Runaway Development

The last couple of years have seen unprecedented growth in our region. That's to be expected. We have the climate and the room to grow. What is disturbing, however, is the wealthy developers that have moved in to our area, not to be a part of us, but to build luxury developments for the rich to move in and supplant us.

With Black Rock, Rickel Ranch, and others, the development is for wealthy folks from elsewhere to move in and take our place. No law, of course is against that...Still, a way of life is coming to an end.

Here in Bayview, Bob Holland, of Waterford Park Homes,LLC, has not only moved in with the purpose of developing here, he has what could be construed as a monopoly. Vista Bay Marina, bought by Holland...Being broken up into purchased lots and boat slips.

Bayview Marina, bought by Holland for the purpose of breaking it up for individual condominium and moorage ownership...

Boileau's Marina and restaurant, bought by Holland for the purpose of breaking it up for individual ownership and condominiums...

Scenic Bay Motel, bought by Holland, purportedly with the plan for high rise condos.

Bayview Trailer Park. Long a large part of our town, Holland bought it. Will it stay a trailer park? Or will they, like others Holland bought, be ordered to leave. This more serious than some of the other transactions, because most, if not all of the mobile homes there are older than 1976, when the building codes were changed. The significance of that is that the State won't allow them to be moved, rendering them worthless.

McDonald's Marina, Scenic Bay-J.D.'s, and Bitter end are the only resorts not owned by Holland. It is alledged that Waterford Park Homes has developed retirement communities in Arizona for the wealthy, then pulled up stakes for new adventures.

What will be left behind in Bayview, when he next takes a hike. More importantly, who will be left in Bayview. It appears that what will take place is a gigantic people transplant. Wealthy in...The rest, well, find another place to live. After all, we are just "local yokels."

Judicial Race Heats Up

Most of my life, Attorneys and Judges weren't allowed to even have yellow page ads asking for business. It was considered bad ethics. That policy was changed a few years ago. We have finally arrived, I guess, at the natural end result of that change.

Here in North Idaho, we have a race between an appointed incumbent district Judge, John Mitchell, and his challenger, Rami Amaro. Much has been written about the various qualifications of each, with Amaro's lack of experience being a large issue.

We have what I think is a first in this race, insofar as it has become bitter, with mudslinging , accusations of foul play, and various other high crimes and misdemeanors. It would be entertaining if it weren't so sad. One would think they were running for Congress or something.

Here is a position that requires judicial solemnity, restraint, and unblinking neutrality. The very life and liberty of those facing the courts is at stake.

I don't know, and don't want to know what political party either belongs too, or what political philosophy each believes in. This, I believe gives me an non-prejudiced position to comment from.

It would seem that the candidate challenging, has limited experience as an attorney. It also becomes obvious that Amaro has exhibited what I would consider immature behavior, and has developed a shrill defensive attitude about the various criticisms that she has received. One area pointed to is various bloggers and blurkers, (blurker being the non-blogger commenting from anonymity) on line that have issues with her candidacy.

Ms. Amaro should remember that the public opinion that she is dissing, is the same public that she wants votes from. Shrill, defensive behavior is not the way to convince the voters that you possess judicial qualities.

One should always remember that when digging yourself a hole, the best policy is to drop the shovel before you get deeper.

Predators

Once again I feel the need to rant about both Federal & State Fish & Game MIS-management.

A while back I commented about the regional director of the U.S. Fish & Game Department, when he was Quoted as saying about Wolves, "You can call them anything you want, but don't call them predators."

This week, we find the State of Idaho and Feds negotiating on how many Wolves to kill, so as not to loose the herds of Deer and Elk in the Clearwater basin. An ongoing argument as to the future of Mountain caribou in Idaho blames snowmobilers for their demise, ignoring that hunting laws restrict the killing of Cougars, and prohibit the killing of Grizzlies and Wolves.

It seems that these political knuckleheads didn't know why their numbers were reduced in the first place. Herds of grazing animals, such as Elk, Moose, caribou, deer, cows, horses, sheep, goats, well, you get the picture, are no match for any of these Predators. There! I used the forbidden word.

Our ecological extremists want us to stop cutting trees down. Not slow down, but completely stop all harvest of what is a renewable resource. With little or no thought, we have turned our government over to nut cakes that want to stop civilization, and return it to the pristine shape it was in at the beginning of time...

But what about us? Are we next going to see forcible population control or elimination from these people? How long is it going to take before some extremist nut decides to poison our water supplies, or worse.

We need to take back our government and allow our elected officials and those that are appointed under them, run our country, instead of allowing nuisance law suits to freeze all activity these unelected self appointed jerks have assumed with no authority but court injunctions that are overturned, but too late to help, as is with the harvesting of burned trees while they still have value.

We are in the position of having to cut live trees to replace those that are already dead. If that isn't proof of the total lack of common sense, tell me what is...

Tasers Revisited

The recent death of Otto Zehm, an alledgedly developmentally disabled man points once again, not to the Police Officers, but the methods used.

Many people are screaming, "Police brutality." In most of these cases, I don't believe that the officers set out to do great harm to the people that are being subdued. A few years ago, pepper spray mixed with tear gas was used. Now we have tasers, which have been connected to many such unintended deaths.

Originally, the thought was to not have to use lethal force, such as a gun to apprehend a suspect. A noble thought, but perhaps the used of Tasers needs to be tested out by an agency other than the manufacturer, which continues in denial.

Otto might have been a peace loving young man, but something triggered aggression. The police in Spokane, Washington aren't known for abusive behavior, but when approaching a stranger they know nothing about, caution is the rule.

That a very high voltage shock can cause a heart attack is a no-brainer. Lets investigate the manufacturer, not the user.

The police don't want to hurt the suspect, but they also have to fear harm to other innocents, and themselves. I blame the instrument, not the operators.

Since I originally posted this, I read this morning in the Spokesman-Review, that 150 people have died from taser use. Last week, Police trying to keep an escaped cow off the freeway, tasered this 1200 pound animal to death. If they can kill a cow, people are Duh!! Also in danger.

Friendship

For years, I have tried without success to define the word "Friend." We all know people that we like, and those that we don't. Sometimes it's easier to eliminate those that we don't like.

But what about the ones that we do like. Are the helpful bloggers that we interact with friends? Or just friendly acquaintances. How about those people that you run in to at the local watering hole. You know, the ones that you enjoy, but don't visit in their homes, or hang out with them.

Is a friend only someone you would make a great effort to help if they were in trouble? Is a friend a person that you have known for years and stay in touch with?

What is a friend?

Immigration Revisited

Back in the early years of this Country, we created a motto that went something like this. "Give us your poor, your starving, your huddled masses". In perspective, what we were doing was asking for settlers for the vast Western United States, which had been purchased by Thomas Jefferson, the Louisiana Purchase.

We no longer have those needs, or that much in the way of usable wide open spaces. While I believe that this country, like most, should have modest immigration, control of our borders is paramount. For every hundred poor Mexicans just looking for work, there could very easily be ten terrorists, carrying not clothes and water, but vile weapons of mass destruction. There exists in our own inventory, "backpack nukes." A weapon that is small and light enough to be carried by one man.

Biological weapons are even easier to conceal, and to spread.

The issue of exclusion or not is only one aspect of the problem. We must be able to control our borders. Building a wall is not that bad, as long as we remember to install gates. We do that here all of the time. If we have an installation that is subject to trespass, we build fences with razor wire on top, and that is within the Country. Can we do less at our border?

Many other Counties, such as Great Britain, do not automatically grant citizenship to those born there, if the parents are not legal permanent residents. We should explore that option. Pregnant Mothers that cross our borders an a day visit, just to birth here are a major problem. How do you keep the Mother of a citizen out of the Country?

Mexico has had within it's power, to control migration through universal education, and job training. Eternal poverty is the cause of illegal immigration, and education is the escape. Perhaps building a wall, AND some foreign aid directed specifically toward education is the answer.

Pardoning illegals that sneak across the border is not even close to an answer. That false promise, bandied about in the press has accelerated the masses that want to get here before the amnesty.

As we start to draw down from Iraq, it might be useful to stage training maneuvers along our southern border, rather than having troops go back into garrison, to begin training in the art of painting rocks.

Welcome to the 20th Century

After either mastering several computer challenges recently, or enlisting friends that aren't as dense as me, I paused, looked at my blog and thought, "This is good." I have a picture now, I learned to upload pictures to the blog, and finally have linked to all of those nice folks that had links to mine without reciprocity.

But that wasn't enough. My daughter, Debbie, innocently asked me if I had a webcam/mike. I said yes, but I don't know how to use it. Two days later, I have yahoo instant messenger, voice and picture capable. I gotta tell yah, a lot of cussin' went on throughout the process.

Now I'm set to video talk to anyone with yahoo. Before I'm done I may wish I'd never gone there. It is exciting. It's like Buck Rogers...Oh, you folks are all too young to remember Buck Rogers? Oh well...

What! This isn't the 20th Century anymore? #&*@##%*&. Now what am I going to have to learn...

Illegal Immigration

This really isn't about illegal immigration, it's about the attitude about it. Recent large demonstrations have taken place where apparent Mexicans have massed in protest about restricting others from entering this Country illegally.

Large crowds of people that haven't learned our language, wave the flag of another country, protesting that they as Americans don't like our attitude. Immigrants, legal or not, that don't bother to assimilate, as others have throughout our country's history. They don't want to be a part of us. It's our money only that these people aspire to.

By waving the flag of another country, they loudly proclaim their loyalty to their previous home, not this Country. Why should we coddle them, educate their children,grant citizenship to their offspring?

