Letters to the Editor 08/21/2019

To the Editor:

Re: “Don’t give a pass to false narratives,” The Nugget editorial by Jim Cornelius, August 14, page 2.

That’s right, Jim, facts matter. It is not at all clear from the facts in the shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Wilson in Ferguson five years ago, whether or not a murder occurred.

Legally, two elements must be present to constitute a murder. First there must be an actus reus — a physical act that harms another person — and a mens rea — a guilty mind or criminal intent to commit a crime. The facts in this instance confirm there was a physical act that harmed someone.

It is not as clear as to whether or not Officer Wilson had criminal intent where he shot unarmed black man Michael Brown in the head. One might infer that from the circumstances of the shooting, but it is not known if Officer Wilson had a guilty mind at the time of the incident.

So, politicians Harris and Warren don’t know if a murder occurred. They are just speculating as are you when you suggest a murder did not occur. Speculation is something in which politicians and newsmen ought not to engage.

The findings of the investigation into the killing were based upon the fact the investigators were unwilling to speculate as to the intent of Officer Wilson.

Roger Detweiler

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To the Editor:

My closest and dearest friend often sends me cut-outs of articles from The Nugget. I’m a longtime fan of both Jim Cornelius and Craig Rullman and I’ve wanted to let you all in Sisters know just how lucky you are to have such thoughtful, dedicated, and outstanding writers in your newspaper.

I may not always agree, but they always give me pause for thought. It’s a pleasure to read such excellent journalism.

Washington Post, eat your heart out!

Judy Gage

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To the Editor:

The Dems and FAKE news have used the term “racist” over the past 2.5 years for everyone and everything so many times it’s now a meaningless term. To combat this failed tactic, they have now elevated the rhetoric to calling their opponents “White Supremacists.”

So exactly what does “white supremacist” America look like? It started with the ultimate sacrifice made by tens of thousands of white Republicans to end slavery. Modern TV has a show called “Blackish.” 74 percent of NBA players are black. We have a black Miss America, Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, and Dr. Ben Carson, world-class surgeon. Revered athletes Jordan and Woods have buildings named after them at Nike World Headquarters.

Oprah Winfrey, most famous TV host of all time, builds a $2.8 billion business. Amazing actors like Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, and Laurence Fishburne to name a few. Amazing singers like Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and of course Whitney Houston. NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and Black History Month.

Successful black entrepreneurs include Daymond John, Michael Jordan, Robert L. & Sheila Johnson, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z & Beyonce, Dr. Dre, Madam C.J. Walker, and George Foreman. Scientists include George Washington Carver, Percy Lavon Julian, Mae C Jemison, Earnest Just, Marie Daly, Katherine Johnson, and Edward Bouchet.

Admired politicians include Condoleezza Rice and General Colin Powell.

MLK must be turning over in his grave at how the Democrats and FAKE news have become champions of racial divide once again during election time in efforts to attain power. Please explain to me then: “How was an African American elected to President of The United States for two terms in a “White Supremacist” nation?

Jeff Mackey

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To the Editor:

I live at The Pines in Sisters. Recently I was informed that a mega dollar store is going to be developed right outside of our fence-line, adjacent to Bi-Mart. The Pines for many years has enjoyed the wondrous night sky and relative quiet. This store will surely install intrusive night lighting, delivery bays and parking. Plus it will cause the already congested area of McKinney Butte and Highway 20 to be more intolerable since, as far as I know, no traffic abatement is to be implemented.

Our City Planning Department has approved this plan even though it will negatively impact Bi-Mart, which is an employee-owned business and has served Sisters for many years. Numerous people have informed me (and a Google search confirmed) that there used to be a dollar store in Sisters that closed for lack of business.

This action also comes at a time when the bond market is issuing a loud warning regarding an imminent recession. This recession predictor has not hit these levels since 2007 (remember that year?). Also, 60 percent of economists worldwide predict a recession by the 2020 election and that investment in real estate will be negative 1.3 in 2020. And we don’t yet know how the trade war will ultimately impact our

lives.

I believe this is poor planning and a project to enrich developers and devalue the lives of Sisters residents at this end of town.

Kathleen Meheen

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To the Editor:

Yes, it is that time again. I hope everyone has had a great summer. It has been nice to see some staff and students coming back to campus as we get ready for the 2019-20 school year. The first day of school will be here before you know it.

We are excited to put the final touches on the new mission and vision for the district and we will be sending that out to everyone as we start the new school year. This strategic plan is a living document, intended to be updated on an annual basis as the district strives to enhance teaching and learning as well as strengthen our connection with our students and community. I would like to thank all of you who gave us input and feedback throughout this process.

I would like to remind families that we are moving our start time for school back by 30 minutes. This move more closely matches the sleep patterns of teens and has been seen to have a positive impact on their physical and mental health. Our high school students will start at 8:30 a.m. and get out at 3:20 p.m.; our middle school will start at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 3:15 p.m.; and our elementary school will start at 8:35 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. For our middle and elementary school families, if you need to arrange an early drop-off, please contact your school.

I look forward to seeing students, families, and staff back on campus.

Go, Outlaws!

Curt Scholl,

Superintendent, SSD