US Government Supports Mosques

It is accepted that our constitution forbids the establishment and or support of any religion. Our forefathers, having the recent experience of the Church of England as the official religion, specifically forbade that. From that policy, we have the right to worship any religion, or none at all.

Currently, a television station back east, WSB, reports that part of our foreign aid is being spent on repairs of mosques in the middle east. No mention of support for Christian or Jewish facilities was mentioned. See below for the full story:

Copy and paste this: http://www.wsbtv.com/video/25764282/index.html

I find this outrageous considering many of these mosques are hotbeds of anti-Americans, as well as supporters of violence and terrorism.

Yvonne Wallis

A couple of weeks ago Yvonne was rushed to the hospital. It turned out it was an attack of a flu bug. One that apparently was missed in the vaccination she received last fall. She came home after a day, but today finds her back with pneumonia. I don't know how serious this is, but I thought I'd post this for those that wish to think good wishes or prayer for her recovery.

Times Have Passed Me By

I'm not even envious of these new contraptions. While they allow instant communications, so does a phone and in these days it's not even necessary to pay extra for long distance.

What is being missed though, is the life that passes you by while texting, adding to face book daily, or even all day, well you get the point. Cis Gors was right when she expounded upon this subject yesterday on her blog. (from a simple mind)These things are gimmicks that are not necessary to our well being.

Soon, our children, who we worry about what's happening in our schools and new legislation, will grow fat by skipping outdoor exercise for computers and other electronic devises. Already, health professionals are concerned with the amount of time kids spend in front of television sets. Now it's even more enticing to have the latest in communications. WHY, I ask, is it good for our kids to do these things. When I attended school it was with spiral notebook and number two pencils. You listened in class, took notes then spit the info back to the teachers.

Now the kids can just Google the info, print it out and submit it as learned information. As has been pointed out by other codgers, we survived biking without helmets, running through the house with scissors, and other outdoor feats, such as what still comes to my mind, the stupidest thing I've ever done. At around twelve, or maybe even younger, we had a giant fir tree that Dad had chopped many of the lower limbs off, leaving six inch stubs. I would climb that tree up to about 30 feet sometimes jumping for the next nub, because I wasn't tall enough to reach the next one. I developed great coordination, self confidence and a strong body. Only for an hour or two in the evening would the TV be truned on to such special stuff like Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, Or Meet the Press and not to forget the unforgettable Uncle Milty, Milton Beryl, the father of modern television.Oh and the picture was black & white.

We didn't have cable TV with it's 120 channels. We had three local stations which we accessed with a roof top antenna. I remember when KING TV was the only one in town. (Seattle)

Back to education reform, most if not all schools in our area have computer training. Since the kids spend the bulk of their time at home in front of the TV, it might just be that they would pay closer attention to computerized on-line classes. They are already a trained audience.

A Humbling Experience

I consider myself an old hand at mastering Idaho winter conditions. Come single digit temperatures, I open cabinet doors, dribble my faucets and wait until morning to determine that once again, I triumphed over potential disaster.

Right up until my brain froze yesterday. Night before last, I went through the above mentioned program. Results? No problemo. As night became day, I went around the house closing cabinets, turning off those faucets, especially the hot water.

Later, I snuggled down with a glass of wine. Actually several. Hey, it was Friday night and my version of howling is to drink three or four glasses instead of the doctor recommended two.Unfortunately, the over indulgent event saw me crawling into bed without the ritual being performed. The temperature at the yellow barge went down to about 1 or 2 below zero. My cabinet doors were neatly closed and the water all off. I get up in the morning and realized the flushing of the toilet didn't sound quite right. You guessed it. Frozen solid. Even the old trick of opening faucets so that a small seep could win through didn't work.

Tomorrow, faced with heavy snow, my neighbor will trudge down the hill with fix it on his mind. Me? greatly humbled

Early Spring? ... Not!

This afternoon found temperatures dropping down from the mid-forties to below freezing by 4 pm.Along with the lower temperatures came heavy snow from 2:30 until about 5:30. Another heavier wave is scheduled to hit about 8pm along with plunging temperatures. Thursday and Friday will have below zero weather during the night. Currently it is 6:30, cloudy and cold. Winter storm warnings posted by the weather bureau predicted the snow to end about 4 am followed by bitter cold.

The rather snow-less January and first half of February were mild as well. After this system dumps from an estimated 6 to 10 inches of snow, the wind will pick up with the usual drifting on the Rathdrum Prairie. Monday is predicted to have more snow, as the unpredictable Idaho climate proves once again that we can't out guess nature.

Traffic was and is snarled on all major highways and many main side streets as well. Both Snoqualmie Pass and 4th of July Passes were closed due to wrecks everywhere. I want Summer back. Soon. Herb Hunkers down.

