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(Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact are strictly those of the letter writers.)
A Crying Shame …
Now would be a good time to see the play “Hamilton.” Juxtaposed against what is happening now is like a punch in the gut, literally a crying shame. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights were composed painstakingly by educated men who wanted the best for our country and people. The Founding Fathers constructed our government with the built-in assumption that it would be comprised of men of honor and integrity. That has mostly been true, until now. Trump is exploiting our weak spot with blowtorch and cannon.
Susan Gustafson
Cave Junction
Letter to Editor
I wish to take issue with Commissioner Barnett’s truthfully challenged posts concerning the huge and peaceful “Hands Off” protest that was held in front of the County Courthouse April 5. Although the protest was not directed at local issues, Chris Barnett falsely claimed that protesters were “bussed in” from “outside of town” suggesting that the thousand or so participants weren’t locals from the Grants Pass area. In reality, Josephine County residents (his constituents) carpooled in from such radical hotbeds as the Illinois Valley communities of Selma, Cave Junction, O’Brien and Takilma. Perhaps Chris regards this as alien territory and only ventured out there to put up his huge campaign signs picturing a soldier saluting, (to whom?).
Commissioner Barnett is frankly unfit for office if he cannot respect his constituents’ right to free speech and assembly or, worse yet, simply tell the truth. In the 54 years that I have lived in Takilma I have seen several Commissioners recalled for malfeasance of office, (including his close buddy and predecessor John West). Probably it is time for Chris to join the list.
Robert Hirning
Takilma