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4A Daily News – Thursday, September 13, 2012 Opinion DAILYNEWS 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 Riding through this world Commentary I have to thank the North State for once again coming up huge for visiting friends and family. And all it had to do was be here. Vietnam went on a motorcycle trip this week taking in all the great scenery from Oakland to Crater Lake and back down again. My uncle and his buddy since The pair, like myself grew up in Detroit, had nothing but great things to say about their experi- ence when they met me for din- ner in Red Bluff Wednesday. Folks around these parts are always trying to come up with a way to brand the area, often times overlooking one of their best aspects — the scenery. It might get lost on someone the lack of trash on the streets. I have to think the Cleaner, Greener Red Bluff day helped in that regard. from other reporters to Lacy's neighbors. So congratulations,. it's already noticeable. They left us as every family member and friend has — by telling us what a beautiful place we are living in. ••• Having lunch at a local eatery the other day my wife quipped, "I love this place so much I'm going to send them a Christmas card." It bothers me lately some in the media seem to change their job descriptions while cov- ering these types of sto- ries. the game with a chip on its shoulder. Having lost the past three years, I think that chip is squarely placed on the Spar- tans' shoulders. who grew up here, what a spec- tacular backdrop their daily lives have. It's not lost on those of us who moved here from other parts of the country. fighter and fire marshal and his buddy is a retired Detroit police officer. They joked they still look at My uncle is a retired fire- review a place could ever receive. I won't say the name of the place, because we don't want any more special treatment than we already receive. ••• Easily the greatest restaurant If you missed my column last week it was because I was busy gathering background informa- tion on Christopher Boone Lacy, the Rancho Tehama man who killed California Highway Patrol Officer Kenyon Youngstrom. On days like that it's difficult towns from that perspective, with my uncle taking in fire code regulations and his friend looking for bars on windows and other safety concerns. ment they both said Red Bluff passed the eye test. They were also impressed by From their professional judg- to explain how a journalist feels. For most of us the rush of break- ing news is what attracted us to the business. However having that breaking news come as the result of such a tragedy is some- thing you never want. Obviously I wasn't the only one outside of Lacy's home. I overheard a lot of questions Gathering and reporting facts takes a back seat to some who want to play the role of psychologist and make ill-informed guesses over why such an event occurred. I believe the only reason "why" is ever important is if the answer can do some- thing to prevent a similar inci- dent from happening again. To me, "how" has always seemed like the better question. ••• profit-margins have gone down with fewer people carrying cash nowadays because of the prolif- eration of debit cards. How long will it be until I see a beggar with a swipe machine at his disposal? ••• Rich Greene son. I wonder whether beggars' When it comes to the advantage in experience, I see it two different ways. Red Bluff's skill players have more on-field experience. They're off to a great 2-0 start this week and confidence has been high. However they've yet to feel that pres- sure moment this sea- The Cardinals have impressed me for years with their resiliency, whether it has been coming back after a dis- appointing loss or turning around the momentum within a game. I can't get through a Tehama County Shootout game without giving a little bit of my opinion. This year should be an excit- ing game, with the all-time series tied at 23-23-1. In most years it seems Corn- ing is the team that comes into Their players may not have had as much field time as the Spartans' senior class, but they have the experience of being on the sidelines and seeing how their previous teammates dealt with stress in games. That's big in a rivalry game. My prediction, I'll stay neu- tral and say Los Molinos by 10. Rich Greene can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 109 or by email at rgreene@redbluffdailynews.com. cops Saturday Editor: Vigilant Canine Services Inter- national LLC, in cooperation with Whole Truth Project, is participat- ing in the National Tell a Police Officer "Thank You" Day on Sept. 15. Free coffee for The company would like to thank all law enforcement officer across the nation for the service they provide the public and the sacrifices they make protecting the community. The company would like to welcome everyone to participate in this program by telling a police officer thank opportunity you might have to show our law enforcement profes- sionals that they are appreciated is encouraged. you Saturday. Any