Interesting Times

There is a Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times." Today, as we look about, there are two revolutions taking place. One domestic, the other, in the Islamic world.

Domestically, it would appear that decades of union rule in the manufacturing sector, has been a, if not the, major factor in the outflow of jobs to the orient and other off-shore countries. It's really a simple conundrum. Labor wants more pay. That is a normal wish. We would all like to experience more income. But, in doing so we as a country have abrogated our economic advantage in the world. We have done so by pricing ourselves out of the world market. It does no good to be able to buy cheap Chinese goods, if you don't have an income to pay for them. Our federal government must also help, by curbing spending and in cases of other countries "dumping" goods onto our markets, enacting protective tariffs.

Today, there isn't a single television set built in this country. Nor are there any other consumer electronics as well. Competing with countries that have rising educational records but salaries that are much less than in this country has led to this serious hemorrhage. Our auto industry is on it's lips, with one manufacturer, sharing it's board of directors with the very union that supports higher wages for the company's employees.

The chickens have come home to roost. The rust belt, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, etc. have realized that they are out of jobs because of these unions pressing for higher wages. Suddenly, the Wisconsin Senate has come to a halt due to the voter rebellion bringing unheard of republican victories in states that haven't been known to vote GOP in a very long time, if ever. In Wisconsin's case, the only way the democrats to still cling to their labor base could put off having public employee unions outlawed, was to become truant, causing the lack of a quorum. At some point, law enforcement can and probably will track down one or two of them, dragging them back which they can do by law. Still, this nationwide rebellion against labor unions, spending, etc. is overturning what many feel has been a long time coming, and necessary for the financial health of the nation. We as a country have a choice. We can either become protectionist, producing and buying only our own goods, while prohibiting imports, or bringing wages back to a manageable level.

On the international side, where we were only a year ago, with Islam in an uproar against the rest of the world, suddenly they are fighting amongst themselves, struggling to topple well entrenched dictators. When you consider that most of these mono-religious nations have never experienced democracy. Until one,little insignificant country, Tunisia, decided they have had enough. Taking to the streets, without weapons other than public opinion, they drove out an absolute ruler. Following that by just days, Egypt, Algeria, Iran, Jordan and other countries are saying, "If they can do it so can we." And they are.

Where all of these upheavals end only time will tell, but it would appear from my viewpoint that these adjustments have been long overdue and will vastly improve how we, as well as the Arab world live in the future. As wall street would put it, "this is an adjustment long overdue."

Yvonne Wallis Injured ... Again

L. Yvonne Wallis was found on the floor of her home by son, Michael Heath just prior to noon today. Michael doesn't know whether she fainted, or stumbled and hit her head. EMT's from Timberlake and Northern Lakes responded and transported her to Kootenai Hospital.

Just prior to Christmas, Yvonne, along with daughter-in-law Patty Heath and son Michael were attacked by a allegedly deranged man living next door, Larry Cragun. Gragun is currently residing in the Kootenai County Jail awaiting trial for murder, aggrevated assault and other related charges.

Scanner reports indicate she was in and out of consciousness and unresponsive. Her son Michael is currently at her side. It also referred to her as barely breathing. I'll have more as information develops.

Recently, the entire community poured out their generosity,best wishes and prayers. Several fund raisers were held in which a large part of the community stepped up. Perhaps it would be appropriate if those thoughts and prayers were repeated.

NEW: Yvonne hs returned home with a prognosis of nothing worse than an attack of Flu.

A Little Breezy

We were hit with a wind storm of greater magnitude than any in recent memory Saturday night. Don Sausser, perched high above the waterfront in Coeur d'Alene, recorded a wind gust that exceeded 43 MPH. This morning we learned that a Montana town broke their anemometer when it reached 116 MPH.

Not to be left behind, according to Bayview Bob, who monitors the navy weather station,the Navy barge north of Cape Horn on Lake Pend Oreille recorded a high wind of 88 MPH. Trees were uprooted in many areas from the wind coupled with super saturated soil, causing the roots to release rather easily. During the height of the frontal passage,leaves and other detritus was being blown horizontally, resembling a hurricane, but then at 88 MPH it had the winds to equal one.

I have no information of property damage on the vast shorelines of the lake, but there had to be some. Lake Pend Oreille has very few sheltered waters, and with the north/south orientation the winds blow straight down the lake unimpeded by any barriers.

When the wind reached it's peak, I ran outside to move my car which is normally parked under a white fir that is in poor health.I parked it on the street. The next morning, a limb of the aforementioned tree was laying just a few feet from where my car was parked before moving it. The limb had a diameter of about four inches.

I am reasonably certain that some docks, boats and other shoreline accoutrement's are floating in unusual places today. If you have experienced damage, please tell us about it in the comments section.