Back to the attitude thing. Friday in Colorado, students at Skyline High School in Longmont, were banned from waving the American flag because it upset the Hispanic demonstrators that were waving foreign flags. Keeping them separate would have been enough. The ivory tower Wackos that can't let patriotism be demonstrated explain much of the lack thereof by our young people.

I just can't believe that in this country, people are being punished for flag waving. Not the Mexican flag...Just ours.

Never say Never

I have never been lucky at games of chance, raffles, drawings and such. All my life, I have dutifully bought the tickets, after all, they are a donation. Here in Bayview, where I have resided for the past eleven years, we have a Chamber of Commerce. Unlike most Chambers, it's more a combination Community Club/Chamber, where people from all parts of the community get involved.

For all of those eleven years, I have bought the semi-annual raffle tickets. $20.00 per ticket, twice a year. That adds up to over four hundred dollars. My ship never came in. Wednesday night, at the annual Mexican dinner/fund raiser at the Captain's Wheel, which donated the kitchen for the night, a drawing for one of those big gas grills took place.

You know, one of those grills that does everything but call you for dinner? Bells and whistles galore. The drawing took place as I was washing pots and pans back in the kitchen. (Someone found out I knew how to operate the dishwasher)

In the distance I heard the sound of a ships bell. A foghorn sounded. My ship had come in. I won. Now I have to figure out how a hermit uses a gas grill. Could it be that I'll have to rejoin society?

Bacon, Anyone?

They have finally done it. With all of the genetic engineering going on, one would suppose that some of this scientific talent could be put to good use, but no...

Scientists have grafted the DNA of an earthworm to a pig. I bet you all just can't wait to tie into THAT bacon. Picture it, now...Hashbrowns, eggs cooked to order, toast just right, and a rasher of worms.

We have just witnessed the age old competition between marketing and engineering. Apparently, this gene transplant is supposed to turn the pork fat into that resembling fish oils, which are alledged to be good for you.

So now, we will have fishy tasting bacon that is made from worms. I can't wait for the advertising campaign to break out. Sheesh!

Picture this now. Big Daddy Boar sidles up to Momma pig with romance on his mind. "Hey, baby, how about a little lovin'." Momma pig looks up, sneers, and says, "get away from me, you Worm."

Spring Fever

I haven't been able to post for the last several days. No disability, just out of ideas, energy and motivation, all at the same time. Writer's block.

As I looked out over Scenic Bay, I suddenly realized that what I have is Spring Fever. The Sun is out today, my Maple Tree is budding. I have planted my seedlings in the window in anticipation of Spring Weather.

I went out to get my Spokesman-Review without a coat on. Yesterday was Winter...Today is Spring. McDonald's Marina is busy towing boats into the marina to be de-winterized. Sailboats are sailing. The Robins that frequent the aforementioned Maple tree are back. All is well.

I'm about to start back to work at my usual Summer job, at a nearby Theme Park. I may even get up the energy to rake the leaves I was too lazy to take care of last fall...Nah, I'll wait for at least one more wind storm. With any luck at all, they will blow into my neighbors yard.

The lake is blue, fish are swimming by waving their fins at me, urging me to venture out so that they might outsmart me once again. I can't call down they wrath of God without being upset at something or someone. I'm not angry about anything today.

Take my temperature, Doctor, I have it bad...

Growing Old

As tomorrow is my 68th birthday, I have been reflecting a bit on aging. When I was Thirty, I thought life as we knew it would be over by forty. By forty, I was in my prime, but was somewhat worried about fifty.

Now, as I sit back, in good health, I read the obituaries. After noting that my name isn't present, a do kind of a quiet celebration. Hey, you outlasted them folks. I have become more of a philosopher as I've grown older. I realize, for instance, that growing old is much better than the alternative.

When I graduated from High School, I didn't want to do more school, so I joined the Air Force. Serving in the military is a good transition into adult status. When I got out, I didn't really know what I wanted to do when I grew up...

The body isn't quite what it used to be, and I'm a bit forgetful. But I'm in good health, I live in a wonderful place, Spring is coming, fishing season is upon us.

I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Feedback

If a blogger is writing a personal diary, then feedback doesn't matter. On the other hand, If, like me, you write for others, with News, Opinions and Humor, it is important.

The sound of silence is deafening. One of the ways a blogger can tell what reactions there are, is by readers leaving comments. Many visitors, however, read and leave, to browse through other blogs. I recently installed a *Site counter.

Now I can see how many and where, my readers are. In the last two weeks, I've had visits from 17 States, 3 Canadian Provinces, and 8 other Countries, ranging from Europe, to South America, and even Australia.

It is pleasing to me that people from these diverse locations are interested enough in what we have to say, to explore us. The "Huckleberry blog" from the Spokesman-Review link provides many visitors, but some are referrals, and others "Googled."

I invite these visitors to leave comments, or greetings, so that I can get to know them...

Conflicts

The news that our local Idaho State legislator, and his opponent have been separated by the issue that, one, if you are a teacher, and a union activist, you shouldn't dare attack the person that controls your budget, just doesn't sit right with me.

First, I despise intimidation in any form. If all Goedde has going for him is "if you lose, your children will suffer", then I despise him, and the horse he rode in on. I don't know who Goedde is running against in the final analysis, but trust me, I'm now looking.

I am a Republican, and moderately right of center. I don't much like the sound of this, the first campaign blast. I am not an admirer of the teacher's union.

When I went to school the profession, and yes it was a profession, was pretty much a place where caring adults educated for that purpose,could go to teach the philosophy of learning, to somewhat eager minds.

It would seem that as union activity has worked it's way into education, the caring for students has been eclipsed by the self serving unionism of the teachers. First, these teachers have never experienced life outside of academia. Graduate High School, College, then back to the class room, from whence they have never left.

While I truly believe, that we should respect our teachers, as least as much as our welders, I have a problem with the ardent unionism that they portray. This, I feel is a position that has conflict of interest written all over it.

Recently, we have seen examples of this attitude, where teachers face students that they have fought for mutual trust facing the same students in picket lines.

It would seem to me that if an occupation wishes to be known as a profession, they should act like professionals.

Having said this. I will be delighted if a candidate other than a union activist, runs against Goedde. I might even vote Democrat on this issue. I don't like arrogant people. I especially don't like arrogant people that we have hired to do the work of legislating for us.

I don't think a teacher that is active in his or her position as an educator/union activist is an appropriate representative of the people. Neither do I think that the self-important oaf that currently holds office, should be retained.

Perhaps we, the people, should re-examine where we are as political people. Idaho is becoming a one party state, as is our neighbor, Washington, albeit with different parties in control. Balance is very necessary to maintain the middle ground, where most of us reside.

This is my opinion...

I am Herb Huseland...

Senior Poetry

This is a poem that I am reasonably certain will not make the Spokesman-Review hit parade, but I just had to do it...Author unknown

THE GOLDEN YEARS

I cannot see

I cannot Pee

I cannot chew

I cannot screw

My hearing stinks

My memory shrinks

No sense of smell

I look like hell

The Golden Years

Have come at last

The Golden Years

Can kiss my ass...

Pappy Boyington

The issue of whether or not to honor Pappy Boyington by naming the Coeur d'Alene Airport after him has a great deal of merit.

As a pilot myself, and having traveled all over the Country into airports named after people, I can attest to one thing. Renaming an airport after a departed hero in no way alters the three letter FAA designation.

It would not confuse pilots. One, we are special people, and do not confuse easily. Two, we have aeronautical charts that show the location, as well as the name. The only confusion regarding location comes from an airport called "Coeur d'Alene" that is located in Hayden.

An example would be the Orange County Airport in California. It was renamed "John Wayne" Airport after his death. The airfield still has the same letter designator that it always did.

Perhaps we should start a petition to have it renamed. Popular support would not go un-noticed by the County commissioners.

Although I admired the "Duke" for his acting, I can't compare a war hero like Boyington to a person that merely played parts in movies. I support the Spokesman-Review in urging the County to rename the Airport.

Confusion & Consternation

"I don't belong to an organized religion...I'm a Christian..."

Herb (1938-whoknows)

More Philosophy

"An ignorant person is one who doesn't know what you have just found out."

Will Rogers (1879-1935)

Philosophy 101

"God is a comedian playing to an audience that's afraid to laugh."

Voltaire 1694-1778

Ports of Entry

Now that the UAE is out of the game, we must push Congress to pass a law restricting to domestic companies, all control of seaports and air terminals.

One way to tell the Arabs that it's not just them, is to break the lease on the former Long Beach Naval Base, in Long Beach, California. This lease was done during the Clinton Administration, which kind of coincided with the flap over foreign campaign donations...Specifically, the Peoples Republic of China.

How many people are aware that the company controlling Long Beach is owned by the Chinese Red Army/Navy?

Break this lease and prohibit future security breaches of this nature. One, we will reclaim our ports and the better security that brings. Two, we can show that this is a security issue, not aimed exclusively at Arab countries.

Pickin' on Athol

In a recent column, Doug Clark, of the Spokesman-Review, was expounding on yet another sex scandal in Spokane, Washington. It seems that a Spokane Fire Fighter attempted to put out the fire of a 16 year-old young lady, IN the fire station. Not only did the offending Fireman put out the fire, he took pictures of the (ahem) conflagration in progress.

Upon investigation, two of Spokane's finest detectives discovered the pictures, which apparently was the gentleman's proof that the act was consentual. Finding that the age of consent in Washington is 16, they also discovered that taking porn pictures of youngsters under 18 is a crime. Upon realizing that his souvenir was illegal, he immediately claimed he didn't know she was under 18.

