Letters to the Editor 08/16/2017

To the Editor:

While the article in The Nugget of August 9 ("Protect your eyes during solar eclipse," Page 1, ) is correct in its text, a headline above the continuation on page 19 is dead wrong and may mislead observers in Sisters to the extent that they will not observe the phenomenon which is the reason for all the interest in this eclipse.

That is the observation of the solar corona, which is only visible to the unaided eye during a total solar eclipse and then only within the band of totality. While the duration of totality varies from none at all about one-half mile south of Cascade Avenue to over one minute on the northern edges of Sisters, most of Sisters has some duration of totality to enjoy.

If the advice shown in this headline "ECLIPSE: Wear glasses for entirety of eclipse in Sisters" is followed local observers will miss the most exciting and beautiful part of the eclipse.

As soon as none of the sun's surface is visible while viewing through eclipse glasses or other devices, the viewer should remove the glasses and view the eclipse with their naked eyes or binoculars until a bright part of the sun becomes visible after totality. Then any further viewing needs to be done using the glasses or a filter.

Jim Hammond

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To the Editor:

My compliment to our Sisters Christian community which brought together an estimated 500 or more parents and children together for worship. The gathering took place on the grass area of the Sisters High School and included an after-event for the children with fun slides and other inflatables ... food trucks and more.

Sisters Community, Vast and Westside churches along with their respective pastors led the public worship in a meeting of unity and prayer. The event demonstrates and promotes fellowship and an encouragement to each other to join together as one. The importance of public preaching of the word of God and together with communion taken by those present ... their proclamation of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus.

The offering taken at the event will be used during the winter months to provide shelter for the homeless.

Peter Storton

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To the Editor:

I wanted to compliment and send my thanks to the many participants at the artists reception and art show event that was held Friday night, August 11 at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration.

A wide and varied display of local talent was there with amazing photography of wild horses, unique and natural handmade jewelry and of course, outstanding paintings and artwork of everything from vegetables to our beautiful landscapes. The food was great and the company terrific. It was a warm reminder of all the local talent concentrated in this small community.

Congratulations to all the participants. You are not only extremely talented, but generous of spirit!

Marlene Dumas

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To the Editor:

When did paying taxes become a bad thing in America? Sure, we all get sticker-shock in mid-April when we fill out those complicated forms. And sure, we don't always like everything we're paying for. But look what we get for that

money.

We get roads, bridges, and airports. We get schools, universities, hospitals, fire and police stations, and national defense. Our taxes provide protection for workers, consumers, and the environment. We get city, county, state, and federal government. We love to complain about government employees, but what would we do without them?

From the very beginning of America, we have used our government to provide public resources for all, and decent private lives for most citizens. In fact, public resources make private life possible. We would be in serious danger without police and fire protection and our military. We would be lost without an organized system of roads. We would be ignorant without public schools and universities. They give everyone a chance to learn and improve their living conditions. Public resources give us freedom and opportunity. We all share in these great things by paying our taxes.

I'm a progressive, a Democrat, but I know these ideas appeal to other Americans as well. Many of us believe in taking responsibility and making commitments to ourselves and others. We believe in community building, service, and cooperation.

If you believe that paying taxes is a wise investment in the future of our country, consider joining Indivisible Sisters Oregon (https://www.meetup.com/Indivisible-Sisters-Oregon/).

Paula Surmann