Another Family In Need

William Sherrell ( Bayview resident & 6th grader at Athol Elementary)

He has brittle bone disease. Fell at school this past week breaking his leg severely and his shoulder.

He is at Shriner’s Hospital in Spokane right now. Should be out next week, but will be in a partial upper body cast for his shoulder plus pins, screws and protruding rods on his leg for 6 weeks or more.

Parents are William Sr. & Lilly – they live across perimeter from the Community Center and have been there for many years. Dad is in construction, but not working at present.

Mom works at Little Town Market, but is unable to right now due to William being in hospital and running back & forth to doctors. There are 3 other children in the family(a freshman, a 5th grader, and a 1st grader.

There will be lots of doctor/hospital trips & little income. If anyone would like to help out (every little bit helps) .

Contact Cindy Post Grandy – 683-1859 or email – grandypost@roadrunner.com or Marlys Blagden – 683-3295 or 683-2231 or email – mblagden@lakeland272.org

Egypt And Other Interesting Stuff

William Randolph Hearst, owner, and reputed leader of yellow journalism, was historically credited for starting the Spanish-American War, with his rabid rhetoric against the Spanish rule over Cuba, the Philippines and other territories not adjacent to Spain. There are still theories that point to Hurst causing the battleship Maine to explode in Havana Harbor.

Today, flashing forward, we see CNN causing predictions, beating the drums, hoping upon hope that rather than being a news reporting medium, to be the cause of the news. Purposely? Maybe not, but the results are the same. CNN is leading the civil disturbances in Egypt or at least following the crowds rather closely, hoping to take credit for the beginning of the end of the autocratic rule of President Mubarak.

When one examines the history of modern Egypt, we start with King Farouk in the 1940's, followed by a series of non-elected dictators. Going clear back to the ancient Pharaohs, it is clear that this country has no democratic history. ... Ever. Now it appears that the current government is about to crumble, but not for the reasons CNN and the world press are claiming.

The intransigence of President for life, Mubarak is not because he is indignantly correct, or that he is the only bastion between Egyptian society and the rabid Jihadists. It is simply because he is 82 years old. Stop and think of those old men either in your life or that you are acquainted with. Does anyone think they are flexible and willing to change or to rethink their positions on anything?

No. Aging and the petrification of the brain won't let Mubarak let go, even if all of the evidence points to his ouster. He can't. His mind will not allow the flexibility necessary to turn his life inside out and step down. I say these things as I approach with trepidation my 73rd birthday next month. Rigidity is thy name when past 80. Perhaps with me, it has already started.

Where Have Good Manners Gone?

From right wing watch, comes this:

Bryan Fischer is back with another history lesson for us all - this one on how the Native Americans deserved to lose control of North America because “the superstition, savagery and sexual immorality” made them “morally disqualified from sovereign control of American soil.”

You see, there are three ways that control over land is established: settlement, purchase, and conquest. And in the case of Native Americans, it turns out that they were just like the Canaanites who were so immoral that God decided that “the slop bucket was full, and it was time to empty it out” and so he tasked Israel with being the “custodian to empty the bucket and start over.”

The following rant of mine is not really on subject, it's on how we choose to criticize other viewpoints. My inspiration came from this morning's debate on Huckleberries online, where most of the criticism was in the form of counter insults rather that an unfettered debate of the subject matter.

Deserve is not a word that I would use to describe the Indian nations. Europeans and their offspring, Americans, drove the Indians off of their traditional homes and hunting grounds because they could. Superior science and engineering skills created a power imbalance with some native people, not just American Indians. In past centuries, other races, such as Africans and yes, American Indians, were considered as less than human, which then gave the whites moral justification for their removal. Of course we now know better. We know that given the same educational advantages, both of these peoples can and do excel. Unfortunately, in some areas, radicalism in the quest for religious purity, has caused some to go off of the deep end with substantial gaps in their reasoning. To this date, though, one reality remains. That is, why do these civilizations not advance as others have. It would appear that some of these have not and apparently never will advance to the point of giving up tribal culture for a multicultural society.

In Africa, when the Europeans left, there was no intellectual bank of natives able or willing to rule, other than the traditional tribal links which still separate them and still subject their people to conquest and killing those of other tribes, religion and cultures. I have not seen any books on this subject of why some civilizations advance while others don’t. That would make for an interesting subject in and of itself.

OK, so this was a long winded opinion of mine without any misuse of negative nouns. It’s easy once you let go of your superior attitudes toward those you disagree with. Oh, and regarding the Canaanites, I suspect the Israelite s wanted their land, as others have before and after, used other excuses for conquest. I would recommend calling bullsh1t, except I think it is one of those outlawed terms.

The bottom line in my not so humble opinion, is learn to debate these issues without resorting to the very thing you are criticizing. Open debate on many subjects has in the past few years been severely curtailed by the politically correct smugness of the righteous left, as well as the right. Too many nouns. Not enough discussion of the topics themselves.