The obliging officers expressing sympathy, deleted the pics from the offending camera, destroying the evidence. Now Mr. Clark is suggesting that they be sent to Athol, Idaho.

I live near Athol, and have several problems with that. One, if we had two more Cops in Athol, nobody would ever make it home from the neighborhood pubs. On the other hand, an Officer that was understanding enough to let the offenders go if they "didn't intend to get plastered" could be a good thing.

Last summer, we lost the Fire Chief in our Timberlake Fire District. We maybe could find room for the playful fireman. As far as the 16 year old goes, we already have enough playful teens, and the ones already here would object to the competition.

Hit Parade Hall of Fame

Last week, we here in the Inland Northwest had a lively debate over the "Rock 'n Roll" Hall of fame, who belonged, who didn't. The discussion was started by John Rook, long time professional in radio, both locally, and nationally.

John claimed that his friend, Pat Boone, belonged in the R & R hall of fame. I contended that he didn't, based on the fact that he didn't do rock. He was a crooner, a singer of ballads. Others that were greats in that time, ('50's) Frankie Avalon, Paul Anka, same-same. John contended that all the trade magazines used the common denominator R & R for all these singers.

Well, I didn't subscribe to the insider pubs, but, you see, I was a '50's teen. I observed from the consumer side, and trust me, none of us thought that Boone or the others, (Maguire Sisters, Crew Cuts, Four Aces) were Rock and Roll. What we had back then was the greatest cross-roads of music probably every seen or ever will be seen.

In one period of three years, 53-56, we had 40's holdovers, big bands, female trios, male quartets, rhythm & blues, hard rock, country cross-overs, such as Hank Sr., Roy Orbison, Faron Young, Lefty Frizell, and who could forget Teresa Brewer. Bill Haley was Rock & Roll.

All of these were great hit parade artists, none mentioned however did Rock & Roll. Our criteria then was, "If you can't Bop to it, it ain't rock & roll. Doug Clark, Spokesman-Review, chimed in today on the same subject.

I support a "Hit parade Hall of Fame" that recognizes all of the fine music produced over the years, whether or not it rocked.

Travels 'N Such

I decided, after posting my profile picture, (Me and banjo in South Carolina) to share some of the others taken on my road trip last fall. I am also trying to learn to upload and move pictures around. This is challenging for an old coot.






You are looking at the portal to the Cumberland Gap tunnel. Above the tunnel entrance is, of course the summit to Cumberland Gap, of Daniel Boone fame.



This is what Bayview looks like in the Fall, after the tourists leave. (Taken from my front porch) The leaves haven't fallen yet, it is still warm, and you can hear a pin drop, as the saying goes.





This is a picture of my Cousin in South Carolina, taken on my road trip of last fall. The Motorhome is in the background. Scottsville, S.C. is the farthest East I traveled. From there it was head West.

Where have all the good old days gone

This picture of yours truly, was taken a fur piece back. Note the handsome, intelligent expectant look on my face. Many years have gone by since this picture was taken. I was the star on the paper drive team.

Fifty years ago, at Renton High School in Western Washington, I graduated. We will be having our 50th reunion in September. We are not as many as we once were. The first of our classmates died in a car wreck before he graduated. Others have passed on since.

Obviously, I'm a survivor, so far, and doing good. I know that when I go to the reunion, everyone but me will have aged a lot. You see, I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up, yet. I've many memories, both good and bad, as we all do.

My marriage, followed by the unbelievable experience of holding my first born...Then my second born...Then my third born. Later, another arrived. Two boys and two girls. Just like the family I grew up in.

Now I have 16 Grandchildren and 3 great-Grandchildren...I still don't know what I am going to do when I grow up...

Freedom Of speech

Recently we have witnessed several different interpretations of freedom of speech . While it is a given that dictatorships to varying degrees prohibit this, it is amazing that we have extremes even in democracies.

The Moslem reaction to "the Danish cartoons," is an example of the type of freedom we here in the United States experience. Here, we have the freedom to make an ass out of ourselves, by inflammatory remarks or cartoons. While not necessarily in good taste, the Danish newspaper was within it's right to publish.

In another democracy, Austria, we have a horse of a different color. Frankly, I was shocked that a British Anti-Semite author, got a prison sentence of three years, for stating an opinion. That the opinion was grossly un-popular, untrue, and insulting to the victims of the holocaust, is not the point.

This may be the only country in the civilized group of nations that criminalize opinion and speech, however unpopular. Austria can, I'm sure find better ways to apologize for it's own Anti-semitism.

We here in Idaho have had our bad experiences with Nazis, but we defeated them with ridicule and derision, something that they couldn't tolerate.

Austria has taken a step backward that equals some of the historical sins of the past. Shame! Another freedom goes down. With the advent of "political correctness" invading our own country, will we all end up homogenized, with lesser freedoms? It would seem that many are chipping away...

With Some Help From Your Friends

Waiting for another sunny day
Posted by Picasa

After a year of blogging without a picture, I finally have one. My friends Cis & Toni inserted it for me. It was just too much for my poor ancient brain to deal with.

Thank you both...

Site Meter and Friends

The one thing that has bothered me since I began this blog" was the question, "If a tree falls in the forest, and nobody is there, does it make a sound?" I have known of site counters, but could never get them to down load to my blog.

Along come fellow bloggers, Mari Meehan and Cis Gors. Between the two more knowledgeable friends I was able to download it. What a wondrous change. Suddenly, I don't have to wonder, "did I write this to myself, or are others sharing it?"

After two days, I have over 60 site visits, and that's a week-end. They come from the Spokane, Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho area, but I also have visits from five different areas of California, Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey, plus Kennewick, Wallula, Wenatchee, Washington.

Foreign visitors appear from Zaragosa, Spain, England, and Toronto, Canada.

I am taking the time to acknowledge these folks, as without the feedback of knowing others are reading my stuff, it would just be a diary. Thank you very much, one and all, for your interest.

Bayview Herb

Trojan Horse

The news, if indeed it is news,is that we are about to turn over control of many key ports to a Country that is potentially an adversary is somewhere between dumb and insane.

Many centuries ago a great lesson was taught to the Trojans by the Greek invaders. The legend of the Trojan Horse apparently wasn't part of the education that "W" received from the Ivy League.

Let's see now. If I were heading up an Islamic Terrorist group that wanted to infiltrate a nuclear weapon into the United States, where would I go for access?

The U.S. Navy Base in Norfolk? The Port of Seattle? Wait! How about our buddies over at the UAE. "Hey, they have helped before, why don't we try them?"

This isn't the first occasion that we have catered to other Countries at the expense of security.

President Carter signed over control of the Panama Canal, which was promptly subleased to the Peoples Republic of China.

President Clinton signed over a lease of the now closed Long Beach Naval Base in California to...Guess who. The Peoples Republic of China.

Not to be outdone, President Bush is in the process of signing over control of the ports of New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Miami, Philadelphia, and what's left of the Port of New Orleans.

Let's just take two examples. New York and Miami have been losing the drug war for years, as drugs are infiltrated through the ports. Take this one step further, and find the control and operations of these facilities in the hands of potential terrorists. One can only imagine the fun they will have.

The only ray of hope here, is that now we can return the nations airports to normal operations. Having opened most key ports to the enemy, we can concentrate on them.

It is time, not only to reject this crazy attempt at conciliation with our enemies, but to pass legislation banning the sale or lease of strategic facilities to any foreign interest. The Eisenhower Freeway system was created by legislation authorizing the facilitation of military movements within the country.

We are now faced with a situation where great convoys of war material headed for our key ports on the way to the Middle East, will arrive at our ports to discover that a sudden labor dispute has erupted and shipping is halted.

No Opinions Today

I have decided to proclaim today as "no opinion day." That doesn't mean that I don't have any, I'm just not going to be in everyone's face with them. This gives the unwashed, the ugly and the totally misinformed a day off without me bugging them.

Today only, I refuse to knuckle under to my base desire, which of course, is to set the World straight on as many issues as I have time for. You will not hear me say, "And when did you get you're lobotomy..." No...Today, I'm strictly a nice guy.

Most days, after reading the "Good Paper," I grind my teeth at our politicians for their incredible stupidity, curse at the slanted coverage of the reporters. Not today...I am the champion of love and understanding. I reek goodwill.

I better stay home today...Something is terribly wrong!

Blogfest II

When I was an insecure teen trying to organize a party, the fear that nobody would show up always reared it's head.

For the last two weeks or so, I attempted to put together a group of bloggers meeting socially, here in Bayview. After just getting 6 for sure we'll be there RSVP's, and talking to DFO, we decided to cancel. I sent an e-mail to all concerned, also saying that I would be there just in case someone didn't get the word. One by one, they all e-mailed me back, saying small is good, we'll be there.

Nine folks showed up, including our blogmeister, and we had a great time. We even started to call it the un-blogfest, since we were there in spite of ourselves. A great bunch of folks, that I'm proud to be associated with.

You may view pictures of this event at Gollygals.blogspot.com.

Terminal Gridlock

I drove over to Seattle for the week-end. It was a nice drive in beautiful weather. I got to I-405 at Factoria in about four hours, averaging 75mph.

That's when it got interesting. Now keep in mind, I was born and raised there, and know my way around. As I turned South on I-405, everything changed. First, stop and go traffic an hour before rush hour. Second, nothing looked familiar. It has built up so much that hovels are going for $200,000 plus, just because there aren't any building lots left within commuting distance.

