LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:39 AM PDT
Let us revive the use of common sense
Editor,
As individuals who make up our society, it seems like the application of common sense, which should be the norm, is becoming a rarity in many situations.
When it comes to making decisions by those in our city government, common sense should be easily found in each decision.
When it comes to making decisions by those in our state government, common sense should be easily found in each decision.
When it comes to making decisions by those in our federal government, common sense should be easily found in every decision.
Political affiliation and/or any kind of personal agenda by those in any level of government should have no bearing on the use of common sense.
I refer you to an obituary — The Death of Common Sense,” written by Lori Borgman. Although first published on March 15, 1998, it is very applicable to today. Lori Borgman contributes articles to many newspapers throughout the United States and Canada.
Simply do a Google search for “The Death of Common Sense,” and then look for her name, or go to loriborgman.com.
Here is a quote from one of the last lines in her article, in reference to common sense: “He is survived by two step-brothers, Half-Wit and Dim-Wit.”
Let us revive the use of common sense. And demand it from those in any level of government.
Kim Kimberling
Baker City
Opinions should focus on local events
Editor,
Why do you think people in Ontario give a rib what a paper in Los Angeles has to say?
Sarah Palin is a private citizen now. Maybe they should move on.
Please keep your opinion page on state and local opinions.
R.E. Moehlman
Ontario
Funding cuts are
unacceptable
Editor,
I have lived in Oregon for 27 years, and this is not the first time we’ve struggled through difficult economic times and been forced to make painful decisions. I do what I can to make Oregon a great place to live for all, so when I hear about legislative plans to deconstruct a system — Oregon’s home and community-based long-term care system — that so many have spent years building up, I am truly distressed.
These proposed funding cuts will be devastating on many levels and will completely undermine everything we have done to build a system and safety net that is a national model of caring for seniors and people with disabilities. It’s time for our state leaders to stop and realize the implications of their proposed cuts. Surely there are better ways to balance the state budget than eliminating services from those on the margins, those with the fewest choices. We have found other ways before, and we must do it again.
Jack Roberts
Ontario