Bayview Floods

For the last few days, springs that are normally intermittent, have been flowing over Lime Kiln, building up[ a sheet of ice six inches thick. Bayview Creek, frozen over in spots, dammed up causing street flooding on Main, Corbin,5th and 6th. Also impacted, was the Bayview Mercantile, which is flooded as well.

The road district brought in a front end loader that cleared the ice jams, allowing the waterways to drain normally. Streets have returned to normal, with a few exceptions, such as Lime kiln, which is much improved.

Ice jamming as we are seeing this year, is not a usual problem, but excessive soil moisture coupled with below freezing temperatures has created the problem.

Protected areas among the marinas have iced over, mostly between slips and rows of float homes.A warm up is forecast along with around 7 inches of snow, which being February, will then most likely rain off. We are close to the end of severe winter, and entering the mud and slush phase.

In Memory of ... Pete Ritzheimer

Pete Ritzheimer, long time resident of Bayview, Idaho, died yesterday afternoon. He was survived by his wife, Marsha. In ill health for many years, Pete had some high mileage, as he was quite the hell raiser in his youth. He was also an avid fisherman.
It appears that his generation of Bayview old timers is fast disappearing. He will be missed by many.

Barging into ... What?

Well, we are well within the beginning of the year 2011. I have noted several unusual occurrences. One, I haven't written 2010 on any checks this year. That is real unusual. Of course I don't write many checks anymore, what with on-line banking, bill paying and such. The other, is that our economy is still in a spin and not looking any better in the near future.

Then there is our federal government. For the last year and even longer, they have assured us that the great recession was over in 2009. They lied. Given that some major causes of recession/deepression are lack of confidence, they apparently decided to artificially fix the problem by declaring it over. They lied.

Just yesterday, I read where employment is still above 9.5%. In the same vein, home foreclosures have doubled since last year, which of course was a year after normal was declared. In an article in the Spokesman Review, written by Kevin Graman, he noted that last year, they counted 644 homeless in cioeur d'Alene/Post Falls area alone. That is a 54% increase from the year before, which as we know, is the year the recession ended.

Over at the National Guard armory in Post Falls, 408 people had passed through the armory before noon, where they people could pick up a food box and clothing. Food banks are being overrun by hungry people that had never asked for help before.

Having the well fed Governors of the Federal Reserve buying bonds is just trading money from one pocket to the other, increasing the overwhelming national debt. Folks, this is about jobs, not money manipulations. Until organized labor has decreased their choke hold on wage scales nothing will change. In a global economy, wage scales in the orient and India are so low as to cause goods to reach our shores for much less than it would cost to manufacture them here, even with the transportation cost. Of course near slave labor used to be fought off by the judious use of import tariffs. A policy that has no friends in this country these days.

We can't have it both ways. Global trade, or jobs. These terms are mutually exclusive as long as labor in developing countries is less than 25% of our labor costs here. When I was a teen in the '50's, my neighbor on one side was a welder and the other a machinist, both at Boeing. They were not financially in the middle class. Now they are. Our economic system is severely broke and nobody is doing anything useful to correct the situation. Even our own air force can't figure out that creating jobs at Boeing is protecting our country as well as their primary mission. It has been reported recently they are still expected to favor the European Union Air Bus for the tanker contract. Bottom line, it appears that our government doesn't give a rat's ass about the individual that cannot any longer, support his or her family. Families are learning that global free trade isn't feeding or housing their family, jobs here do.

Ronald Reagan Quotes

Back when I first started blogging, I posted some of these. Today you get all of them.

"Here's my strategy on the cold war. We win, they lose."

"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so."

"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."

"I have wondered at times what the ten commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."

"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government, but doesn't have to take the civil service examination."

"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."

"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation that has gone under."

"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."

"I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a cabinet meeting."

"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession: I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."

"Politics is not a bad profession. If you suceed there are many rewards. If you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."

"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

Most of these philosophical points were delivered as humor, yet in many cases, perhaps most, they still are valid, in my opinion. Here's another from an elder statesman:

"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled,
public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be
tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should
be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to
work, instead of living on public assistance."

- Cicero - 55 BC

More Help Arrives

Yesterday, St. Vincent DePaul in Coeur d'Alene opened their doors and their pocket for the family of Yvonne Wallis, Michael and Tad Heath. They were given a voucher to shop for whatever they need in the way of household goods, clothes and other needs.

To recap, Yvonne's car has been fixed, thanks to Victory Auto who sold the parts at cost, Mr. Tire which donated the labor and some generous neighbors who put up the money for the parts.

Also a very nice sofa was donated and is already in place. Now it's mostly money that the family needs so that gas can be bought for the 60 mile round trip to Coeur d'Alene almost daily.

