Memories of John Gulden
To the Editor:
I grew up in Goldendale and read with much interest the recent ceremony honoring the late WSP trooper John Gulden. My grandfather, Frank Hamllik, was serving as city night marshall on the police force at the time. Bill Lear was day marshall. My grandfather was on the posse that went looking for these teenagers.
While housed in the old brick jail, my grandfather decided to take me down to the jail, and I peered through the bars to see the “bad guys.” They sort of chuckled to see a little seven-year-old looking at them so bug eyed! Somehow I don't remember the old courthouse, but I sure remember that jail!
It is a great honor bestowed on John Gulden.I wish that I could have been at the ceremony.
Charlotte Cooney
Vancouver
Bad ad, bad computer
To the Editor:
You had ad in your newspaper recently for a computer. The ad stated, “Public announcement programs offers brand new computers to public for $179,” and it said the computer was loaded with programs used for email, internet, web surfing, and was great for students, grandparents, small businesses, or anyone. They said it sold for $600 in stores.
But the ad didn’t say anything about not being able to get your money back if you had a problem. I bought one. It has problems getting on to the internet because of inadequate memory. The computer is about six inches by four inches, about the size of a paperback book. On the internet you can find larger netbooks for $99, with a lot more memory than this one. You can get a 30-day warrantee for the computer, but that’s only for replacement, not to get your money back.
I thought I would buy my college student a PC that could be used. This thing is a joke.
Debbie Seybold
Goldendale
(Editor’s note: We’ve passed on this information to the agency that placed the ad with The Sentinel, to make them aware of the situation.)
Dalles Mountain Road dogs all rescued
To the Editor:
I’d like all to know—everyone who was concerned, who made phone calls, who opened their hearts, who gave food, who donated neutering and vaccinations—The Dalles Mountain Road dogs have been safely rescued after over two months! We will be advertising and taking adoption applications soon. The dogs will also be listed on Petfinder. For more information, please send email to ponderosapines@embarqmail.com.
Cathy Kiser
Goldnedale
April is sexual assault awareness month
To the Editor:
April is sexual assault awareness month. Often we hear, “It doesn’t happen here; we live in a small town.” But chances are everyone reading this knows someone whose life has been touched by sexual assault.
In 2009 alone, 57 people in your community sought help with sexual abuse from your local victim advocacy program. National research shows that one of six women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. About 10 percent of sexual assault victims are men. In Washington State, one of three girls and one of five boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday!
Often victims don’t tell anyone until years later, and rarely will victims report sexual abuse to law enforcement. Silence about sexual abuse is the perpetrators’ ally.
So what can you do? Speak openly about sexual abuse! Express your opinion when you hear victim-blaming. Sexual assault doesn’t happen because “she dressed that way” or “she was drunk.” It happens because of abuse of power and continues because the abusers’ actions are minimized. Believe, validate, and take action when anyone tells you they have been sexually assaulted.
Talk openly with children about these issues. Dispel myths like “stranger-danger.” More than 90 percent of children who have been sexually abused know their abusers.
Challenge beliefs and norms that give power to perpetrators and keep victims silent. Perpetrators use bias to discredit victims so they will be less believable.
To learn more, contact Programs for Peaceful Living. On April 24 is its Take Back the Night program.
(Facts and statistics cited in this letter came from the following sources: Washington State InfoNet System; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Nework; RAINN, 2007; The Children’s Advocacy Centers of WA; Darkness2Light; Washington State Department of Health.)
Trista Paulson
White Salmon
Who are true patriots and socialists?
To the Editor:
In response to Don McManman’s recent letter: now is the time to decide what side you are on, patriot or socialist.
Are patriots against Social Security? Or the way it’s been managed? What’s brewing among concerned citizens has completely gone over your head. My parents actually worked for and contributed their own money into Social Security.
Are patriots saying the PUD is socialist? Who said that?
Are patriots saying absolutely no to alternative energy? Actually we want more, especially nuclear.
Are all patriots rich? Ah, good old class warfare.
Who was turned away from emergency rooms? Not Pedro—even if he’s illegal.
Insurance companies drop people when they get sick? Really? And we used to have a choice of insurance companies?
When the Republicans were in power, they were called fascists; now it’s the Democrats. “Where much is given, much is expected.” The power that’s in the hands of Washington will, of course, end up in the lap of Republicans eventually. Then it’s their turn, and what will they do with it?
Let’s have a real debate on facts. Then maybe we can find solutions.
Butch Mesecher
Goldendale
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