Reality check

We will undoubtedly see letters to the editor from conservatives, decrying the rampant spread of socialism expected from the upcoming Obama administration and the Democrat majority in Congress.

Before they write, they need to take a reality check. Under the rule of self-described conservatives, the federal government produced a massive expansion of Medicare through prescription drug entitlements, billion-dollar subsidies to farmers and sugar producers, put the auto industry on the dole, gave billions of dollars in tax breaks to the oil industry (of all people) and nationalized banks.

Indeed, Republicans have brought about the largest expansion of the welfare state since Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society. Spreading the wealth to those industries and special-interest groups who have the most influence has become all too easy for Washington.

Right-wingers should not fool themselves into thinking their hands are clean. They should step back, hold their tongues and take a reality check on our history under so-called “conservative” control of our national government.

Gary Fields
Hood River

Great service

On Dec. 26 I went over to open the shop about 6:30 p.m. to find lines (wires) down.

Two were across my pickup and one out in the parking lot. Not knowing exactly what to do I panicked and called our city police.

What a wonderful treatment and response they provided. The dispatcher (didn’t catch his name) made all the calls necessary, kept me informed, and had an officer here in less than 10 minutes. It was a great relief to have someone take charge and do it so well. Big bouquet to them!

Hats off to Pacific Power crew also. They were here in about 30 minutes and put things back together again.

To make things even nicer, the terrific man plowing my parking lot got here to reassure me that the wires weren’t hot.

There are many good people out there.

Judy Orcutt
Hood River

End of the Empire

There were the Egyptian Empire, Roman Empire, Persian Empire, Mongol Empire, English Empire, American Empire and many others.

We are now witnessing the end of the American Empire, which reminds me of this fairy tale: “The goose that laid the golden eggs.”

An owner had a goose that laid a golden egg every day. That was not enough for him; he wanted more. He reasoned that if he killed the goose he would have all the golden eggs right away. He killed the goose.

After World War II Congress passed the GI Bill, which enabled our men and women in uniform to attend college for four years. Individual states passed laws to give their veterans a lump sum in cash. The next 50 years resulted in the greatest economic growth in our country’s history.

A winning combination. Our golden goose laying its golden eggs.

Instead of repeating this winning combination of a college-educated population financed by our government, our rulers entered into several free trade agreements that resulted in shipping high-salary jobs overseas in order to make more profits (creating more golden eggs quickly) for corporations. Along the way, prisons were created for profit and laws were passed to fill these prisons with non-violent individuals who broke their new laws.

Deregulation laws were passed to eliminate oversight, thus giving a free hand to our financial institutions. Being human, our financial wizards took immediate advantage of this gift of self-governance. Our news media, once the main forum for free information, is controlled by corporate interests, who spoon-feed us what they want us to hear; mostly their lies.

For the past eight years our president pursued his goal for an American Empire. He started two pre-emptive wars, twin disasters, and told us lies about how well we were doing. Our economy is ruined; we are trillions of dollars in debt; our nation has lost its prominence in the world; and we have become a nation of enforcers and torturers. We no longer abide by the Geneva Convention.

Our golden goose is dying. We need a new policy, not the old one of “Profit First” but a new one of “People First” and the profits will follow. A concerned senior citizen,

Anatole S. Fetisoff
Hood River

Proud thanks

The serviceman’s party on Dec. 28 was great! A number of military personnel who were home on leave showed up and everybody had a good time. Several area businesses and organizations deserve our thanks since without them this party couldn’t have happened.

Rosauers, Windmaster Market, Papa Murphy’s Pizza and David Ryan’s Hood River Juice Company provided food and drinks for everybody. Thank you all for your generosity and support of our military and the community.

The American Legion, the National Guard and the WINGS organization provided sponsorship and facilities for the party, as well as assistance in setting up and tearing down. The quick response and support were instrumental in making this event possible on such short notice. The young men from WINGS put in long hours to set up light and sound, as well as act as stage crew and run the lights. Great job, guys!

I can’t even begin to thank Tracy Klas and Sweety for providing the music and entertainment for the evening. I’ve been listening to both of them for several years and still think they’re great! Sweety had just received copies of their new CD and the audience was one of the first to have the opportunity to hear it.

Check them out on MySpace.com/tracyklas or, MySpace.com/sweety.

I’d like to thank the Heroes Club for helping with the party and for the great support of our local military personnel. The non-partisan group gathers every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Armory (5:30 p.m.) to pack care packages that are shipped to the troops. I think that kind of dedication is incredible. Thank you!

I’d especially like to thank everyone in uniform. What you do is appreciated, though I doubt we can ever tell you that enough.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank my son, Matt, and my daughter, Michelle, both in the Air Force. Like every military parent I cannot truly express just how proud I am of you. I feel blessed just to have the chance to see what a great young man and woman you’ve become.

Marty Knowles
Hood River

County on council

I believe it is time that the people of rural Hood River County have representation on the Hood River City Council.

This council is making decisions that not only affect the city of Hood River, but also people who live outside of the city limits.

I feel any time this council makes a decision that costs the whole county money the whole county should be represented.

The city has representation on the county commissioners board, but we have no one on the city council.

Jerry Petricko
Odell