Don't forget the benefit at Log Spirit Sunday, January 23. Two sessions, 12:00 to 3:00pm and 4:00 to 7:00pm. Call Judy at 683-0941. A fifteen dollar donation is requested. There will also be raffles. Donation cans are in place at businesses thoughout Bayview and Athol.

If there are other efforts afoot to help this family, I'm unaware of them. If anyone wishes publicity for those efforts, please e-mail the information to me.

It seems as though crazies are popping out of the woodword recently, what with the massacre in Arizona, and of course our very own tragedy here in Bayview. People have been generous with the collection cans around Bayview & Athol.

Wells Fargo Bank, 204 W. Hayden Ave, Hayden,ID, 83835 has an account set up to help with expenses relating to the vicious attack upon Yvonne Wallis and Michael Heath. You may mail donations in care of those names to the above address. If there are any questions, you may contact the bank: Amanda Davis, @ 772-4022. This family of innocent victis are in dire need of neighborhood support financailly.

Rudy Rudebaugh of Victory Auto Parts in Athol has agreed to donate his profit on the parts necessary to repair the brakes on Yvonne Wallis's car. The parts estimate is between $100 and $150. Eldon, as is Rudy, the always ready guys when it comes to helping others, at Mr. Tire will donate the labor. What we need is money to buy the brake parts. Please call me, Herb at 683-9107 if you can spare a few bucks to fix the brakes. Yvonne has to take daily trips to Coeur d'Alene and the gas costs are eating up any reserves they had, if any. We understand the brakes are in a failure mode and need fixing right now. Any monies over the absolute amount necessary will be donated as cash to the family. Please make my phone ring off the hook. If you wish to contribute and are out of the area, e-mail a pledge to me and I'll cover it until it gets here. PO Box 884, Bayview, 83803. This fund raising that I am doing is a single purpose thing and not in competition with any of the other fund raising efforts which are general purpose.

There are other plans as well. Judy Gullidge and Robin, of "Log Spirit B&B," are holding a fundraiser at Log Spirit Sunday, January 23 in two sessions. First is from 12 noon to 3 pm. The second is from 4pm to 7. There will be beverages, appetizers, live music and drawings. There will be a $15 donation. Reservations can be had by calling Judy at: 208-683-0941. So that they don't run out of food, they ask that you call for reservations. Log Spirit is a beautiful Log palace toward the end of Howard Road, off of Hwy 54, just east of hwy 95.

Additional news:

The brakes are fixed on the car. A caring citizen donated a sofa. Donations are still coming in and will be spent wisely. We obtained a $300 voucher from St. Vinnies in Coeur d' Alene which may take care of other needs. Gas money is still needed, and we will probably use future donations for that. It is unfortunate that a disaster of these proportions has to happen to bring the best out of people, but it sure has. I have a feeling that the donors are just as pleased as the recipients.

I received two very nice donations in the mail today. Our friends and neighbors are being very generous. Please keep them coming. I will kind of direct traffic regarding their use so that we can be sure the money does the most good for the least bucks. Don't forget you can send checks to the account set up at Wells Fargo, and also if you plan to attend the benefit at "Log Spirit, be sure to call for reservations so the sponsors, Robin and Judy will have enough supplies on hand. 208-683-0941.

A sofa has been donated as well. The old one was a bloody reminder of what took place that fateful day. St. Vinnies will help with other things as needed.

When Civilization Stumbles

From Dave Oliveria, Huckleberries online:

"Sick, sick, sick stuff. It's sad and heart-breaking that so many violent mad men are on the loose to shoot police officers, fellow students, fellow soldiers, and now this senseless attack on the congresswoman, her aides, and bystanders."

Most of us were horrified by the senseless shooting of Arizona Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, a blue dog Democrat. Unfortunately, an immediate knee jerk reaction from some on the left, blamed the Tea Party, Governor Palin, Conservatives in general, etc.

Well, there are certainly wackos amongst the Tea Party ranks.But lest we forget, there are just as many of the same on the left. While most of the right wing atrocities have centered around abortion, and specifically late term abortion, the hate striking out from the left seems less directional.

So that those so attached to these knee jerk responses can at least for a moment, step back, let me summarize:

On the right, we have religious wackos killing doctors that perform abortions, somehow forgetting that in protecting the lives of unborn humans they are violating their own mantra of protecting human life. We have loco eviro-nazis raiding research labs, freeing what may be deseased research animals, tree spikers, knowing that if a chain saw hits a spike, it might bounce the saw back, killing the operator, and not caring ... In short we have no shortage of wackos, left of right. What we do have, is a responsibility to re-establish dialogue with each other, whether as politicians or just neighbors. Then there are state legislators such as Hart that seems to thumb his nose at whatever regulation he doesnt agree with, then run for office so that he can possibly justify his positions. Refer to my previous definition of wackos.