Sunday, I drove to University Place, near Tacoma, to visit my Sister. Now I've made that trip many times. Down I-5 to Hwy 16, toward the Narrows Bridge, past Cheney Stadium, turn left at the next light then turn left again at the next major intersection, right? No way. They realigned hwy 16, changed the accesses and hid Cheney Stadium, somehow.

I ended up lost near the waterfront. I finally spotted something familiar and located my Sister, right where she had always been. It rained overnight, but cleared by morning and it was a great drive back, except I've noticed that as I grow older, the drive seems longer.

The last mile to Bayview caught me up to the storm that had passed in Seattle. I found snow near home. Great to be back where our daily life is not constant turmoil.

Moslem Radicals

Most people that try to be reasonable, will say that "we are not at war with the religion, just the radicals that don't represent the Moslems."

My perception is, that after seeing the totally irrational uproar over the Danish cartoon, if you still believe that, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.

I have felt for some time, that the radicals of the Moslem world have captured and now control all the major Moslem counties, including those most closely allied with our Country. Our government is in denial, and will remain firmly in that position.

Oil, and other strategic necessities preclude our official response to this situation. I reluctantly have concluded that we are, or will be at war with the entire Moslem World before long. I don't like coming to that conclusion, but after spending 18 Months in Morocco, in my youthful days, These folks take Jihad seriously.

We haven't experienced blind patriotism in this country like this. The closest I can come to relating this to the past, would be Japan in the forties. Most people form impressions by putting themselves in the other's position, then tell themselves, "I wouldn't act like that." That won't fly in this case. None of you could possibly think that way, or identify with that kind of religious fervor.

It's not going to go away, and It's going to get a lot worse. If history is any guide, this won't happen until we retire the rest of our strategic air fleet. I can see it now. Battle tank..."Target...Camel...1800 yards...Fire!"

Vagina Monologues

Alright, already. What's up with the Spokesman-Review editorial staff now! First they become horrified at the Huckleberries Blog discussing the various gray areas of alledged rape. They didn't stop there. No! Today they announced a live showing of the Vagina Monologues in Coeur d' Alene. In that article, it was solemnly stated that they were offering discounted admission for single Mom's. This was justified by a pronouncement that the "vast majority" of divorced women were victims of spousal abuse.

I can certainly understand that many single Mothers have been abused, but what about women that are single because they were bitchy, or nags, or didn't keep up the home, or didn't buy beer on the way home. The vast majority were beaten? I don't think so.

But I digress. It appears to me that the Spokesman-Review editorial staff has a crotch obsession. I, for one, have never seen one that could talk. I have, however met a few that made me sit up and beg.

If we could just lift these p.c. wackos just a little above the waist. Perhaps they could obsess about navels. Now there is a thought. Why just the other day...

My Anniversary

Today marks the last day of my first year blogging. Since January 31, 2005 I have posted 105 times.

Sometimes I have been opinionated, sometimes playful and always lurking in the background is that sense of "Hey, lets not take ourselves too seriously".

I have made, I think some new friends through the blog, and correspond regularly with columnists from various newspapers around the country. You would be surprised at the number that take the time to respond back.

Starting into the second year, I ponder what I am going to do when I grow up. The answer to that of course is that I probably won't.

Early this year, we spoke about my discovery of Prostate Cancer, and about the treatment options I had. I chose Brachytherapy, which is the implantation of small radioactive pellets into the prostate. That happened in October. My PSA went from 6.0 to 2.2 and is still falling. I anticipate no serious problems and see a full recovery in sight.

My newest business venture is off to a slow start. It seems that doing nothing is more comfortable than working. That will come to a halt when I finally get in gear.

Some of us bloggers have tossed around the idea of a get together. I propose that since I'm about half-way between Coeur d'Alene, and Sandpoint, Idaho. That we do that here in Bayview. I would like to hear from those of you that are interested in getting together face to face for a visit. I'm sure that Dave Oliveria and others will attend. Give me feedback on this and I will go forward with the project.

Seahawks Future Looks Bright

I have been pondering the future of the Seahawks. Certainly one of the major reasons why teams rise and fall is that when players over achieve, more money is required to keep them. That is only fair, as it is always important to be able to earn a raise for outstanding performance, regardless of what you do for a living.

The salary cap enters the picture at this point. Teams that are at or near the cap, are unable to sign players they would like to keep. Every season we read where star players are released for salary cap reasons.

The old system was broke, where players were indentured to a team with no other choices other than to quit. This one is broke too, from the opposite direction.

Paying athletes to perform for three hours once a week several millions per year is probably skewed the other way. I don't have the answer to this dilemma, other than to notice that teams do not pay players. Fans that buy tickets and/or watch television with the commercial messages do.

I can no longer afford to buy tickets to these events, as much as I would like to.

In another sport, baseball, I remember the Los Angeles Dodgers, back in 1963 were backed into a corner by Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. Two of the all time best. They were demanding $50,000 per year each. My box seat tickets were $4.50.

The Seahawks, however have been judicious with the cap. I am told by Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times, that the team has enough room under the salary cap to sign both Steve Hutchinson and Shaun Alexander, both whom are free agents at the end of the year. Maybe even football teams can budget. Long live the Seahawks!

We Blog

I have noticed recently that journalists and cartoonists throughout the country are dissing bloggers. I'm not sure whether this is because we write bad stuff, or because they feel threatened.

The first example isn't valid, simply because bad stuff won't be read widely. That brings us to professional jealousy. As we enter an electronic age, newsprint is becoming less popular to many. Personally though, my morning reading of the Spokesman-Review is a ritual. Disposal of tons of unwanted ad copy is not my choice. Tons of paper clog dumps when a click of a key can bring you the same story. The irritation of reading a few lines of a story on the front page, then having to fold back the paper to page 13 or whatever is continuous.

One would think that if newspapers and magazines want to survive they would become more reader friendly. Anyone besides me object to the extra half page attached to the comics? How do you get that out of the way so you can read in comfort? The advertising people don't care. Stick it in your face is the rule.

Even here in the Spokane, Washington/North Idaho area where the Spokesman-review encourages bloggers, we are disrespected. I remember a meeting just about a year ago, where the S/R online Guru explained how our contributions would be like many neighborhood correspondents.

In that year, after 102 blogs of my own, and reading many thoughtful opinion pieces by others, not one was picked up as a guest editorial. Not one. Even here, in our enlightened community, the print guys would like us to quietly go away and stop bothering the real people.

I personally believe that this will change at some point, but only after being dragged kicking and screaming into the future that appears to already be here.

New Internet Law

Today's Spokesman-Review editorial suggests that the new internet law will chill free speech. I must respectfully disagree.

Speech is never really free. There is a standard of behavior that is firmly entrenched in the law. That standard is that you may not slander another without legal consequences. To be guilty of these violations, the law requires very stiff criteria. You must have the intent to harm the libeled person, and be telling a harmful untruth.

To be in a position to be judged fairly on this issue, one must be identifiable. To attack another person, or their ideas, without identifying yourself, is plainly cowardly and despicable.

The internet is reasonably new, and many adjustments are being and will be made to coincide with existing social custom. The fact that anonymous communications are common, does not make them right. The new law, does NOT prohibit the annoyance of another. It merely states that if you wish to do so, that you identify yourself.

As a practical matter, attacking another in the dark can be very self-serving...Such as a political candidate attacking another under the guise of a false name. Or better, you don't like someone, so why not get them run out of town by spreading malicious gossip about them... Under another name.

Many terrorists use pen names too. Should we encourage them that? I think not.

The S/R makes reference to letter to the editor. Those writers have to identify themselves up to and including name, address and telephone number. If the new law stops abusive behavior by unidentified cowards, I'm all for it. It seems that the only weak point is the term "annoy", which is obviously too broad. With a little tweaking, I believe this is the right direction. I have always signed my opinions and always will.

Samuel Clemens didn't harm anyone by using the pen name, "Mark Twain", ergo he was legitimate.

Those "blurkers", that's a term adopted by Dave Oliveria of the Spokesman-Review, for non-blogging commenters, that choose to attack under fake names,can and will disappear. Those that do not, will have to watch what they say.

Herb Huseland
Bayview

Careers N' Stuff

Recently, I posted "re-unretirement". In the many posts since I started back in January of last year, I hadn't received more than 6 or 7 comments.

When I published my intent to go forth and be broke no more, I got 17. This can probably be interpreted many different ways, but it does confirm that you folks feel I have way too much time on my hands, and that it would certainly benefit the general welfare, if I were to do something useful for a change.

I have, at the local watering hole, been told that I have way more opinions than is entirely necessary. I looked back, and sure enough, I posted over 100 times in the last year. That doesn't even count those opinions wasted at said watering hole over the same time period.

I'm already kind of in the swing of things. I got up this morning with the aid of an alarm clock. One that's function is dubious, since I have my hearing aids out at night, and can't hear that frequency when it goes off. I may have to find one of those ancient mechanical clocks that when ringing, annoy one to the waking state.

Anyway, enough digression. I dusted off one of my white shirts, and put it on. It still kinda fits. Bounced...No that's not true, I drug myself into the shower, dressed in unfamiliar clothes, (It took me awhile to find them) and drove to Coeur d' Alene for the first appointment in my renewed career.

Wait...I think I showered first, THEN put on the white shirt...Oh well, you get the idea.

Hell Freezes Over

I read Michael Kinsley's op/ed in Tuesdays Spokesman-review. I swore that I would never find anything about Kinsley to agree with. I not only swore that, but swore on many other occasions that his radical tongue waved.

