The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

To the Editor:

It is not the role or responsibility of the public school system to teach our children gender politics, as per the book titled "George" by Alex Gino, being considered by the middle school.

I believe this is still a free country where values are taught at home.

Also, regarding Laird's expansion to 500+ families - my question is when is enough, enough?

Jeanne Brooks

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To the Editor:

Gasoline is an important item in most family's budgets. The current national average for regular gas according to CNBC is $2.28 per gallon.

Why are Oregonians the only U.S. residents incapable of pumping their own gas? This is a non-partisan issue. Salem, let's take action now.

Ed Derksen

Black Butte Ranch

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To the Editor:

I wish to thank the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Dept. for once again providing Christmas dinner for a lot of folks who otherwise would not be with other people and enjoy a good meal on this day.

It's amazing, though, to notice when signing in, how many people DO NOT donate. I think everyone could afford a few dollars to help keep this dinner going. We have no family here or anywhere that would come here so we appreciate the opportunity to join a group for dinner.

Diana and Al Lovgren

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To the Editor:

A big thank-you to the City and merchants for the cheery holiday lighting. How wonderful it would be to keep them up throughout the dark days of winter! So welcoming to residents and visitors alike.

Suzanne Pepin

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To the Editor:

Recently a reader posted a letter to the editor (December 19) regarding the book "George" by Alex Gino on the reading list for 10- and 11-year-old children here in Sisters. He suggested checking into the book and encouraging the district to NOT include this book as part of the suggested reading

list.

I looked up the book and agree with this reader due to the content. The reader included email addresses to send your thoughts to in this matter. I did send an email, this is what I wrote:

To whom it may concern - In this very address to you, I ask you, who does this concern? My two boys are grown and out in this wild big world. Grandchildren to follow in the coming years, but not yet. This is my concern, the children to come. Not just mine, but everyone's. The children in your care are your upmost concern. I do not envy your job or the challenges that are coming your way, some already here. Bigger ones to

arrive.

Your job is to find the right way to teach and to lead those under you well. Here's your challenge today; to let someone's idea of what it is to be a male or female, and decide between the two, (or many). Really? This is a no-brainer. This would be funny in my grandparents day. It is not funny today. To even allow a person to choose their sex, their biological identity according to their "feelings" is insane behavior. Our Creator does not, has not, EVER made a mistake with His creations. EVER.

The sex you were born with is not up for debate. It is not a choice, it is not a feeling, it is a gift and a fact. Please consider the world ahead of you and the outcome you wish to see. And pray for guidance. I do for you now. Thank you for your time in this matter.

Linda Peck

s s s

To the Editor:

With the glow of Christmas barely behind us, we look forward to the new year and the customary New Year's resolutions: reduce social media, reduce weight, and, this year, reduce animal food consumption.

One third of consumers already report reducing their consumption of animal foods. Hundreds of school, college, hospital, and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday. Even fast-food chains Chipotle, Denny's, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell and White Castle are rolling out plant-based options.

A dozen start-ups, led by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are creating healthy, eco-friendly, compassionate, convenient, delicious plant-based meat and dairy products. Meat industry giants Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Canada's Maple Leaf Foods have invested heavily in plant-based meat development. So have a number of Microsoft, Google, Twitter, and PayPal pioneers.

According to Plant-Based Foods Association, plant-based food sales have grown by 20 percent in the past year, 10 times the growth rate of all foods. Sales of plant-based cheeses, creamers, butter, yogurts, and ice creams are exploding at a 50 percent growth rate. Plant-based milks now account for 15 percent of the milk

market.

The plant-based New Year's resolution requires no sweat or deprivation - just some fun exploration of your favorite supermarket and food websites.

Siegfried Neufhaus