all officers working on Saturday in Red Bluff and Tehama County are invited to stop by Starbuck's north, on Adobe Road, and enjoy a cup of coffee compliments of VCSi. This is just a small way to say "thank you" and to let them know they are truly appreciated. Shaun Hoover, Red Bluff As a sign of our appreciation, Amidst all the drastic federal and state cuts to education, there are schools in our community going above and beyond to contin- ually improve the level of educa- tion offered to their students. Embracing the No Excuses University philosophy, Jackson Jackson Heights Editor: Heights Elementary is one of those schools. Even though 83% of their students are classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, the Principal Dottie Renstrom and her dedicated staff make no excus- es in doing whatever needs to be done to foster growth and achieve- ment in each and every child. They strongly believe all chil- dren are capable of success. Jack- son Heights is fully committed to maintaining high academic and behavioral expectations through a code of conduct based on trust- worthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Teachers, staff, students and parents work together as a team to make sure each child has the tools and preparedness to go on to col- lege and become a productive member of society. The continuous efforts over the 'Teadium' past few years to enhance the qual- ity of education at Jackson Heights can be seen everywhere. They have made drastic improvements in their test scores through their dedication and no excuses philos- ophy. The enthusiasm and energy on campus is inspiring. The positive, no excuses attitudes of the staff and students encourage an envi- ronment of advanced learning. Their progressive, innovative, for- ward-thinking approach to student achievement is more than evident. I am beyond impressed with Jackson Heights. Congratulations to an amazing school making the very most of what many consider bleak times in the field of educa- tion. Carey Koeberer, Red Bluff of money threatens to engulf our society. It threatens to destroy all that we have created in our attempts to realize our timeless aspirations to freedom. It appears to be much more powerful than we are. It is growing. Will it engulf us? Will it come over here and That thought being "Is that going to come over here?" That unique swelling hemisphere of inhuman annihila- tion, anti life, even anti geologic construction, that has appeared here for the first time ever, because of our actions. "Is that thing going to keep swelling until it comes over here and gets me?" Because, while they had much good reason to believe it would not, this was a first. They were now seeing it for the first time. The magnitude of it. The uncaring of it. The peerless destruction of it. The thought of their own imperfection might have occurred to them. The thought that maybe they had made a mistake. Well, they hadn't. And it didn't. The thought of fear to be buffered by the apparent reality of safety. We did it right this time, luckily? So, the simile is that the power Tea party fears, is, in my opinion, similar to that of the people who watched the first hydrogen bomb explosion. That is, some deep con- scious or unconscious thought, not to be men- tioned, to be covered up as is any thought. Editor: Tea Party fear, that which the fearful destroy the fruits of our aspira- tions? Your Turn Tea Party accommodates this fear via the psychosis of embracing the thoughts of the monied, as though they were them, not their victims. Celebrating the economic dance of death. While most the left thinks the pseudo liberalism they engulf puts them on the right side of God. All in all, I think the Tea Party has the better time of it. This is the fear that is there. The Even though they are contributing to it while the left, at least, attempts to go in the right direction. Ah, the English language. Do you go politically right or left to be right? To be right is to be right, unless you're left and then you must go left to go right. Do not drive a motor vehicle after reading this letter. So, do I vote Republican and help this ship of state go down so people will finally see reality and maybe do something about it? Or do I take my own true stand and write in Dennis Kucinich, the only true liberal? Sort of the educated Green. fails except that who was the first slave and therefore knows the most about personal freedom. The woman. O'bama will be better for women. No one will deal with the real big issues of a tax code tuned on its head or predatory private debt and housing bubbles. So, I'll take what's left best. I'll vote to keep women free. Maybe it will wash off on me. James Bryant, Red Bluff No, as with Clinton, all else 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: governor@gover- nor.ca.gov. U.S.REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2595 Ceanothus Ave., Ste. 182, Chico, CA 95973; 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 Mont- gomery St., Suite 240, San Francis- co, CA 94111; (510) 286-8537. Fax (202) 224-0454.