Letters to the Editor 9/25/24

Mistaken identity

To the Editor:

Bruce Carpenter — I’m sorry you were bothered by people who thought they were addressing me. I’ve had packages I was waiting for delivered to other Bruce Campbells before which is very inconvenient, but being mistaken for someone writing a possibly controversial letter to the editor would be really annoying. I hope you weren’t hassled too bad.

I used to live in Colorado ranch country and would get into friendly discussions with some of the old ranchers in the area about politics and such. Most of them were conservative and would usually vote for Republican presidents but would quite often vote for a liberal governor. We would talk about who we liked for president or governor and usually would agree to disagree but some times we actually both liked a candidate or policy.

How I miss those days.

Now, if I enter into discussions with “conservatives” about politics, vaccines, immigrants, etc. I am interrupted, shouted over, insulted, and generally treated the same way that many conservative politicians treat the media. These people seem to think that he who shouts the loudest, wins.

I consider myself a student of history and religion. Amateur at best. So when I see hypocrisy and straight out lies and see the patterns of some of the worst parts of history repeating themselves, I become concerned. One of the only ways I can express myself these days without getting into a loud, useless argument is to write a letter to the editor, usually in response to something written that is untrue and hypocritical. Most of the people that recognize my name, agree with me. So hopefully, you didn’t get hassled by the ones who don’t agree with me.

Again, sorry. Some people need to get their glasses prescription updated.

Bruce Campbell

Reconsider barred owl killing

To the Editor:

The article explaining the killing of barred owls to save the spotted owl habitat came out a few weeks ago and I cannot get it off my mind. Who are we to decide which species lives and which species dies? It is bad enough that logging was curtailed to “save the spotted owl.” The forest fires that resulted from less logging kill all the forest animals in the area - how is that helping the spotted owl? Now we are going to sanction the killing of the barred owls? It has been said that the only thing evil needs to succeed is for good men to say nothing. I cannot stand by and say nothing. Please reconsider this unconscionable decision. 

Terry Hardin

Bringing joy

To the Editor:

Romeo’s Joy is a Sisters community project that donates animatronic pets (dogs, cats, and birds) to our aging community and/or residents living with a disability.  These pets provide a pet-therapy alternative for those that cannot care for or afford a live pet.  These pets are designed with sensors that respond to touch, sound, and light thus creating a two-way interaction. Through the support of the City of Sisters Community Grant program and private donors, Romeo’s Joy continues to donate these pets to our community. If you know of someone that may benefit or want to learn more, please visit http://www.romeosjoy.com or email romeosjoysisters@gmail.com. (Romeo’s Joy is an action team of Age Friendly Sisters Country.)

Cheryl Pellerin

Candidate needs to be forthcoming

To the Editor:

Deschutes County voters deserve to know before the election whether Sheriff candidate Kent Vander Kamp has been untruthful regarding his termination and employment from the La Mesa police department.

The County Sheriff is the highest law enforcement official by statute. His unwillingness to explain why he failed to disclose his termination details, as he explained he has forgotten the incident, and just left it off his application for employment in Deschutes County 20-plus years ago, is unacceptable. The voters should know if he was terminated, as well as the reason that he is hiding his employment history with La Mesa Police Department. Omission is a form of being untruthful. This alleged omission has the appearance of skullduggery.

Candidate Vander Kamp needs to be transparent if he intends to continue his employment with Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and serve the citizens of Deschutes County.

Laurie Kimmell

Deputy, Multnomah Co. Sheriff Office (Ret.)