This time he stayed off politics. A good thing, too, since he has very little knowledge of how they work. He writes that newspapers as we know them, are on their way out. Well they probably are, but to hear it from these lips that are constantly curled in a sarcastic smirk, was remarkable, to say the least. Perhaps, knowing this, he will take up blogging.

In other news:

Washington State, (bless their liberal little hearts) has discovered an oversight in the new "Indoor clean air act". It turns out that by banning all smoking everywhere, they forgot religion. For instance:

If in Washington State, the Pope were elected, burning the ballots would result in the College of Cardinals being arrested and hauled off to the hoosegow.

Forget making nice with the Indian Tribes. Smoke the peace pipe? You are under arrest. (Again, the Indians might exclaim?)

Ah, how about funerals that make use of burning sweet grass, or of a priest waving that smoke pot thing they use? (Sorry, no disrespect intended, just can't remember the name)

I just knew that when the government got away with saving us from ourselves with the seatbelt laws, Pandora's box would be open for ever.

Welcome to Idaho!

Re-Unretirement

Loafing is good, but it doesn't pay very well. I have become restless in retirement and have decided that although my body is old, my brain probably hasn't atrophied much.

Some of you know that prior to retirement, I had a career in Mortgage Banking. I have been cajoled out of retirement and will re-enter the lending field. I will specialize in SBA business loan packaging and placement.

I'm looking forward to working with some of you as the need arises.

Conversation with Kathleen Parker, Columnist

This is an exchange I had with Kathleen Parker, columnist with the Orlando Sentinel in reference to her put down column of bloggers. HDH
----------------
Forwarded Message:
Subj: Re: Blogs
Date: 12/30/2005 5:08:01 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
From: kparker1@mindspring.com
Reply-to: kparker@kparker.com
To: Hhuseland@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)



Don't feel betrayed. I spotted you for a philosopher. (That's why I used that word - to give enough space to include all of those smart bloggers out there who don't fall into a particular category) And, of course, not all bloggers are alike, just as not all of us journalists are part of the smear known as the MSM. Some bloggers, in fact, are fabulous and I've written extensively about them. But the mob mentality of the blogosphere is troubling and good bloggers ought to recognize that. I suspect many do. Among the many differences, which I should have mentioned, is that bloggers (so far) don't get sued for defamation, libel and slander and are not held to the standards professional journalists are. When we mess up, we are unemployed and unemployable. Perhaps, too, you have to have seen your own head on that stick a few times to know of what I have written.

All best,
Kathleen
----- Original Message -----
From: Hhuseland@aol.com
To: kparker@orlandosentinel.com
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 1:28 AM
Subject: Blogs


Ah, Kathleen, I feel betrayed. I am a blogger, with a three year high school journalism education. I don't rightly know whether I'm into narcissism or just a bore. What I think I am, is a senior citizen that has seen much, lived much, and possibly has something to share.

I read your columns in the Spokesman-Review, which is located in Spokane, Washington. I live in a little town called Bayview, in Idaho, about 70 miles from Spokane.

My blog covers everything from what I call humor,world events, and local stuff. Just two hours ago, the night reporter for the Spokesman-Review called me to check out a breaking story here in Bayview.

I recognize that there are many infantile bloggers that just want to see their four letter words in print. I'm not one of them.

We have a guy, Dave Oliveria, Associate Editor for the Spokesman-Review, that has an on-line column called "Huckleberries". (A local thing) He links to other blogs, (mine included)

The best away to check me out is to log on to my blog, either independently, or through the spokesmanreview.com/blogs/hbo.

Mine is Bayviews.blogspot.com.

I am, if you bother to check further, a moderately conservative guy, and think a lot along the lines that you write. Please don't lump us serious amateurs with the screwballs.

Herb Huseland
Bayview, Idaho

Senseless Vandalism

I have seen, in my 67 years, many senseless acts. I don't think that I can remember anything like hit Bayview last night.

Posters were ripped down from the local businesses. Two marinas were attacked viciously. Locked marina doors were kicked down, and many boats vandalized.

From the sparse information that we have, while a few things were stolen, mostly it was just senseless destruction.

In talking to Jeff Barden, General Manager of the Waterford Park Marinas, He indicated that the criminals got around the newly installed security gates on the docks, probably due to the low water level. They then forced open the doors to the secure covered docks. They proceeded to demolish many privately owned boats, for no apparent reason. While a few things were stolen, most damage was simple destruction.

Most of the affected boat owners are either in Arizona for the Winter, or living in Spokane, Washington, a major city nearby. Contacted by the night desk at the Spokesman-Review, I was able to come up with this information to add to what the paper already had.

Unfortunately for the deadbeats that did this, there were security cameras present that recorded all of the participants faces. As of this posting,and to my knowledge none of the participants have been arrested, but I wouldn't bet on them seeing the New Year in, Saturday Night.

My very First Poem

Dedicated to my Grandchildren...

'Twas the day after Christmas
when all through the land,

A gigantic sound, seemed to abound...

The rustling became a roar,
it wouldn't fit through the door...

Wrapping paper in a dash, heading for the trash...
Dumpster guards all plead, don't let this last...

Reds, greens, tinsel galore,
look out the closet, shut the door...

Children play joyfully, unwrapping the gift,
after all is done, the box heads the list...

The credit card statements bang at the door,
hoping until next year, please, no more...

Grandpa Herb

Merry Christmas, Etc.

Much has recently been written pro and con regarding the appropriate season's greeting. Sunday, Paul Turner, of the Slice, a feature writer for the Spokesman-Review, devoted almost his entire column to an anti-Christmas message, ending by calling the arguement political.

For many reasons this year, this discussion has raged. I personally think it is not just Christmas, and definitely not political, at least not for most of us. Whether it's Christmas or Hanukkah, or just Boxing Day, the Winter holidays mean something to most of us. I believe that what is really being fought in the trenches, is the loss of tradition, whether religious or other.

First, we eliminated Lincoln's Birthday. (It irritated some Southerners) Then the father of our Country, George Washington was judged not to be worthy. We invented President's Day...A poor way to celebrate nothing, but hey, we saved a vacation day, didn't we. Martin Luther King, Jr. Was elevated past these two fine presidents, in what appears, his greatness aside, a political act in it's entirety.

Patriotism? Long gone. We don't even do the pledge of allegiance in school anymore.
Veteran's Day? "Hey, Dad,what are all them old men in their funny hats doing walking down the street? Can I have another hotdog"?

I firmly believe two things. One, please, Paul, go back to collecting cute, trite, little experiences for your column and stay out of issues that are too deep for you. Second, in just one generation we have lost these and many more traditions. Traditions that are the glue that holds us together as a nation and as a a society.

I believe that we need to fight for the return of sanity and allow the multitude of ideas and religions to flourish without the naysayers.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, good night...

Herb Huseland

Christmas

We have read many things this Christmas Season. Some have been very critical, like Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus will somehow injure them. I haven't read anything critical about the Jewish holidays, or for that matter, about Ramadan.

The reason for these attitudes? I think that some civil libertarians have gone way too extreme in the "separation of church and state". First, that isn't what the constitution says. The U.S. constitution merely states that our government cannot establish a state religion.

This should not be construed, as I fear it has, as license for atheists to firmly establish THEIR religion, or lack thereof. Some arguments are that Sunday and Christmas are pagan holidays. Well, it is true of course that the early Roman Church established Sunday instead of Saturday as the new Sabbath. By the same method, Christmas day was arbitrarily set up on December 25.

There isn't much doubt that pagan "Sun" worship in pre-Christian Rome had some of these holidays. I submit that the tradition is what is real, not the argument as to date placement. That the Roman Empire felt it necessary to blend Christianity in with what then was familiar is arguable. However, my blog wasn't up and running back then, and my opinion wasn't asked.

To summarize, I am one of those hateful Christians who doesn't believe that because Rome diddled with some of the facts and traditions, that the birth of Christ is any less valid, or important. I will wake up Christmas Morning with two thoughts. The first, my thanks for the job Jesus did, and secondly, how about those Seahawks...

Merry Christmas to all that believe, and Happy Holidays to the rest of you.

Herb

Bayview Fundraiser

Jerry and Carly Berry asked me to thank the many people that made the fundraiser for Jerry a great success. The Captain's Wheel was jammed with well wishers that put the Christmas Spirit to work as the night was a great outpouring of friendship.

We are all hoping for the best, as Jerry proceeds with treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. I would like to remind all that there is an account set up at Wells Fargo Bank in Hayden for donations for Jerry's very expensive treatment.

A Town Called Waterford Park

Bayview is a small unincorporated spot of unusual beauty. Nestled in one of the few protected bays on Lake Pend Orielle, it lay undiscovered, eight miles off the highway until recently.

Big money hit town with a vengeance. With Three underachieving resorts for sale, a development firm called Waterford Park Homes entered the picture. First Vista Bay Marina was purchased. Then followed closely by Boileau's Resort including the Button Hook Restaurant, and Bayview Marina.

Following the purchase of three of the six existing resorts in town, they went on to purchase the town trailer park and the Scenic Motel. Bayview is fast becoming a company town. The goal of the company is presumably to become a Summer version of Sun Valley. A destination resort playground for the very wealthy.

While I personally applaud the investment in tired ownership situations, one wonders when it's too much. I don't believe one company should dominate any town or village. One starts to feel like it's the middle ages again with the royalty vs. Peasants.

This Summer season, the Buttonhook Restaurant was leased and operated by Dan and Wendy Talerico. After closing seasonally, they were informed that some of Waterford's management wanted to play with it next year. Renewal of the lease was refused. This after a large investment in the business by the lessees.

