Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/92728
6A Daily News – Friday, November 9, 2012 Opinion It's a grand old statement 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 Can't say I'm much surprised by the outcome of Tuesday's elec- tion — that goes for local races as well as the Presidential contest — and I understand the disappoint- ment that has swept over a majori- ty in the community who were pulling for Romney to defeat Obama. Wednesday morning saw a public manifestation of this disap- pointment when the Not Forgotten Flag that flies at the corner of Wal- nut and Pine in Red Bluff was raised, upside down, to half staff — a signal of distress. My first reaction was to wonder how dare some vandals make such a public pronouncement of our community's reaction and disap- pointment? Besides, there once was a time in this nation that thoughtful, harm- less political protest was admired. Remember George Harris? Me cation, the sentiment is one shared by a good majority of county vot- ers. press would get hold of the story and Red Bluff become a laughing- stock — get in line. At a McDonald's restaurant in Imagine my surprise when I learned the man who dedicates his time as the caretaker of the flag, Vern Raglin, had taken it upon himself to make such a statement — an act he admitted, in retro- spect, was an error in judgment. The more I thought about it, though, the less it bothered me. After all, if local polls are any indi- neither. But I'll bet most of you would easily recognize the photo of George placing a carnation in the barrel of a soldier's rifle during an anti-war demonstration in front of the Pentagon back in 1967. Not that Vern's method of speaking his mind will stand out in history the way George's moment captured on film has, but it was the retired fire captain's way of expressing himself. While it may have annoyed some, it didn't real- ly hurt anyone or anything. Far better than spray-painting racial slurs on the side of a mini- market or getting into a shouting match across the corners of Wal- nut and Main with those waving opposing signs. In case you're worried that Vern's statement will reflect poor- ly on our little hamlet — that the Follensby, W.V. the flag was flown the same way Wednesday. An employee told the press the owner had set up the flag, but the owner later said that a cable had snapped and the flag hung upside down by mistake. Oddly, after being up for a fair bit of time, it was taken down in short order once the press was onto the story. In Yuma, Ariz. a flag was flown in similar fashion at the home of a county supervisor candidate, according to a neighbor. The McDonald's flag has gained the most traction, however, with posts around the Internet labeling the culprit as a redneck and several less savory things. But I say good for Vern for speaking out. His actions were prompted by disappointment and the statement was loud and clear – whether or not you or I agree with the sentiment is immaterial. By mid-morning Wednesday the flag was flying correctly above town, as it does every day thanks to Vern's efforts. I think we can all allow him a few hours of indul- gence. Considering the handful of characters around town whose reg- ular antics seem aimed at nothing more than drawing attention to themselves, it was refreshing to see a subtle, brief political state- ment that, whether or not you agree, was effective. For those with great reverence to our nation's flag, I'll caution restraint. Few of you probably rival Vern and his dedication to the national symbol, as evidenced by his daily dedication to the town. And it's not as though Vern soiled, burned or otherwise disrespected the flag, he simply used it, proper- ly, to make a point. Isn't that ability what makes us lucky to live in this nation? Chip Thompson can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 112 or by email at editor@redbluffdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @editorchip 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. Obama again Commentary I wonder if George Will of the Washington Post had to revise his column on Wednesday if he composed it on Monday? In any event, it is time to write something profound about the elections of 6 November. It appears our voting process is in disarray even though it has served us fairly well over the years. In any case, money and endorsements have played a great part in the selection of the leader of our country. I was going to write "leader of the free world," but that catch phrase may no longer be the case. Our meddling in the politics of sovereign countries has caused us to be viewed as saviors by some, but pariah by many. mary race after being caught philandering, Biden became a strong con- tender for the nomination until he was caught plagiariz- ing a speech by a British Labour politician and lifting lines from Hubert Humphrey and R.F.K. and making at least three false statements about his, Biden's, education. The ensuing media frenzy consumed his campaign and he was forced to withdraw. *** eventual winner