Thanks for MLK story

I appreciate the “Remembering MLK” feature (Jan. 21, A1) and look forward to the second part. The article about Rev. David Duncombe was especially inspiring. How blessed we are to have individuals like him in our community and our nation. And, I am sure he would be the first to say, how blessed we are for the countless individuals, mostly unknown, who are making a positive difference throughout their lives. Our actions, big or small, make a difference.

The recent Framingham Heart Study reports demonstrate this. Just a smile ripples through the community. We can all take pride in the great strides we have made as a community and a country working toward racial respect and equality.

Larry Jones
Hood River

A Southern view

I was impressed reading the incredible insight Mr. Ken Earle had in describing a dangerous sect of people that reside in the South (Our Readers Write, Jan. 21).

Correct me if I am wrong but they are: “white, religious, Republican, racist, homophobic, pro-life zealots.” I just threw that zealot thing in there in case Mr. Earle thought he forgot it.

Yes, in his fantasy world he hit the nail on the head. It seems in his letter he believes he is the walking version of “Wikipedia.“ He starts paragraphs with fact-based words like, “Recently, They, I, Their.“ You can really tell he has done his homework. I wonder why he just didn’t cut and paste some of those incredible facts right off of “Moveon.org” or “TheCoast.“

I myself have actually lived in the South and do not have to have someone interpret it for me. At some schools in the South they have a “prom” which consists of the whole school. Also at some of these schools the African-American students chose to have their own separate prom; part of that fact you left out.

You stated, “They pass laws banning homosexuals.“ Could you be just a little more vague? The ultra-liberal ACLU would love that one. Maybe you should be a little more specific in your response. There was one positive sentence right in the middle. It speaks to the very few truly sincere, loving Christians who possibly sneak around and cower amongst those “hard-core” ones. Scary isn’t it!

I read through his letter numerous times wanting to address specifics. Well here is a good Southern saying, “They were clear as mud.“ I guess I will just have to settle that he had written more of an opinion piece. I can’t fault him for that. Maybe, it was just in the wrong section of the paper. Just my opinion. Peace?

Rich Whitaker
Hood River

Grateful day

As I awoke this Friday morning at 5:46, I immediately heard a song in my mind, “The hills are alive with the Sound of Music,“ and then, “Senate backs Mount Hood Wilderness bill!” Wow!

How could one not envision the joy and beauty while reading about the magnitude of this bill and to actually hear it echo through the hills, the valleys, the old growth and spotted owl habitat, the “mountains’ Wild and Scenic River system” and to all, that it will touch the hearts of each and every one of the species, in a place they call home.

Thank you, thank you Ron Wyden and all the members of the U. S. Senate and all who supported this bill. As I end this letter, my thoughts have been guided by Spirit and I feel a very deep sense of gratitude for all the generations of children learning to be stewards for our Mother Earth through such awesome environmental programs as SECRETS, provided by the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute, based in Hood River. The outreach is profound!

Listen! Can you hear it?

J. Shuman
Hood River

Ride CAT

Recently I took the CAT (Columbia Area Transit) bus into Portland to do some shopping at Clackamas Mall and to meet my daughter-in-law for lunch.

It was a great ride in and just the perfect amount of time to shop and visit. I am now looking forward to taking the bus into the Portland Art Museum for the day.

While there I will take the free transit service to the downtown area to shop and meet my daughter-in-law again for lunch. This is a great service and very affordable.

I understand that CAT could lose the funding for this service if it is not used so join me for a great day shopping and visiting. For schedules and fares call Columbia Area Transit at 386-4202.

Pat Byrne
Hood River

Foster parenting

Therapeutic foster parents come in a variety of backgrounds with many different life experiences.

Foster parents can be anyone with room in their heart and their home. Learn about the rewards and trials of being a foster parent with The Next Door Inc. for teenage boys and girls facing challenges.

Singles and couples, renters and homeowners are all encouraged to attend. For more information call Becci at 386-5520, ext. 415.

Klahre House, 1029 May St. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Becci Crane
Hood River