On the left, in my limited experience within Huckleberries online, I have seen a plethora of sarcasm replacing debate. Personal attacks substituting for logical argument, counter attack instead of explanation of why the left *solution is logically the answer to any question. In short, I find shrillness in debate, distasteful whether from the left or the right. On the right, well, we have all experienced conservative rhetoric gone wild with the recent debacle over the Coeur d'Alene City council close election and the costly legal results, not to mention the emotional effect on those that might run for office in the future.

In most cases, sadly, the ramped up rhetoric from whatever direction even though from allegedly adults, is. I fear that we are more and more every year, separating ourselves from the middle, whence most of the population abodes, and even worse, from reality, as we preach to the choir, expounding on our heightened extremes to those that are already there. This and previous generations have grown up for the most part without real serious need. In past generations, such as that of my parents, American perople were starving to death without any government safety nets. We are rapicly approaching a time in which we may have to face those issues again, and tnis time without the family farms that dominated the 1930's


Honest debate on issues that are real are a necessary part of our democracy. It is those that wish to change from the constitution that we have to some Utopian future that scares me. OK, that brands me as a conservative. I accept that with one reservation. I'm only about 20% past center in my views, which is far from either extreme. Those that are 100% from center, no longer can think clearly, since they have become part of the choir.

Maybe, if these senseless murders whether from the left, right, or just the deranged continue, we need to step back, take a look at the unintended consequences of extreme political positions. Is it possible for us to return to the days of Tip O'Neil and Senator Everett Dirkson?

Network Shame

At some point it was probably inevitable. Instead of allowing the ultimate of college football to take the stage, ESPN showed their whoredom. Continuously during the telecast of the Orange Bowl, references were made to Sophomore Luck and Coach Harbaugh going to the NFL. With the coach, and or second year quarterback Luck, it was way past inappropriate to constantly hack on them as to whether they would abandon the programs they were there to represent.

It was way past lack of class. It was a classic case of the sports broadcasting industry being overcome by the news department. In my day, news reporters were there to report on news, not make it. Sports reporters were there to report the game and other relative news. Both of them failed miserably.

In an era that coaches and professional teams are not allowed to even hint at improper contact with athletes, the cable company, ESPN, snubbed their collective noses at the proper way to separate college sports from professional. Even on the awards platform, surrounded by bowl and college officials, they had the nerve to outright ask whether Stanford Quarterback, Andrew Luck would desert their program. Whore is in this case an accurate description of these Ass Holes.

Wells Fargo Steps Up

Wells Fargo Bank, 204 W. Hayden Ave, Hayden,ID, 83835 has an account set up to help with expenses relating to the vicious attack upon Yvonne Wallis and Michael Heath. You may mail donations in care of those names to the above address. If there are any questions, you may contact the bank: Amanda Davis, @ 772-4022.

We all realize that just after Christmas is a tough time to donate, but it is even tougher for Yvonne and Michael. Please dig down deep and help these innocent victims. Norma Jean Knowles, finding on her return from the holidays that the guys were having a tough time finding a bank, managed to cut through the red tape in record time.

If there are any people that are still unaware of the attack, they can scroll down to previous posts for that information.

An Off Season Struggle

Today marks the end of an era and the start of a new one in Bayview. Right about now, in the lobby of the Kootenai County Administration building, an auction is taking place. It is the foreclosure auction of the Captain's Wheel Restaurant, an icon for many years, and a favorite hangout for many winter dwellers over the years. I will post what I find out, when I find out, as to the future of the business.

This last several days were filled with violent gut wrenching tragedy, as a neighbor went "postal" and attacked yet another neighbor. Armed with a hammer, Larry Cragun, sometimes known as "Crazy Larry," got even crazier as he apparently lost touch with reality. Believing he was being stalked and burglarized by his peaceful neighbors above, he according to those that had much contact with him,his behavior abruptly changed about 2 months ago. He became moody and sullen, keeping to himself.

Cragun was recently divorced from his wife, Katie and there were custody issues that I'm still not sure of, but the child fortunately was with her mother when this tragedy struck.One woman, Patricia Heath, was killed in the hammer swinging melee that occurred on an otherwise peaceful Sunday afternoon. Many will mourn the death of Patty and the serious injury to her Mother-in-law, Yvonne.

It is said that the new year brings new beginnings. We can only hope that healing will occur and Bayview will somehow grow on to be a better place.

Update: The Captain's Wheel sale did not take place today. A party or individual has bought out the SBA loan and is in negotiations with the principles to finalize the ownership picture. I am not at liberty to divulge who that might be.

Horror Week Is Over

The week that has the entire town of Bayview depressed, is over. Hopefully we can rebuild from the tragic events of last Sunday. Fund raising is in full gear. The giving is not over just because Christmas is. There are collection cans located all over Bayview and Athol. We ask that you give generously.