I don't know at what point an illegal monopoly occurs. Perhaps there are readers out there that could offer opinions. This town of Bayview is becoming a town named Waterford Park...

Winter Weather

I have come forth to anoint the unwashed and the unanimity, of course. This is about living in North Idaho.

Should you have moved to our fair area in the last 13 or 14 years, you will have experienced maybe one snowy winter, and maybe one ice storm.

BUT, you will have not experienced our equalizer. Equalizer, you ask? Well let me tell you about our equalizers.

They happen about fifteen to twenty years apart. They are all different. They all spell cold, snow, and ice.

Why are they called equalizers? Because that's where we shed unneeded, unwanted and unwelcome relocaters from Southern California.

It would appear that true to form, we get a whole bunch of folks from more temperate climates, that home in on our somewhat dreary landscape. They seem to think that this is paradise. Wrongo, Baby! We are a back woods, gap-teeth, undereducated bunch of Red-Necks that you NEVER want as your neighbor.

This year we are going to meet you out there on the (Highways). (We always put that word in parentheses so real highway folks don't get confused).

Please, even if you are personally willing to die, don't invite us to join you, like speeding with 4-wheel drive. You ever seen 4-wheel drive stop anyone faster?

I write this, actually, snowed in here in Bayview, in the secure knowledge that until some nice young person digs my car out, I'm not your target.

Winter Prediction

I hereby step out on a limb. I predict that winter weather here in Northern Idaho will be a tourist repellent. Starting tomorrow, December 1, were going to get it.

Two low pressure areas meeting just off the coast. One from the North, carrying cold air. The other, carrying heavy moisture from the South.

When the twain shall meet has the weather guessers checking their almanacs in despair. They don't know what's going to happen. Somewhere in the great Northwest we are going to find out. By Friday afternoon traffic will be paralyzed, and I will be comfortable at home. Others won't have the good sense to get out of their own way. You heard it here first!

Crisis in Bayview

Recently, Jerry Berry, owner of the Captain's Wheel restaurant was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. This type is one of the most virulent cancers.

Unlike restaurants in the big city, resort town places such as this are marginal operations at best. They make money in the Summer and lose it back in the winter months. Jerry has Medicare, but no supplemental insurance. Some of his Chemotherapy drugs are not covered by Medicare and will cost $3000.00 per week out of pocket.

Friends of Jerry Berry are banding together for "Love and Life" December 10 at the Captain's Wheel in Bayview from 7:00 to 11:00 P.M. There will be several fund raising events including a silent auction, live auction, raffle and a $10.95 buffet.

Entertainment will be provided by Whiskey Rock. An account has been set up for donations at the Hayden Branch of Wells Fargo Bank. We urge all of you to help if you can... Jerry's survival may hinge upon your help...

Thanksgiving

T'was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned, the dark meat and white.
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

tossing and turning, with anticipation.
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
and gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey, and butters potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling, so plump and so round
'til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding, and a handful of pie.
But I managed to yell, as I soared past the trees,
Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries please.

May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump,
May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize,
and may your thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs!

Happy thanksgivings to all, and to all a great feast.

Author, Steve Beaudry

Respect

I have given a great deal of thought to the recent, and for that matter, past discussions involving disrespectful references.

I am not a fundamentalist Christian, nor am I an Evangelical Christian, Nor a Moslem or any of the other labels that we use to identify, in some way, how others differ, or are the same as we. It isn't important in this forum at this time to state what my beliefs are. That would detract from the main topic.

That topic is respect. Every day I read the paper, (Spokesman-Review of course) and grind my teeth over the sarcasm and vitriol that spews forth in articles and editorials. Where have good manners gone. Haven't some of you learned to be tolerant of others? It doesn't matter that you disagree with someone else's opinion. What does matter is how you do it.

To insult the belief system, or the base from which a person is coming from is to lose the argument from the start. If you don't have logic and good theory going for you, sarcasm and put downs certainly won't help you either.

My father once said to me, "Herb if you find that you are digging a hole for yourself, the first thing to remember is to let go of the shovel".

I suggest that those of you that insist on basing your arguments on personalities and putdowns, let go of the shovel...

If you need a forum that totally agrees with you, start a new blog entitled "atheists R us"...

Homeless in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

It had to happen sooner or later. I mean, the Coeur d'Alene City Council has always had diversity of sorts. This week, we have topped the heap. The ultimate in democracy. Everywhere in this great country of ours, we have homeless people wandering the streets, looking for a life.

Right here in beautiful downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, we have struck a blow for freedom.

For the very first time in the history of Idaho, and maybe a bunch of other places, we have elected a homeless person to the city council. Coeur d'Alene, I salute you.

As an afterthought, we sincerely hope that Mike Kennedy will find a home soon...It might snow.

Bayview's Best

All of Bayview is collectively holding their breath. Jerry Berry, popular owner of the "Captain's Wheel" Restaurant and night club is seriously ill. We all are hoping and praying that he will recover soon.

Many loyal patrons of the local night spot are donating their time and energies to help out where they can. I would like to encourage all of you to stop by. Tell your waitress to say hi to Jerry.

Springboards

Now that it is firmly established that to succeed in Idaho politics, you merely have to be a DFO blogger, I'm in. No smoke filled rooms for Herb, Baby. On my way to fame and graft, I am.

Skipping over the humdrum meetings with sycophants, avoiding the rotten tomato throwing opposition, thumbing my nose at the party bosses, I'm ready for public service. No need for training or worrying about qualifications. No kissing babies for me. Babes, though, is different.

Skipping over the more mundane things like City Council, after all, I don't live in a city anyway, I'm going for the top.

Is it too late to declare for Governor? No matter, I'll win hands down through write in votes secured through Huckleberries. (Happy days are here again) Oops, wrong party, oh well, no matter, I'll run on both tickets, and win both nominations...

There is only one problem here. We DFO bloggers outnumber the available public offices. Maybe I'll just declare victory now...Otherwise I'll be late for dinner again...

Unlimited Faith

I've spent several days trying to figure out how or whether to write this...

This is a well reported local story. I am not trying to reach local people. That has already been done. This is to get this amazing act of courage out to folks that don't live in the Spokane/North Idaho area.

Several days ago, a Mennonite family was heading to Spokane, Washington to meet up with wife and mother, Carolyn Schrock. Carolyn, pregnant with their sixth child, had gone ahead to shop.

Driving south from Chewelah, Washington, home of a small Mennonite Community, was Jeffrey Schrock and their five children. Driving North, was Clifford Helm. Helm, according to printed reports, crossed over into the oncoming lane, and struck, head-on, the Schrock vehicle.

Jeffrey Schrock, was critically injured. All five children were instantly killed.

When notified, Carolyn Schrock was reported to have said, "It was God's will".

She has since visited the hospital room of the other driver, to comfort him and offer her forgiveness. I can't in my life, remember an example of faith that transcends this one.

I don't necessarily personally believe that the children were taken as a deliberate act of God. He gave us free will, to achieve or screw up as we would. In my mind those two principles oppose each other. But it isn't important here what I believe.

The point here is that this woman's faith was so strong, that rather than collapse at the loss of her entire family of children, she comforted the very person that caused that loss. I am truly awed beyond the ability to express my feelings.

I don't think the Mennonite Religion has Saints. If they did, I believe we have one in Carolyn Schrock.

Desert vs Jungle

Ah! The last day of a seemingly endless desert... Withdrawal at an end...

Huckleberries will be back tomorrow. The jungle that sometimes erupts in huckleberries is by far overshadowed by the desert we have had to endure during Dave's vacation. Why, we bloggers have actually resorted to entertaining each other...

I think I've done some of my best stuff during Dave's vacation, but during the hiatus I doubt we bloggers got the hits that we normally do.

By and large, I think everyone has been reasonably civil to each other, with the possible exception of today, where the debate seems to be heating up along liberal/conservative lines again.

Dave, you are getting back just in time, I think...

Nature's Balance, Right?

Much has been written about the "endangered" Mountain Caribou, including the one in this morning's spokesman-Review, written by James Hagengruber.

Caribou...Cougars... Cougars...Caribou.

Joe Scott, of Bellingham, Washington, as mentioned in the above article, bemoans Canada's policy change, to give up trying to introduce Mountain Caribou into areas that they don't naturally prosper. Namly, the areas bordering Canada and Idaho, in the Selkirk range.

I'm wondering if Joe was in the forefront of the activists campaign of a few years ago, banning the use of dogs in hunting Cougars, and advocating natural selection.

Well, Joe, you've just been batted over the head with a dash of reality. Protection and reintroduction of predators does not bode well for the less hardy species or traditional victims.

You can't have it both ways, pal! Either give up on the artificial introduction of Wolves, Grizzlies and Cougars, or wave bye-bye to Caribou, deer and Elk.

Methinks you have been hoisted on your own petard...

Oh, and by the way, the Selkirk Caribou reside in Idaho. Police your own area, please. We have our own wackos without having to import any from a neighboring State...

My Time Out

For those of you that missed me this week, I've just been busy with my wind-up week at Silverwood. I am fine. To the female person that left a message re: my blog on my cheap answering machine, please e-mail me.

My hearing disability causes me to not hear certain tone ranges, which include the higher voices of the ladies. I've been told it was due to me ingoring my wives during all those years of marriage. I'm at hhuseland@aol.com. No comment on the cause of the hearing loss.

I will be back this week-end with more unsolicited comments about damn near everything. Hang on to your seats, folks.

Navy Base

In a recent inquiry by a local spy, I was asked,"What does the Navy REALLY do at their base in Bayview"?

