Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/7030
6A – Daily News – Friday, February 19, 2010 A MediaNews Group newspaper 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 Opinion How does the old saying go when a person's behavior is unacceptable or bothersome, "That really sticks in my craw?" I was really angry the other day when I found out that my sister's Valentine card was stolen off her car. In front of her church no less. I went to Raley's Sunday morning, bought the card, wrote "I love you" on the inside, and then placed it stealthily under the wiper blade on the wind- shield. The whole thing was going to be a surprise. Much to my chagrin, I found out two days later that my well intentioned plans went awry, thanks to some devious punk walking the streets. "Did you get your Valentine's card on Sunday?" I asked. "No," Cindy said. "But I left a card on your car. It wasn't there when you got out of church?" "No." Those were fightin' words. I don't mind so much if a person messes with me, but I draw the line where my sister's con- cerned. What full-breaded loser would steal a card off a car? Per- sonally, I hope he or she rots in hell fire damnation for commit- ting such an insolent act. I told Sis that her Valentine would have to come late. So, here it is. My sister, Cindy Swart, is the most kind, caring, modest and compassionate human being on the face of the planet. There is nothing – and I mean nothing – she wouldn't do for another in need. She has been there countless times for our parents, assisting them through a number of surgeries. She once gave up her entire house to her son's family while he went to a police academy because he couldn't afford to go to school and pay the bills at the same time. Cindy and her husband lived in a small motor home in the dri- veway so my nephew's life wouldn't be too interrupted. And she never said a word. If that isn't love, I don't know that is. As for our parents, she walked the halls with our mom in the middle of the night after two knee replacement surgeries – and two foot operations. My sister rearranged her life so my parents didn't have to change theirs. If I could nominate a woman of the year, it would be her. I was talking to my students recently about who was their favorite person. I told them it should be someone who pos- sesses traits that they themselves admire. Then, they asked me the same question. There is no doubt that my sister is my hero. Her willingness to sacrifice her own com- fort and peace of mind to help others is simply amazing. And when I look her in the eye, I see myself looking back. That's pretty special. So, even though some scum ball took her card, I think this is even better. Thanks, Sis. Speaking of sticking in my craw, I'd like to comment on a recent article involving our city youth programs and Red Bluff High School's use of facilities increase. Regarding this issue, I believe our district needs to con- sider fairness over increased fees. I understand the need to recu- perate nominal oper- ational costs, but to increase fees at the expense of our youth right now just seems downright wrong. After all, parents' household operating costs on are the rise, too. Don't the tax- payers of this county already contribute money out of their paychecks to help fund public schools? It's hard for me to sit by and watch par- ticipation fees increase just so par- ents can pay some higher light bills. Our district needs to re-think its position to a place of fairness. Otherwise, it's going to stick in a lot of peoples' craws. That's all folks. Have a great Friday. ——— Pat Gleason grew up in Los Angeles and has taught English at Red Bluff High School since 1990. He can be reached at phgleaso@rbuhsd.k12.ca.us. A Valentine to my hero — a few days late Commentary N EWS D AILY RED BLUFF TEHAMA COUNTY 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 Pat Gleason Simply Put STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 4164 P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento 94249; (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319- 2102 STATE SENATOR — Sam Aanestad (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 2054, Sacramen- to, CA 95814. (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), 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. Your officials 1,493 words Back in the days before e-mail, when people still wrote letters, I used to corre- spond with my brother in St. Louis by let- ter on a regular basis. I had far more time to dedicate to this than my brother, who had three small children, and my letters were always longer than his. I pointed this out at the end of each letter by putting the number of words in parentheses. He got me good, though, when he enclosed a photo of his chil- dren with a letter that ended (325 + 1,000) — i.e. 325 words and a picture worth a thousand words. I was reminded of that letter this week when we published a story about a group of local medical professionals that is leaving for Haiti Monday to assist those injured in the Jan. 12 earthquake. The story was submitted to the Daily News and such items nor- mally appear on page 2A or 3A — sometimes on other inside pages. It was filed in our system as such, but a quick read told me this was a story that needed to go up front. Few recent events have captured univer- sal interest like the Haiti tragedy, and here we had been given a local story tied to it. Opportunities like this scream front page. Because the story was submitted, so was the photograph that accompanied it — a posed shot of the volunteers who would be making the trip. Not the photo we would probably have taken, had the story been written by a reporter, but a good shot all the same and, in some ways, the best shot for this story. When journalists take pictures, we look to capture scenes, events and moments in time that tell a story. When non-journalists take photos, they line folks up and ask them to say cheese. The latter is perfect for those in the photo, who want to capture themselves with friends or family or in front of a landmark or scenery, but those pictures usual- ly don't tell a story. We could have called members of the group and probably taken some shots of one or two of them packing medical supplies for the mission or engaged in some other activity that would tell their story. But what about the others? The group numbers six, and two others are coordinating trans- portation. Who would we have left out to get a more interesting photo? The answer is none, because the nature of the story made the submitted photo of the entire group, albeit posed, the best shot. Readers would be touched by the group's dedication to making a difference. They would want us to show who these generous members of our community are, and the picture did just that. Truly, it was a picture worth a thousand words. My hat's off to these compassionate folks — you are shining examples of the good in this community. Chip Thompson can be reached at 527- 2151, Ext. 112 or by e-mail at editor@redbluffdailynews.com. Chip Thompson 545 Diamond Ave. Haiti travelers Editor: Thank you for the front-page coverage of my professionally and personally talented friends who are traveling to Haiti to help out. What's not mentioned is that for several of them this is not at all their first trip there. Also not mentioned is that they're undoubtedly pay- ing for all this out of their own pockets — as are most helpers and mission- aries that are going there. I intend to send them some money to aid their quest, and if any read- er is so inclined, send it to Bill and Vicki Greer, c/o Community Baptist Church, 598 Roundup, Red Bluff 96080. Dr. Joseph S. Busey, Red Bluff Supporting troops Editor: While in Red Bluff I read a letter in your Daily News from a Buddy Male, in respect to supporting our troops. He is a retired firefighter and as an auxiliary life member, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America, I completely agree with him. I, too, watched the Twin Towers and yet the comment is made that "they never came here to attack us — we went over there." What is that? Gee, what happened to the twins? They didn't come here to attack us so I guess they just fell down. Also, I went to the 4th of July parade in Los Molinos and was very sad to see how many did not stand and salute, cross their hearts, take off their hats nor anything as the colors passed by. Where I sat I could see about two blocks each way and I saw none of what should have been. Kris Walker, Stockton Editor's note; Kris Walker is a former resi- dent of Red Bluff. Your Turn