Letters to the Editor
From our weekly issue dated May 20, 2009
(Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)
Typed, double-spaced letters are considered for publication. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. “Thank you” submissions are not accepted as letters.
I.V. Library bucks
From Patty Downing
O’Brien
Dave Toler and the Rockydale Neighborhood Association of Illinois Valley have generously donated $1,000 to Josephine Community Libraries Inc. (JCLI) as part of the library spring membership drive to help get our I.V. Library Branch open.
This is a challenge donation to the other neighborhoods of Illinois Valley. What do O’Brien, Selma, Cave Junction, Takilma, Holland Loop and Kerby residents think? Can they show their stuff and contribute $500 each?
Neighborhoods that participate in the challenge will be honored permanently at the I.V. Branch and on opening day in Cave Junction.
If we can raise just $2,700 more for this drive, we will have 25 percent of what it takes to run our branch for a year. The next membership drive will take place in the fall and culminate with a raffle to “Put Your Family on Easy Street!” The I.V. Library Branch of JCLI is set to open on Sept. 5.
Families that would just like to make a small monthly donation and become “Automatic Monthly Members,” and not have to renew their membership every year, can visit www.josephine-library.org and click on the “automatic payment form” link underneath the Donate button.
You do not have to be a member to use the library. But there is tremendous satisfaction for contributing members in knowing that they re-opened our library by their own ingenuity and determination.
Softball jersey honor
From Kim Hamilton
Cave Junction
In April, I was honored by the Illinois Valley community with the retiring of my softball jersey.
I appreciate the recognition and continued support given me throughout my post-high school career. All the fans who have continued to follow and support me, as well as those I just met when I attended the ceremony, are a huge part of my success.
It was a great feeling to be back home for this special event, and it was even better to be able to watch a home game. To those girls ending their high school career, best of luck in all you do. For those who still have some time left, keep working hard in the classroom and on the field. To the coaches, past and present, to the IVHS staff and friends, it’s always a pleasure to come back and see familiar faces and to know that there is a close-knit support group.
Being recognized with the retiring of my jersey was a great honor -- one I will always remember.
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Dislike rules? Move away
From Christopher Smith
Cave Junction
I have a wonderful suggestion for George Lee McElroy and Raymond Karczewski: If they don’t like the laws, rules and regulations of the State of Oregon, the United States of America, etc., they should move away.
There must be a country that will allow them to live the lawless lifestyle that they so propose.
I have read Karczewski’s rants for several years. I admit that I get a good chuckle most of the time. I feel that people are entitled to their beliefs, and that we don’t have to all agree on them. That seems to come from a section of Constitution of this great country. I think it is humorous that Karczewski seems to like to pick and choose what laws he wishes to follow and which laws he could not care less about.
I wonder why he felt obliged to pull over for Deputy Cory Krauss if he supposedly is not subject to the laws of the state and county. If he felt that he was doing nothing wrong, then why stop and let himself be subjected to all this drama being brought upon him by these people that he feels have no authority over him?
It sounds hypocritical to me. For Karczewski to even pull over would not necessarily admit guilt, but it would admit that he somehow feels that a deputy from the sheriff’s office has some sort of authority over him.
I am not a big fan of having to license my vehicles, and I sigh every couple of years when I am notified by DMV that it’s time for renewal. But I pay for new tags. There is, after all, a law against driving without license plates and with expired tags. By choosing to live here, I also subject myself to follow the laws, and will accept punishment for breaking those laws.
Regarding McElroy, the people do not have a God-given right to travel by automobile. I have read the Bible, and I don’t recall a section in which God says that we all can drive around in our cars lawlessly. Driving is a privilege; not a right. If I’m wrong, I’d like to be shown otherwise.
Does anyone else ever wonder why there are 10 to 20 vehicle stops in the “Blotter” each week? It is because people are breaking laws. Sure it makes money for the city of Cave Junction and the county. But if you don’t break laws, then you don’t have to pay fines or subject your property to impoundment.
Many people drive for a lifetime and never get pulled over by a cop, for two reasons: First, they are entirely lucky and never get caught. Or second: They drive within the limits of the law.
McElroy mentioned the movie Open Range in his letter. So I refer to the movie Liar Liar with Jim Carrey: “Quit breaking the law.” All in all, I appreciate George for an entertaining letter, and Ray for adding a little more drama to our community.
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