ABATE fests don’t cause problems
To the Editor:
I live in Pacific County and have been running that chapter of the ABATE motorcycle organization for 12 of its 15 years with no problems anywhere we have gone. We are big in our local high schools with our “share the road” program. We do not promote ridership but rather the awareness that we are on the same roads as cars. I've been coming to Goldendale for over 30 years with inmates to fight fires and have always been met with open arms.
The past 15 years I've been in your fine town every summer with friends. We have been in our leather and on our motorcycles with no problems.
True, not all people are good - there are rotten apples in any group. But we just want to see friends and have a safe place to visit. You now have a chapter in the Goldendale area, so be looking for some good things, as well as some great people.
Lenny Pletsch
Naselle
Tell the truth about ABATE
To the Editor:
In reference to a recent response to my Letter to the Editor about ABATE, I apologize. The reader obviously misunderstood, having read more into my awareness and concern than intended.
I said, “Look up what ABATE means and it will not include outlaw biker gangs that come to these events from 120 miles away.”
I am pointing out that the “not-so-friendly” biker gangs also attend ABATE festivities and, along with them, bring crime and disorder. Some of these individuals may belong to your organization, but only you know that.
The reader states my letter is “less than factual,” so I ask that person to please be honest with himself and the people of the Goldendale community.
Tell me that during your function’s Wet T-shirt contest, known as the Hot Jiggles Show, women do not take all their clothes off to win money gathered from the crowd, and that such does not attract professional strippers and prostitutes from the Portland area.
Tell me there will not be illegal firearms and drugs in Goldendale’s fairgrounds, and that biker gangs with felony warrants will not roam the streets of Goldendale itself.
Tell me biker club prospects are not expected to steal during these runs and, most of all, tell me that two rival bike club members did not shoot each other at one of your Spring Openers at Zillah.
Again, I apologize if my “truths” have made you appalled and defensive. However, we have every right to inform our community and make it a safer place to raise our families.
Remember, you are talking to someone who has attended your Spring Openers and lives in the town where they have been held for many years.
Kim Jones
Zillah
Conservative lies shouldn’t change health care package
To the Editor:
Conservative pundits, led by Betsy McCaughey, have launched an attack on health care provisions in the economic recovery package:
McCaughey (who took thousands from pharmaceutical companies), falsely claimed that measures in the economic recovery package rationed care. Her editorial quickly made the rounds in the conservative media circuit.
McCaughey's smear is an opening salvo in the political right's larger fight against health care reform. We can expect more lies to be fabricated by individuals with ties to the insurance or drug industry, and some in the media to report these lies as fact.
The President and Congress should know regular people see through these lies: I don't buy into the right wing arguments against health care reform, especially when spread by people who are not credible, and these lies shouldn't dissuade President Obama or Congress from quality, affordable health care for all in 2009.
There can be no economic recovery until health care is affordable, guarantees good benefits, and offers people a true choice between private and public health insurance option, competing on a level playing field to lower costs.
I believe the President and Congress should take up health care reform next.
Kenneth Heikkila
Goldendale
Plant gardens this year to help fight economy
To the Editor:
California’s drought has become so severe that California farmers announced they will plant only half the crop this year. This will impact all of us in the Gorge since so much of our fresh food comes from California.
Knowing this in March, we have time to address this looming supply problem by taking action now.
There are non-profit citizen’s initiatives working throughout the Gorge to build a regional food system.
We want to inform all residents about how this drought created supply issues and encourage everyone to become involved with creating local solutions.
This is the year to plant a small backyard garden, or do container gardening on your deck.
Consider joining a local CSA (membership farm share) and plan to buy food at your community’s Farmers’ Market or the Gorge Grown Mobile Market as the source for your local fresh fruits and vegetables.
In May, a local resource guide listing all farmers, ranchers, food producers, and restaurants that purchase from local growers will be available throughout Gorge to inform people where to find locally grown food.
These food supply issues are just one more on top of the already volatile economic meltdown and banking collapse. But this is one we can do something about. Please join others working together to build a vibrant food system that will help us improve our economy, our community and our lives.
Ann G. Kramer
Hood River
|