Barrack Obama. It has a liber- al bias of course, even though it is read by con- servatives who value its intellectual content over party rhetoric. The New Yorker magazine endorsed the What is profound about this particular elec- tion is that we have a black President who ran on his record rather than his race. If he had lost, it would probably be for his failure to right the ship of state. As he did indeed win, it shows that at least the majority of voters are indeed color blind. That will be progress in itself. However, it was interesting to note that the majority of voters in Tehama County voted for Romney, this in a state where Republicans are in the minority. Also, on the local level, it was good to see former Sheriff C. Parker elected to the Red Bluff City Council where he will hope- fully add balance and common sense to that sometimes biased group. And wasn't it precious that the sage of Antelope Valley's candidate for President prevailed? That should at least pro- voke another thoughtful and articulate letter to the editor. ing befalls President Obama, for the next in line to govern would be Joe Biden. Sources say, in 1987, when Gary Hart quit the Democratic pri- Concluding thought: Let us hope that noth- I confess to sitting out the vote for President. I felt our current President has not been effective in solving the country's woes...and the chal- lenger did not demonstrate political acumen to turn things around. Both Obama and Romney avow allegiance to a supreme authority, but that smacks of a faith-based Presidency rather than science-based...and that is disturbing to those who favor separation of church and state. Do you suppose we will live long enough to see a politician running for any office as an avowed agnostic? Also locally relevant was the decision of California vot- ers to reject the proposition that unions should not be able to use member's dues to endorse candidates for state office. Is this rejection music to the ears of strik- ers at Raley's? *** Speaking of the Presidency, an article in the Smithsonian reported that in 1960, 3 days after John F. Kennedy announced he would run for President, he and his wife hosted a small dinner party with their guests being Ben Bradlee of the Washington Post and James Cannon of Newsweek. The latter taped their informal con- versation and here are a few highlights of that night: objective of everybody that goes into politics? JFK: In the sense of being head of whatever organization you're in, I suppose. But the most important thing is the fact that the President today is the seat of all power. Bradlee: But did you have any remote idea, Jack, that when you ran for Congress in 1946 , that you would run for President? JFK: No, I didn't. Bradlee: Remote? Not even when you went to bed? be Governor of Massachusetts someday... Cannon: If you are defeated in your run for the Presidency, what will you do, write? JFK: No, I couldn't. I'm sure it takes twenty years to learn to be a decent writer. You have to do it every day. Anyway, I don't know what makes some politicians succeed and others fail. It's a combination of time and their own quali- ty. Bradlee: And luck? JFK: Never. Never. I thought maybe I would JFK: And luck. I mean the margin is awful- ly small between those who succeed and those who don't...like it is in life. To be successful in politics you have to be able to communi- cate a sense of conviction and intelligence and rather, some integrity. That's what you have to do. *** Robert Minch I Say soldiers, was quoted as saying, when asked, if he were a fan of the casinos, answered, "No. When an Indian tribe gets a casino, they've offi- cially declared that they've lost the war. It's the final submission." *** In last week's effort we had a garbled paragraph regarding Indian casinos. Here is the correct text: A Native American poet and author, Sherman Alexie, acutely aware of the injustice done to his people over the years by the white settlers and Bradlee: Is being President the ultimate Last week's quiz was once again first answered by early bird N. Rick who reported that the Four Dimensions are height, width, breadth or depth in a particular direction, although sources say that time is the fourth dimension, that Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are the four evangelists of the Bible and that FDR's 4 freedoms include freedom of speech, of worship, from want and from fear. This week's quiz: What is a tigon, when was the Congressional Medal of Honor first autho- rized, by whom... and to whom was it first bestowed? *** A teenager needed to wash his sweatshirt. Unsure of what temperature and setting to use on the washing machine, he hollered to his mom, "What settings do I use on the washing machine?" "It depends," his mother said. "What does it say on your shirt?" "University of Texas", he replied. Robert Minch is a lifelong resident of Red Bluff, former columnist for the Corning Daily Observer and Meat Industry magazine and author of the "The Knocking Pen." He can be reached at rminchandmurray@hotmail.com.