Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

It made me mad when I heard that bond issue Number 21 did not pass. I don't get it. I mean, put yourself in my shoes. I'm a sixth grader going into seventh grade next year with one elective and seven classes.

The middle/high school is already overcrowded, and with my grade moving in, I don't see how we can even have lockers with all the kids there.

Without the money that we were going to get (if Number 21 passed), we can't afford another building. A lot of classes are being cut, as well.

Why do people have to be so selfish? How would they like it if their education rested on about $5 to $10 a month? That's just about the same amount of money for a dinner at McDonald's (for a family). Do people actually care more about Quarter Pounders than a child's education?

Also, I'd just like to say that I'm not only talking to the newspaper, I'm talking to all those home-owners out there. Think about that the next time you vote. The results may shock you.

Finally, I'd also like to express my feeling about the possible loss of two teachers I know very well. The bond issue strikes again.

With all this in mind, please consider being a little more careful at the ballots next time.

Sincerely,

Justin Little (sixth grader)

Ed. note: Hey kid, want a job?

The failure of the recent school bond is, in my opinion, a "no confidence" vote on the part of the people of the Sisters School District for the present school board. The board waited too long and gave us too little about where they stand and what they planned to do with 5.5 million bucks.

Yes, we desperately do need help in the space and educational crisis speeding down the track toward us. But I can't go along with dumping more tax dollars into the fund for a "six-year fix" knowing the board will be back for more money (before the last one's paid for). That isn't any way to do business. I'll bet our new school superintendent will have some better ideas.

In addition to establishing more creative methods to pay for the district's needs at the local level, we've also got to get busy and turn things around in Salem. The legislature has jerked school districts around state-wide in a mad-cap method of school-funding that obviously just isn't working.

We need someone in Salem who understands what school-financing is all about, and knows how to make it work. I happen to believe that Bob Pickard is that man. It sure isn't Neil Bryant.

Yes, our children absolutely do deserve the very best educational system we can provide for them. But obviously, a lot of people didn't think the bond issue was the best the board could do. The "government by the people and for the people" have said so.

Jim Anderson

Please understand that I am not speaking of the many wonderful, innocent women who have been brutally raped. Nor am I referring to the habitual, predatory rapist who preys on women. But there is another facet of this tragic situation that is never discussed, and it troubles me enough the I am impelled (sic) to write this letter.

I have just one question.

Why is it when a man is sitting in his own home minding his own business and a young woman comes there uninvited, flirtatious and enticing, when a sexual encounter happens she screams "rape" and society and the law say "poor baby" and they send the deluded man to prison.

Something is very wrong here, and it happens all too often.

Sincerely,

Shirley C. Rowe

It is my understanding that our high school is allowed to give out birth control via condoms, etc. and that the "safe sex" approach is taught.

I think it is a given, even in our warped society that sex outside of marriage is a no- no, regardless of age. Stealing is also a no- no in our society. Hence, welcome to "Safe Stealing 101."

"We all know that stealing is wrong and we can't teach our children and our students to abstain from stealing because, well, that is not just realistic, so we need to teach 'safe stealing.'

"Our most important tool in teaching 'safe stealing' is to be sure to wear a glove, perhaps two if you are sloppy. Start with small things at first. Don't try stealing an appliance in broad daylight, or a vehicle. However, most importantly, don't leave home without that glove just in case you can't `just say no'."

A study I recently read showed that not one trained medical professional out of 100 would have intercourse with an HIV or AIDS person using a condom due to its lack of protection. Yet those same medical professionals will swear that nothing can escape the latex of the condom. Lovely.

I think it is also just wonderful that the government wants to protect our children's lungs by putting an age limit on buying cigarettes. Yet these same folks condone the sex thing, by passing out condoms etc., which could very well lead to parenthood not to mention the AIDS thing. Brilliant.

Just as an end note: You may "get life" for stealing, but early miserable death could very well be the result of our nations current fad of "safe sex."

We all think Sisters Elementary is crowded now -- just wait; the students from the class of 2013 might be safely conceived tonight!

Sexually frustrated & annoyed at the world,

Rebecca Boehm

P.S. Did I mention that our son was conceived tripled up on birth control -- the pill, condom and a spermicide. Sebastian is safely two.

Thank you to the dedicated members of the Sisters community who supported the Sisters Kiwanis and Red Cross Blood Drive on May 21.

As we gave out our sticky labels saying "Be nice to me. I gave blood today," we found ourselves placing them next to "I Voted" labels. It was a wonderful feeling looking into the faces of so many people who took the time to be part of the democratic process of government and also find the time to care for humanity with their blood donation.

In spite of the dreary rainy day, we collected 99 units, with four donors giving blood for the first time. Our goal was 80 and as usual, the Sisters community continued to beat this number. Great job! The Red Cross staff was slightly understaffed, but managed to smoothly handle the extra numbers with no problems. We really appreciate their professional care.

Special thanks to all our volunteers, 24 in all, who helped with news articles, telephone calls, and helping on the day of the blood drive. An extra special thanks to the Church of Latter Day Saints for donating homemade baked cookies. The ladies of this church have been helping us with cookies for over a year. The cookies continue to be the most favored food item, with more than one spouse commenting they have to come give blood to get a taste of his wife's cookies.

Our next drive will be in July. See you then!

Karen Shimamoto

Sisters Kiwanis