I thought everyone knew that! It's a support base for the underwater city and U.N. arms factory bubble city between Lakeview and Bayview, Idaho.

You've seen the black helicopters, right? You know, the ones that are going to invade us through Canada? Right there... Flying Saucers? Right there...

The demise of the Blueback fishery? Food for the aliens working beneath the deep waters of South Lake Pend Oreille! Oh, and of course the secret underwater gold mine. I hope I've answered your question, Stebbijo...Oops! Now I guess you're out of the closet, dear...

Spokane Transit Authority

The Transit Authority in Spokane Washington, is typically known by the acronym STA. I didn't feel comfortable titling this blog with STA for fear someone would think it was contracted by unprotected sex.

Today, in the Spokesman-Review, was an editorial about STA. It was one of hundreds over the years. I finally got tired of hearing poor me stories about this abortion.

STA doesn't do well because they are unable or unwilling to separate the two primary goals of public transportation. The first, run it as a business and apply supply and demand principles.

The second, the welfare aspect.

It is all well and good to help underemployed and those more unfortunate than us get to work and the doctor, grocery shopping, etc.

What I am seeing here is that the STA has low ridership. That means that there is more service than the demand calls for.

While helping the needy is a positive thing, it is not the job of Public Transportation to be a welfare agency. If we need to subsidize, have the proper welfare agencies issue bus passes or reduced fare tickets, paid for by the welfare system, not the Bus Company.

As to low ridership, there are two obvious conclusions drawn here. If the transit authority is running buses that are not needed, then cut service. If featherbedding is the issue, if keeping a pre-ordained level of service is the goal, then back to applying good business principles.

Many people will not ride public transportation because of fear for their personal safety. There are some pretty cruddy people that ride this tax supported company.

Clean up your act, STA, then talk to us...

Random Thoughts

I am blessed. So many of you have sent me warm fuzzies, that I'm pressed to wonder why I didn't think of getting cancer sooner. You're all great.

I do, however have one disappointment to share with you...In accessing Cis's blog, there before my eyes, mocking me was her stats.

No! No! Not those kind of stats...I learned that she has 16 Grandchildren. That ties her with me, although, heh! heh! I have THREE Great-grandchildren. On the other hand, I've never been a Mother.

I'm finding that other than I can't stray more than, say, 30 feet from the nearest restroom, the after effects, so far, have been negligible. I still see the Sun come up, read good books, visit with my friends on-line, and rant.

That reminds me. Since DFO has become a recovering flame-thrower, someone has to take up the slack. Finding nobody more qualified, I have nominated myself.

If one considers, where else can you find unassailable opinions that are right on almost always...Well, sometimes...Would you believe once in awhile!

As we float innocently toward the week-end, I will discover some nefarious plot against mankind to expose. Until then...Adios, my friends.

After Effects

As they say, "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs". This is also true when using radiation as a cancer treatment.

The collateral damage, as they would say in military circles occurs when radioactivity reaches healthy tissue and damages or destroys it.

I'm told I can expect to feel very lethargic for three to four weeks. This may be due to the 5 times I had to get up last night. That's bound to cause sleep deprivation.

Oh well, being lazy is something I'm pretty good at anyway...

I'm still working at the park, handling uniform turn-in and inventory, but should be free to loaf by the end of next week. I just hope I can hold out that long. I may not feel very creative for awhile, but keep checking the blog. I'll try to write something, if for no other reason than to let everyone know I'm alright...

Hanging in there, Herb!

Pearl Harbor

I have witnessed three sneak attacks during my lifetime.

The first, when I was only three years old, was Pearl Harbor, the sneak attack by the Japanese. More than two thousand Naval and Military personnel were killed during that attack.

The second, was the attack on civilians by Moslems. Unable to form effective armies, Arab extremists (read the Koran encouraged) resort to terrorism. The attack on the World Trade Center killed 2726 innocent people.

The third, is on going. It is the attack on the current administration by left wing radicals, including,it seems the majority of the written press. While liberating two countries, Afghanistan and Iraq, bringing a new life to the Kurds, we have lost a total of 2139 lives.

Put into perspective, we lost 386,744 Military and Naval lives in World War two.

We lost 54,246 to death in Korea.

Vietnam deaths totaled 58,152.

All of these deaths were severe blows to the families affected. Still, American Patriots flocked to the banner of freedom...

I can't minimize the 2139 casualties in Iraq. All deaths are a tragedy. What I am attempting to do here is put this all into perspective.

Have we lost the will to defend freedom, or is it just that our media bends the news to reflect their own prejudices.

I am getting old, and maybe it's time. I don't like the direction this country of opportunity is taking. It has always been a statistical certainty that sooner or later the have not's, and underachievers would become the majority, and change this Country irretrevably to something that will resemble the decline of Rome.

I am saddened deeply.

The Bottom Line

It's done. After two plus hours in the stirrups, sixty two radio-active seeds reside in my prostate. I suddenly realized, while undergoing this giant indignity, that I was finally seeing the world from a Woman's point of view.

While I certainly hope that my next crisis is passing away at 90 while peacefully sleeping, (post-coital, of course) I'm glad I had it done. The nice thing about this treatment option, is that it's a one shot thing. No follow-up, except PSA tests to record the demise of the cancer cells.

I drove over to Seattle, in a friend's car. He figured, rightly that I wouldn't feel much like driving, so I played tour guide, while John Wirst, my chauffeur rubber necked. The procedure was done by the Veterans Administration Hospital there. The Doctor, a famous author, Radiologist and UW professor was Kent Wallner.

When I asked what the cost of the treatment would be in a private facility, I was told $30,000 to $45,000. Next time you hear any criticism of the patient care at VA, send them to me!

I'm home, my bottom is sore and it's wonderful to have this over with. Thank you all for caring...

Herb

Comments

Dave Oliveria writes in his on-line column "Huckleberries" that he encourages comments. That started me thinking about my blog. We need comments. When I write something that I am really proud of, and receive no comments, I feel like nobody is out there.

If a tree falls in the forest and there's nobody there, does it make a sound? That's what it feels like when readers go away without letting us know they were there.

I'll be out of town for a few days, as my cancer treatment is in Seattle at the V.A.
I'm getting brackytherapy, which is the implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate. I'm expecting a full recovery without any serious complications.

I'll be back with a full report, well, maybe an abridged report, on the whole experience.

The Supreme Court

Many people that I meet in my daily life, when asked about their opinion regarding Harriet Miers appointment to the Supreme Court simply don't care. They either shrug their shoulders, saying "it doesn't have anything to do with me," or think it's some Mo-town music thing.

They are wrong. What happens in the next few weeks may effect everyone in very material ways. The next Justice appointed and confirmed will possibly bring about the largest swing in the high court since the ill begotten appointment of Earl Warren.

For several years now, the left wing feminist movement has held on to the "right" of abortion as a given. It hasn't always been that way. Prior the the activist Warren Court, abortion was illegal everywhere in this country. In my opinion, with perhaps a couple exceptions, it should still be. Killing our young is an animal response to stress.

In the old days, prior to legalizing this abhorrent act, it is true that many illegal back alley abortions killed and/or maimed expectant mothers. We now have modern day birth control. Something that we didn't have back then. We will very soon have approval of the "morning after pill". That should take care of rape cases, and some incest as well.

This year and with this appointment of a charismatic Christian woman,the high court will probably at the very least choose to limit abortion to very few circumstances.

We may see a shift from the welfare programs of the past, where we have multi- generational dependence on Government support. A shift back to values, something that many of our youth in these times doesn't seem to have.

Our society is imploding from lack of purpose and moral values. A few changes wouldn't hurt.

President Bush may be smarter that you think...

Editorials, plus and minus

I read each and every editorial in our hometown Spokesman-Review. Most are pushing extreme positions, and almost always are they politically correct.

Well, once in a while a real good one comes along. One did last Sunday. In an editorial that started out about Roberts and the Supreme Court, Andres Martinez of the Los Angeles Times hit a grand-slam.

When asked in hearings whether he would favor the "little guy or the big guy", Roberts replied, who ever is right...

Andres went on to explore the whole subject. He pointed out that targets that are unpopular, such as Tobacco Companies,Accounting Companies and such. Following Enron and other large corruption cases, the Feds went after the accountants. Smoking is more and more unpopular, so burn the companies that make them by using RICO, which is obviously not designed for this.

On the other hand, the Agriculture Department is subsidizing the tobacco growers.
Andres points out that while it is popular to go after unpopular industries, (Big Oil) because voters like that, it's bad law...

I like a guy that swims against the current and tells it like it is!

The Spokesman-Review

I've been musing about my blog, and blogging in general lately. Most of the inspiration for my stuff comes from articles and editorials in the S/R. Not only that, but Dave Oliveria of Spokesman-review.com/blogs/nhb, started most of us in this area, inspired us, then taught us how. When we actually do something interesting, he features it in his, the master of blogs. I wanted to take time out here to say thank you.

Sunday's paper was not an exception. The most hilarious piece was where the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has authorized the killing of an entire pack of re-introduced wolves. You know, the ones that are highly protected? Heavy fines for killing them? Well it turns out that these wolves are killing cows.

Duh!! It has become clear that what is lacking in the protection program is classes on English, the written language. If we had only the foresight to write "COW" on both sides of our livestock, we could, after teaching the wolves how to read, solve the problem.

Or maybe what we need here is a wolf class on discipline. You know, hey wolfy, deer and elk or O.K. but stay away from out cows and sheep! If a wild animal is given the choice between a Rib-eye steak or hamburger it will probably not be able to make the distinction between the right and wrong of it.

