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4A Daily News – Monday, August 15, 2011 Opinion The power of possibilities 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 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 During periods of economic contraction or political turpitude it is important to hold tight to one’s dreams and visions of a better world. The sustained and elevated unemployment rate in Tehama County and surrounding areas combines with record low approval ratings of our state and national leaders to create just such an imperative for positive thinking. In reality we have only two healthy alternatives, first to dis- count our malcontent with humor, and second to chart a new course for better days. Typically when bad circum- stances occur healthy people assess the situation, pick them- selves up, and move forward with new wisdom and plans for a better future. This is a most helpful per- spective, wherein one learns set- backs are opportunities for improvement, and understands periods of discontent are a sign to change course for happier shores. If doldrums continue to infect the consciousness it is only natural to become frustrated, defensive, and angry. This is where many in the North State now find themselves, particularly those that struggle with discontentment, loneliness, financial uncertainty, housing inse- curity, disability, or depression. It is in times like these that the need for community and humanity reign supreme, and people reach out to their government for help and to others for comfort, solace, or just a shoulder to cry on to gain hope and a renewed perspective. They don’t need analysis or judg- ment but are needing real help and calling out for love and compas- sion as they struggle with fear, insecurity, disenfranchisement, and hopelessness. Although my often stated con- cerns about those that struggle in our communities may grate and come across to you as whining for those that make poor choices or exhibit irresponsible behavior, I feel compelled to give voice to their suffering with no apologies. Our culture, particularly in the western United States, is one that places great pride and sense of accomplishment on those that per- severe against adversity, and holds those that succumb to the foibles of life personally accountable for their plight. This is in stark con- trast to other cultures and tradi- tions that value all members of their tribe, community, or religion and lift one another up to find hap- piness in each other’s good for- tune. Sadly as we distance ourselves from one another there are those that rationalize scamming, steal- ing, and fraudulently working the system to get what they want. Such practices poison the well for those honestly seeking a hand-up. I offer no simple solu- tion for this alienation, other than it seems best to err on the side of offering help, while tak- ing appropriate steps to ferret-out those that take advantage of the kindness of others and abuse the community coffers. I believe that homeless shelters and other hands-on social service programs offer the best means to ensure that aid is distributed appropriately and that beneficial outcomes result due to the person- al contact with and monitoring of those in give me hope for a healthier com- munity and better world. I’m not trying to guilt anyone or redistrib- ute your wealth, just asking you consider what you can do person- ally and politically to help those that struggle. Our region and nation certainly have adequate resources and capacity to take care of our own better than we do at pre- sent, and I suggest that with wiser choices we can do much more to help other countries as well. Richard Mazzucchi Positive Point need of help. Dispensing funds unconditionally to help people lacking a reliable moral compass or demonstrated ability to budget responsibly must be curtailed to maintain the integrity and effec- tiveness of the public safety net. I am sorry if my sentiments come across as the ramblings of a loony liberal or naïve socialist since they are the only ones that Periods of economic uncertainty and political turmoil cause those with resources to preserve more of their assets to care for themselves, leading to a contraction of selflessness when it is most needed. I can only hope that my words might move some people of means to consider the power of possibilities to make the world a better place in these times of turmoil by more gener- ously sharing their time, talents, and resources to help those in need. Richard Mazzucchi can be reached at living-green@att.net. 