If you haven't already figured out that banks can be as bureaucratic as government, listen to this. The guys that are trying to set up a donation account at a local bank met with some really off the wall stuff. The most flagrant was the question: "You'll have to produce a newspaper article or some other proof that this act actually happened." As Charley Brown would say, good grief. What more proof do you want?" I will attempt to help out in this endeavor.

In addition to the donation cans, a pot-luck memorial will be held New Years Day at JD's, to honor the memory of Patty Heath. All are invited.

There are other plans as well. Judy Gullidge and Robin, of "Log Spirit B&B," are holding a fundraiser at Log Spirit Sunday, January 23 in two sessions. First is from 12 noon to 3 pm. The second is from 4pm to 7. There will be beverages, appetizers, live music and drawings. There will be a $15 donation. Reservations can be had by calling Judy at: 208-683-0941.

In addition, Vic Woolever and Paul Celeri and setting up a bank account for mail in donations. As of Today, that has not been accomplished. We will post other information as it becomes available.

A severe winter weather alert has been posted for our area. Up to 11 inches of snow from now through Thursday, with the worst coming Wednesday. This will be followed by very cold weather.

Christmas Eve

May the LORD bless you and keep you and protect you along your path through life.

Christmas, A Rebirth? Or are The Holidays Destructive

For most of us, Christmas whether as a religious experience, or for others, a winter pause to reflect on their lives, it is a special time of the year. While Christmas Trees or Menorahs reflect in many windows, it is a time that even when things are rough financially, people can still come together.

For others, those tormented by family problems, mental illness, flung out on the streets after losing their jobs, It ain't so great. We are starting to see many more homeless and much more shoplifting at local grocery stores. This is a rough time and in my opinion isn't going to get better anytime soon.

Our manufacturing base has been destroyed by cheaper labor off shore. Seldom, and not just at Walmart, does one see any products not made either in China, Japan, Korea or Malaysia.These conditions bring on crisis's that perhaps wouldn't have manifested themselves had times been better. Sunday afternoon changed Bayview perhaps forever.

Today, and for this Christmas season, Bayview mourns one of it's longest residents and her family as a crazed neighbor sick with insanity and God knows what else, invaded their home while they were peacefully watching TV. Armed with a hammer he snuck into the house and proceeded to flail left and right at everyone seated around the living room. Two of the four occupants escaped serious injury. The other two, Patty Heath and L. Yvonne Wallis, a long time local resident didn't.

Yvonne is still in critical condition at this time after a plate was inserted in her scull. Unfortunately, Patty expired the next day from her fatal wounds. We understand that in addition to her head wounds, she had terminal cancer and was wasting away, weighing only 75 pounds at the time of her death.

Larry Cragun, the attacker, was known as a strange guy that picked arguments with neighbors. He was on supervised probation in Bonner County from a charge of beating his former wife severely, from two years or so ago. He remarried and had a 3 year old daughter with wife, Katy. She left him several times and finally stayed away. The question of why the adult probation department didn't detect the obvious mental illness as it progressed, is a question that many will be asking, especially the families of Yvonne and Patty. Fortunately, both Larry's baby was with her mom and the Heath baby was with Grandma on the fateful afternoon.

Trusted with the protection of the public with the powers of re-incarceration of the bad people, they were satisfied with periodic drug and alcohol testing. They totally ignored the repeated calls to Cragan's residence with weird,suppositions that the neighbors were, stealing from him, stealing food, poisoning his food while in his house, and still these reports either never reached probation, or they failed to bring him in for evaluation.

Today, and on through the holiday season, all of Bayview mourns the death of a friend, and the unknown future of Yvonne whose condition has yet to play out. A fund has been started to benefit the family of whom none had jobs. Two stalwart citizens,Paul Celeri and Vic Woolever have taken it upon themselves to help out. They are distributing collection cans and are in the process of establishing a donation account at a local bank. That information will be forthcoming on this blog when available.

We ask that those who read these words, say a prayer or wish good thoughts for this unfortunate family who did absolutely nothing to provoke this mindless, murderous attack on a peaceful gathering. Please, if you can find a way, give liberally to this fund for this innocent family that has been torn apart by an insane or drugged up or both,fanatic.

UPDATE: According to the spokesman-Review, Yvonne's condition has been upgraded to Fair.

Christmas Eve: Yvonne was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is now home. She is expected to fully recover. I took a little food up to their home tonite. A family that has been thoroughly destroyed. I don't know how a family gets past this kind of thing. I guess prayer is about the only cure.

Neighbor Bludgeoned In Bayview

Just 50 feet from my back door, my closest neighbor, allegedly bludgeoned my other neighbor and her guests with a hammer. At least one person was transported to Kootenai Medical Center, apparently with survivable wounds. This happened just less than an hour ago.

