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Saluting U.S. flag
From Fred Krauss
Selma

I read the letter from a mother about her daughter’s rights to not stand and salute the U.S. flag. My opinion is, if you are a U.S. citizen you should get on your hands and knees and thank God.

If the woman would like to choose another country, I will buy a one-way ticket to whichever country she may choose.

‘Challenge to neighbors’
From Evie Hare
Cave Junction

One of the many things I love about living in Southern Oregon is the changing of the seasons. At the beginning of each new season, I think, “Ah yes, this is my very favorite season.” And this spring is no exception.

It is beautiful to watch the earth wake up after the winter. Trees are beginning to leaf out; the grass is turning green and growing; different wildflowers are blooming almost daily; plants are budding out; and the air is so crisp and clean.

But there is a fly in the ointment.  I am shocked at the amount of trash along our roads.  I know that because of budget cuts and such, there isn’t money for crews to pick up our garbage. We shouldn’t rely on others to pick up after us -- not to mention the fact that people shouldn’t be littering in the first place, but that’s a whole other issue.

I would like to challenge the good people in our valley to spend a hour or so and pick up trash along the road in front of where they live. If they know someone elderly or someone who might not be able to do this, they can be a good neighbor and do it for them. 

We are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful valleys. There is so much we can do to be good stewards of this land, so let us begin with this. It is such an obvious place to start.

Right to travel
From George Lee McElroy
Cave Junction

In February 2008, my friend, Ray, was stopped by Deputy Ed Coney. Coney claimed he stopped him for not having state plates displayed. He asked Ray for his driver’s license.

Ray told Coney he was not required to have a license because he was not engaged in commerce. He rescinded his last license in 1999. Coney went to his cruiser and ran a check. He told Ray his driver’s license was suspended.

Ray told him this info was incorrect. He told Ray he was citing him for driving while suspended (DWS). Ray told Coney that he would not accept the citation nor would he appear in court. Coney placed the citation on the windshield. Ray was allowed to continue traveling.

On March 27, 2008, in Circuit Court, Judge Thomas Hull found Ray guilty of “failure to carry a license or to present a license to a police officer,” which imposes an $8 fine. The DWS charge was miraculously changed to failure to carry or show a license. There was no cite for displaying private personal plates.

Streets and highways are established and maintained for the purpose of travel and transportation by the public. Such travel may be for business or pleasure. “The use of the highways for the purpose of travel and transportation is not a mere privilege, but a common and fundamental Right of which the public and the individual cannot be rightfully deprived.” (Chicago Motor Coach v. Chicago, 169 NE 22; Ligare v. Chicago, 28 NE 934; Boon v. Clark, 214 SSW 607K, 25 AM Jur. (1st) Highways Sect. 163.)

The people have a common right to travel in their autos on their roads. “Where rights, secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them.” (Miranda …)

If more people understood their rights, they would not be surrendering them for licenses and paying fees for privileges which allows a corrupt judicial system to legally plunder the people.

Ray has refused to surrender his “Right to travel” for a privilege and license. During the past two months, Ray has been stopped three times, handcuffed twice, placed in a cruiser once, and his car impounded once (costing him $300). Twice he was released and allowed to continue traveling after being cited for DWS (in direct contravention of Oregon Revised Statutes).

Did Hull decide not to deprive Ray of his Constitutionally protected right to travel? If we do not vigorously defend our rights, they will be taken from us.

Ron Paul fan
From James Walmsley
Cave Junction

House Resolution 5842, Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, was introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) on April 17, 2008. Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) is an original co-sponsor. This bill would eliminate the Feds power to arrest “Medical Marijuana” users.

Those who support this legislation must be registered as Republican by April 29 and vote for Ron Paul in the primary election. He is the only candidate for president addressing the real issues needed to put America back on track.

Three senators running for president are making promises that they do not have the power or constitutional authority to keep. As senators they have all the power to implement the change needed; essentially going back to the Constitution (the same one they took an oath to uphold and defend against all enemies, both foreign and domestic).

Do we hear any of them offering real solutions to any of these problems?

Recall cost ‘Red Herring’
From Beth Williams
Cave Junction

Thanks to outstanding fiscal management by Josephine County Clerk Georgette Brown, the clerk’s office is a “stand alone” department, using no general funds of the county.

The truth is that the possible recall election against Commissioner Jim Raffenburg would cost approximately $25,000; and no other department would incur any of the costs. The previously quoted amount of $45,000 includes depreciation and overhead costs that will be incurred by the clerk’s office whether or not an election is held.

Two decades ago, an Alaskan candidate falsified her credentials and answered to citizen outrage by withdrawing.