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; (510) 286-8537. Fax (202) 224- 0454. There are local Tea Party issues, activities Commentary Your local Tea Party Patriots have been busy having little or nothing to do with the raging debates in Washington over debt ceilings, deficits and deals. I don’t speak for the group, nor am I in a leadership position; I’m simply a supporter, attendee and helper. My views and writing may or may not reflect the consensus of that group, but I try to represent what I sense from them while stating adamantly that my views are mine alone. Recently they’ve been involved with having local officials of the county come before them and describe the current state of their piece of the administration, and take any and all questions from the audience falling within their purview. Their willingness to appear is commendable and con- tributes to the group’s claim to value informed citizenship as a core American value. At the same time, it should not be taken to mean speakers are aligned with the Tea Party – county officials would, I’m sure, be just as eager to talk to the Chamber of Com- merce, the Elks, Kiwanis or church groups. I would encourage any other officials to welcome such an invitation. I would also encourage anyone curious about the group to chat up anyone who has appeared at Tea Party Patriots’ meetings. They recently heard from Dale Stroud, Assessor, elected in June of 2010. He provided an insightful report on property values, the intricacies of reassessment and the fine line he walks in his job. Hav- ing conducted literally thousands of property valuations when I was active in real estate, I can attest that different parties desire differ- ent outcomes. In his case, the dis- passionate assessment of a tax- payer’s home’s value will, if val- ues have decreased, be financially beneficial to the homeowner while reducing the working rev- enues for the county. The home- owner may, on the other hand, find him or herself with a mort- gage surpassing the home’s cur- rent value. The "half full vs. half empty" syndrome abounds. He took many questions that, had you been present, might well have left you more knowledgeable than when you came. The most recent guest was the most exciting one so far, at least if you think that crime, criminals, convicts and their presence, for good or ill, among the law abiding rest of us, has a bit more zing than home values. That would be the Chief Probation Officer, Richard Muench (pronounced pretty close to "minch"), a relatively recent transplant at the county’s request. He comes to us via locations familiar to many who now call Tehama County home: San Diego, Oakland, La Jolla (hey, I rented a room up the road in Del Mar at one time). His 15 minutes turned effortlessly into an hour or so, including questions. Tea Party Patriots don’t hold back on ques- tions, and Mr. Muench did an admirable job with them all, to many members’ satisfaction. You may or may not be aware that the Probation Department Muench took over left much to be desired (I didn’t, to be honest). His attention has focused on, among other things, dress stan- dards, employee and management meetings, improved liaison with local law enforcement, department moral, a Standard Operating Pro- cedures Manual, harass- ment training and other sources of upheaval (from CPO handout). Mark your calendar for this Tuesday’s meet- ing (16th) when the TPPs have double booked speakers: Bill Goodwin, Tehama County Chief Administrator, and a rather exciting, certainly interesting fellow, Mr. Gregory Cheadle, Repub- lican Candidate for U.S. Congress in 2012. If you’re considering attend- ing, also consider that the Tea Party throughout the state is work- ing with all other groups to quali- fy a proposition for voting to repeal SB 48, signed by Gov. Brown and carried almost entirely by Democrat votes in the Senate and Assembly. That bill is designed to teach children of all ages, through changes in class- room content in all (including charter) schools, about accom- plishments and lives of transgen- der, bisexual, and gay Americans, and including positive discussions of sexual orientation. At a time when California students lag many other states and countries, in scholarly assessment, gradua- tion rates and testing, is this really what parents reading this column desire for their children? Don Polson The way I see it If nothing else, come to pick up petitions that you can circulate among fami- ly and friends; if we can get enough signa- tures, the January 2012 date for implementa- tion will legally be put on hold. Ignore the usual liberal rants against opponents of SB 48; they don’t get to shove their agenda of mainstreaming acceptance of aberrant lifestyles down the collective throats of California’s students. Other topics cov- ered by Tea Party Patriots action groups: forcing Forest Service and BLM (land man- agement) to "coordinate" with local officials and law enforce- ment before going ahead with projects or mandates, keeping track of what’s going on with our Board of Supervisors and the county budget, arranging future speakers and candidates, and issues relating to the 2nd Amend- ment. Space has run out before I could respond to last week’s con- troversy. Next time. Also, for the record, I’ve been honored to be elected to the Tehama County Republican Steering Committee for my district; as with the Tea Party Patriots, I speak for myself, not the Steering Committee. Don Polson can be reached by e-mail at donplsn@yahoo.com.