Letters to the Editor 10/05/2016

To the Editor:

Amidst bad news, bad behavior, and just plain meanness comes the story of Josh Erskine and the book he wrote ("co-wrote" as he says), "Inque."

To not only take on the pain of a friend's suicide but to turn it into a force for good is inspirational. I love that he used the project to further his education, honor a friend, and create a fund dedicated to suicide prevention.

The story made me cry and then it made me celebrate. I bought the book on Amazon and a couple to share as well. I am grateful to The Nugget for running the story and grateful to Josh for his courage, kindness, and perseverance.

Karly Drake-Lusby

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To the Editor:

There is controversy over some NFL players sitting down, locking arms, or raising fists in protest of injustice in America during the National Anthem prior to NFL games.

I am a Vietnam veteran, and spent my career in law enforcement. I am a huge supporter of the 1st and 2nd amendments. My reaction is one of complete anger and disgust towards these self-righteous "children" who have gained so much on the backs of those who gave everything.

Having spent two tours in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, I've witnessed the horrendous price paid for our freedoms; selfless acts that completely exacerbate the pettiness of contemptuous behavior during the National Anthem. These overpaid prima donnas need to take their protests elsewhere so I, and I'm sure millions of other patriotic Americans, don't have to witness their disgraceful tantrums while I enjoy football.

Good for Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who made it clear to his "employees": show respect or lose your job.

Pat Bowe

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To the Editor:

Deschutes County needs Sheriff Nelson.

As longtime residents of Deschutes County, we have seen our community change from what has been described as "an artsy resort community in the high Oregon desert" to what Aspen is to Colorado.

Over 50,000 residents have been added to our population since the 1990s. Bend's beautiful natural landscape is the go-to place for recreational activities, dozens of breweries, wine-tasting rooms, great restaurants and food carts, an active nightlife scene and numerous marijuana businesses.

This economic and population boom has brought with it a host of problems. Sheriff Shane Nelson has the experience, personal integrity and leadership necessary to deal with those problems.

He is "homegrown." After graduating from Mountain View High School and OSU, he continued his education, accumulating an impressive list of professional certificates in public safety, management, and leadership, and worked his way up the ranks, starting as a reserve deputy sheriff with DCSO in 1993. Sheriff Nelson was unanimously appointed by the Board of County Commissioners in 2015.

Sheriff Nelson believes in identifying problems, and holding those accountable who do not uphold the standards and values of the DCSO. He is an active member of our community, and is continually finding ways to expand public outreach as a way to solicit citizen input and improve the DCSO.

Sheriff Nelson is committed to providing for our public safety, protecting our most vulnerable, and preserving the rights of all individuals. Deschutes County needs people with his vision, commitment and integrity.

Sam and Carolyn Davis

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To the Editor:

The recent front-page story about deer being hunted down by dogs is horrifying, and I hope dog-owners will take action to prevent these incidents in the future. But am I the only one who finds it ironic that on the same front page, two stories appeared that described another animal's ill fate at the hungry jaws of a domesticated critter? I'm referring to the "SPRD buries the beef" and "Seed to Table invites town to dinner." Both feasts included beef, which we can easily forget is a cow that didn't ask to be on our plate.

Why do deer deserve our compassion, but cows (and pigs and chickens and fish) don't? As Melanie Joy so eloquently writes in her excellent book, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows, "We send one species to the butcher and give our love and kindness to another apparently for no reason other than because it's the way things are." Not a good enough reason, in my opinion.

Bonnie Lynch

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To the Editor:

Sometimes if you seek out what is right with the world you find it. On September 27, the Science Club put on a very relevant and enlightening talk by Dr. Emily Ho. It was fascinating to learn how much work the community members have done (after overcoming a huge winter obstacle) and building a greenhouse for teaching about the importance of the produce link.

Dr. Emily Ho had such an excellent presentation showing her scientific data and the nutrition-cancer link. The talk was interwoven with family examples on how to help with better nutrition choices. There is a huge interest in epigenetics here with such a large audience, many of whom stayed to ask questions.

A huge thank-you goes to the Science Club and Dr. Emily Ho. It helps involve community members and makes me feel good about a healthy foundation for the kids of our future.

Lindy Zeeman