 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. Gentlemen, start your engines Commentary Although pleased with my lot as a civilian in a small town, I was recently reminded that in early life I was an officer and a gentleman in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. As such I qualify as a veteran and will be accorded full military honors upon my demise although I do not look forward to either event. The reminder came in the form of a small booklet compiled by Howard J. Miller of War- saw, New York. Howie decided, years ago, to keep track of more than 100 members of Offi- cer Candidate School Class of 1952. He has sent out newsletters over the years and helped arrange reunions. I did not attended the reunions as they were always held on the east coast, but have been interested in comparing my after army life with that of others via his newsletters. Mine compares most favorably. Howie could not make contact with all for- mer candidates as many had died and some did not respond. Of the responders, some were awarded medals for bravery for their service in Korea. I served far from the fields of combat as Port Medical Supply Officer in the small port of Whittier, Alaska, which is about 60 miles south of Anchorage. As such I was not caught up in the trappings of service which requires, for example, a former Marine such as Cliff Larimer (aka The Word Merchant) to shout “Semper Fi” to anyone within hearing distance. My purpose of reporting this bit of trivia is to emphasize how fortunate some of us have been in escaping the ravages of war...and then how lucky we have been to just escape the ravages of time. The remainders of Class of 12A have had their ups and downs physically and mentally and can now only wistfully recall their energetic calisthenics’ at Fort Benning, Georgia in prepa- ration for a possible trip overseas where they faced maiming or death. War is indeed hell...and we should end the current ones with as little posturing as possible. Let’s just say “mission accomplished,” to coin a phrase, and get everyone home. * * * The Police Logs grip us with fascination. Father Meyer of the Vina Monastery informed the sheriff’s office that “Shots may be heard after dark because the Monastery has received a permit for beaver depredation.” I do not under- stand his war on beavers. To paraphrase Will Rogers, I have never met a beaver I did not like. And, if a permit is required, where would it be issued...in a bar? This boggles the mind. Apparently Father Meyer does not have to adhere to a vow of silence, otherwise how could he make the call? So perhaps he could clear up this beaver business via a call to the Editor. Other- wise his beaver eradication pursuit appears to be misogy- nist inspired. * * * Speaking of Brother Clif- ford, he is in the throes of book writing in a far off tum- ble weed county in Texas. If and when published he promises me a copy even though he threatens to “tell all.” Presumably, the telling will include the good, the bad and the ugly of Tehama County. We, in the public eye from time to time, might be advised to quaver in our boots. Robert Minch I Say Walnut. Anyway, we had a dispute of some sort and he held me at bay with his new Daisy air rifle. I was terrified because I heard of kids being blinded by the pellets fired from this weapon. Fortunately he tired of the threat and we went our separate ways. We joked about it much later citing boys will be boys...and yet I wonder to this day if he really would have shot me. This week’s quiz: Without looking it up on Google, name 4 of the first 5 baseball players in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, and what teams called Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Shea Stadium home? * * * An atheist was seated next to a little girl on an airplane. He turned to her and said, “Do you want to talk? Flights go quicker if you talk with your fellow passen- ger.” Inspired by his determination, I too am engaged in a book endeavor. Having purchased a dandy scanner and hooked it up to my laptop, I shall copy, edit and publish the true story of the rise and fall of Minch’s Wholesale Meats, which was initially published via a monthly col- umn in a meat industry magazine over a 10-year span. If I have mentioned this project previous- ly, forgive me for repeating myself. Like all things dear to the heart, the memory lingers on. * * * Last week’s quiz was answered by L. Brown and others by naming comic strip Daisys: The dog in Dagwood and Blondie, Daisy Mae in Lil Abner, Daisy Duck, girlfriend of Donald, a new strip titled Daisy Owl...and an air rifle shooting BBs was named Daisy. As an aside, years ago I had a good friend named Robert Yuen. We were both about 8 years old and hanging around his father’s store on the northwest corner of Rio and The little girl replied, “What would you want to talk about?” “Well”, the atheist said, “how about why there is no God, or heaven or hell, or life after death?” “O.K.” she said, “That could be interesting, but let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow and a deer all eat grass, yet a deer excretes little pellets, a cow a flat patty and a horse pro- duces clumps. Why do you suppose that is?” The atheist, surprised by the girl’s intelli- gence said, “Hmmm. I have no idea.” To which the little girl replied, “Do you real- ly feel qualified to discuss why there is no God or heaven or hell or life after death when you don’t even know poop?” And then she went back to reading her book. Robert Minch is a lifelong resident of Red Bluff and former columnist for the Corning Daily Observer and Meat Industry magazine. He can be reached at rminchandmurray@hotmail.com.