If we are going to re-introduce predator species that have disappeared from our forests, we have to first remember why they disappeared. We killed them because we couldn't co-exist with them. The wolves and Grizzlies killed livestock and folks back then. It was war. Survival. Now, we have environmentalists living in places like San Francisco in high rise apartments telling us what is good for the wilderness.

Have you noticed they don't ask us here in North Idaho our opinion? I invite these enviro-nazis to take up hiking and camping...Say on and around Bernard Peak here on the South end of Lake Pend Oreille. (pronounced pond oray) We have a resident Grizzly Bear for you to play with. Invite him to lunch! Or be lunch!

Be our guests. We'd love to have you.

Inheritance Tax

They just never quit, do they? The lead story in the Region section of the Spokesman-Review today,shows the have nots are once again attempting to rob the haves...

An organization calling itself the "United Vision of Idaho" have called on Idaho Senator Crapo to end his support for the repeal of the federal estate tax.

They contend that the loss of revenue from this governmental larceny will suck funds from programs that benefit the low income people. Here is a quote. "We question how anyone can put the interest of 51 millionaires ahead of the interest of...Ordinary Idahoans, " said William Whittaker, a Boise State University professor of social work.

Now, THAT'S a real endorsement for sending your kids to that school. Go to college so that you might learn to steal what someone else has earned, so that you don't have to bother with the work involved yourself. The point here is very simple, people...

The money that these families have accrued belongs to THEM! Just because the have nots outnumber the over achievers does not confer the right of confiscation...

I will go to my grave with part of my last pension check unspent, or not. I am not even close to wealthy. Being poor does not confer the right to take money away from people that were smarter, worked harder and were more dedicated in their careers.

These 51 millionaires so casually sniffed at, are probably the leaders of business and industry that have created jobs and wealth far outweighing their own for the community. Robin Hood, get thee behind me!

My Cancer Treatment

I have had many requests for updates about my prostate cancer and subsequest treatment. Well, actually, there was just one guy that said something to the effect that "would you just shut up about your reproductive stuff"?

I will enter treatment October 12 at 1:00 P.M. Everything being equal, I will exit said treatment at about 2:30 P.M.

I am going to have what is called Brackytherapy. Essentially, that is inserting radioactive isotopes into my prostate.

I have been told that there are certain restrictions...

Such as I can't approach pregnant women with-in six feet. I am happpy to report that this will not be a problem, as no woman has come within that distance for a very long time, pregnant or not.

I do however, now have the prospect of having a beacon...You know, like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer...

Everywhere I go for about two months, a certain portion of my body will glow in the dark. This is really great, since up until now, I've used a night light to find the bathroom.

Hopefully, in six months or so, I will be back to normal.

I send this message, so that you may feel sorry for me as I stand depraved, deprived, and very upbeat about the whole thing...

RITA

My Granddaughter, her husband, and my first Great-Grandchild will flee the Houston area tomorrow morning.

I urged them them to leave tonight, but, alas, the young know more than we do. I explained that fleeing to Waco, due north, was the wrong direction, and that the eye was going to hit Waco, dead on.

I suggested that they go west to San Antonio, which is about the same distance, but should be out of the path of the Eye.

I don't think they are going to listen to me. I pray that they will be safe.

Why is the wisdom of age wasted on the young?

Autumn in North Idaho

I have run out of items to be pissed off about, unless it would be Clinton, breaking away from the bi-partisan effort of the Clinton/Bush fund raising effort.

Instead, I would like to point out the beginning of Autumn. Alas, I don't have the skills of Phil or others, and haven't the slightest idea of how to take electronic pictures, and then in some mysterious way, actually put them on the screen. You see, I am old.

I learned to type before electric typewriters, which, I might add, are already out of style. I am a prisoner of a technology that I haven't a clue about.

It seems only yesterday, that I learned where the on/off button was on my computer. Now, I'm expected to know how to not only check my e-mail, but also, actually go on to the internet, to find out about things I didn't previously know about.

The thought occurs to me, at this time, that maybe, just maybe, this stuff is totally unnecessary.

Have I lived this long, just to discover that information is obsolete, and only impressions are of value?

But enough of that...My tomatoes are doing what they usually do at this time of year...Turn bright green, just before the first frost.

The town drunks are tuning up for the winter, and I don't have a clue as to what I will do, other, than I won't do the rocking chair bit.

On the other hand, the leaves are starting to turn, the harsh 95 degree weather of a few weeks ago are gone, it was a wonderful day today, and will probably be again tomorrow, as Indian Summer slides in. I think it's time to go fishing!!!

Bigotry

I am going to step into the politically incorrect abyss and talk about not just bigotry as seen from people of European descent toward minorities, but all kinds of bigotry and discrimination.

In my last blog, I talked about the blame game, and how both publicly elected officials, and the usual show biz radicals immediately pointed to the White community to scream about discrimination.

We as a society have become accustomed to being called names by the radicals of color, and have even accepted it as their right to do so. If given a mirror image of this principle, it would be considered horrible, unacceptable right wing behavior.

Bullshit! If one accepts, as I do, that we are all equal, then it flows both ways, Baby! Those of us that disagree with the double standard are usually branded as racist, right wing Bigots. Well, Bigotry comes in all sizes, shapes and colors.

To step aside for a moment, have you heard things like, "How long you lived here, huh? Or, you from where? I'm talking about regional bias. We have all kinds of differences. Regional, Race, Country of origin, What School you attended, and on and on and on.

I've had it, and hereafter, will only deal with people just like me, or lacking anyone in that category, people that think just like me. After all, everyone else is (pick your category) and not acceptable.

Blame Game

After reading article after article, editorial after editorial regarding the blame for the Gulf Coast tragedy, I have come to a conclusion.

A disaster, any disaster, whether caused by man, or nature, attracts those that have radical agendas. Writers, and/or special interest groups that hate Bush, or anything Republican, choose the disaster as a vehicle for attack, whether or not logic prevails.

Undoubtedly, the formation of the Homeland Security Department was one of the culprits. Any super agency that is new and untested, as this one, is ripe for bureaucratic bungling. We had a perfectly good FEMA, only to merge it into Homeland Security.

Any agency of the Federal Government is by nature a gigantic slug, made operational only by years of professionals toiling in the trenches, trying to overcome the political insanity that surrounds them. Some are incompetent, others not.

Homeland Security, with the paint still wet on it's office signs, simply wasn't ready yet to do anything of great import. Budgets were still being fought out in the halls of Congress. Executives were still settling in, learning their jobs.

As it was pointed out in this morning's Spokesman-Review, Federal Assistance to the States is only available after the States declare a disaster area.

Perhaps it is time to review the various departments of Homeland Security. It is definitely time to start funding the Coast Guard at higher levels. This department is perhaps the most well trained for disaster relief and at the same time, perpetually under funded.

State and local Governments, and the people that ignored warnings to head for high ground are much more to blame than the Feds. The Mayor of New Orleans can only throw racially motivated knives at Bush, when he would have been much more effective taking charge. Racists, as we are learning, come in all colors.

The Governor of Louisiana, when faced with this challenge, breaks into tears, totally unqualified to lead.

Two words, REACTIVE and PROACTIVE come to mind. Reactive screaming of racial motivation is not the answer... This was simply a case of many incompetent, small people, not being qualified to lead during this horrendous experience.

Perhaps it's time to become proactive, and find solutions, replace those that are not up to the challenges of office or position and learn from this how to do better next time around.

Dear anonymous

I recently wrote a blog, criticizing the Timberlake Fire District for not being able to appreciate the recently departed Fire Chief.

I just read an anonymous comment suggesting that the Chief had covered up an egregious act by one of his staff, and that, in effect, I didn't know what I was talking about.

A tax supported agency such as a fire district is obligated to keep the people that hire them, "read public", informed about important events that affect us all. Hiding behind "It's a personnel issue" and the implication that it's none of our business is bull-poop.

Being uninformed, or worse, misinformed is not a proper function of elected officials. I have no way of determining whether this source was accurate, since they didn't sign their name so that I could follow up.

Being, what I consider, a responsible blogger, I would never alter the known facts to support someone that didn't deserve it. Staying mum on the facts simply encourage rumors, most of which end up being not true.

The key here is the word "KNOWN". If I have served any function here, it would be to get the subject out in the open for others to question.

If the officials involved here know of a criminal act performed by one of the staff, it would be their obligation to report it to the authorities for proper action.

I sign my name to everything I write, whether fact or opinion. It would be helpful that others do the same...

More About Farragut State Park

As a follow up to the previous article, "Massive Tree Kill in Farragut", John Perfect got back to me. It seems that yes, the State killed the many trees by improper use of herbicides.

Unlike most Government Leaders I've met, Perfect was straight forward and honest about it. He regrets the mistake, and indicates that the State will alter the practices to prevent reoccurances.

One of the most picturesque views around, is the drive through Farragut State Park, here in Bayview, Idaho. Unfortunately, that view, as seen through the tunnel-like four miles through the heavily treed route, will never be the same.

Talking to Randall Butts, Park Manager, it seems inevitable that the trees will probably be cut back anyway, as the encroaching tree line imperils traffic, and gives cover to deer, wild turkey and other game animals. One only has to hit a turkey in flight to realize the damage it can cause. I know, I hit one doing 60 MPH.

One point that Perfect made, and was seconded by Butts, was that probably the Park and D.O.T. haven't coordinated their efforts as well as they could. Hopefully, they will put their heads todether for future maintenance, such as the center island, which neither agency keeps up adaquately.