He then drove down to the Bay Cafe where he called the sheriff department on himself. It is suspected that he either has been hallucinating on drugs or his mind is gone. The alleged perpetrator recently tacked up a letter to the community accusing the government of invading his mind, which upon reflection, may be the only lucid thought he has had recently.All of this happened just after I left to drive to the Patio to watch the Seahawk game. It was a real good time to not be home.

Additional information from a county deputy who will go unnamed, as he wasn't authorized to release information, said that four victims were transported to the hospital. Asked whether any were in mortal danger, he replied, "we do not know at this time whether they all will survive." A child that might have been present apparently wasn't.Though unaccounted for, the small child was apparently somewhere else. (we hope)

A relative of the victims had the baby overnight and was in Ralph's Cafe earlier, Monday. She said that she had been to the hospital and while most are improving, Patricia is in real bad shape, having had brain surgeery with some removed and is not expected to survive. All three TV stations were up here today. If anyone is interested in seeing the crime scene watch the 6 o'clock news.

New information:

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reports that one of the victims of the bludgeoning yesterday in Bayview, has died at Kootenai Medical Center. Patricia Heath was pronounced dead shortly before 1:00 p.m. today from massive head trauma. Larry Cragun, 31 of Bayview is in custody on a variety of charges and is being held on $1,000,000 bond. One charge will be amended to the charge of murder based upon the death of Mrs. Heath. The investigation is on-going by detectives from the Sheriff’s Office/Major Ben Wolfinger, KCSD report.

New information suggests that L. Yvonne Wallis has serious brain injury, but is expected to survive. To what extent she will be able to function is at this time, unknown. I have been told she has had a metal plate implanted in her head, where a hammer blow ruptured her scull. These kinds of injuries sometimes take months to reveal the extent of the permanent damage, if any.

Chamber of Commerce Ship Goes down

This has been an interesting week for the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. (Ain't) Elections were held for officers and board members. In the long history of the chamber, these elections were staggered so that only two out of the six board members were up for election each year. This was for the purpose of keeping continuity. That and other bylaws were changed at an ill attended meeting two years ago.

Many in the community felt like the DAC, or Developmental Analysis Committee had grown into something not originally intended. Somewhat radicalized, more power had been concentrated in the committee which then showed a solid front, thereby obtaining total control of the body. Or as an E-Mail circulated by "George," was titled, "DAC Rules." That pretty much defines what went down. Able to split off and become an independent pressure or influence group, they chose to take over and dominate the chamber, rather than go it alone.

Such an action, though I'm sure gave a "team" victory sense to the proponents of the DAC, instead has finished off the chamber as the voice of the community. Shunning others that did not agree with their party line,refusing to let diverse opinions prevail, the so called chamber has been reduced to as they say, "preaching to the choir." While perhaps the other extreme of making the chamber an all business venture was fine for the business owners, it too was perhaps a bit tipped to the other extreme. What could have saved the chamber, sans the power play, was to redefine the group with a more inclusive attitude toward businesses in town.

This leaves business out in the cold from an organization that has the word "commerce" in it, which now is a gross misrepresentation. Perhaps it is time for the marinas and other businesses to form a new group dedicated to furthering growth within the community, rather than the dead on arrival look on the streets these days. Certainly, there is the temptation for some of the business owners to retaliate in kind, since they are the victims of anti-business themes.

I, myself, saw this coming for a while now and divorced myself from the group. I firmly believe I did the right thing as have most others that became fed up with the few that want to control the many. We enter the next year with the chamber losing the one thing they couldn't afford to lose. Their identity as the voice of the entire community.

To Everything, There Is An End

I have been writing for the Spokesman-Review since The beginning of the Prairie Voice and subsequently, the Handle Extra. That, if I remember correctly, was the spring of 2007. April to be precise. In the beginning, I wrote news and features for Bayview, then included Athol as well as a few stories from Spirit Lake. At the time, I was writing at least two and sometimes more stories per week.

Then the paper started cutting back. First, I was down to two to three stories a month, then the Prairie Voice was discontinued. I then started covering a little more territory and was published in the "Handle Extra." At the end of December, the Handle Extra will cease publication, and me with it. It has been a great run. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every story. Sometime in the next two weeks, my last story will publish. It will be an overview of the four part history of Bayview which published last summer. It will be the 171st story that I have written for the paper.

I sincerely hope that during this period, you enjoyed reading about your friends and neighbors and sometimes even yourself. I did the best I could, but print journalism is on it's lips and while it may survive in some form, advertising revenue has shifted to the Internet. One great success story though, is Huckleberries On Line, the S/R's Idaho blog with blogmeister Dave Oliveria. His blog will hit 2.5 million page views for the year 2010, sometime Wednesday or Thursday. That, my friends, is success. For access to any of the stories I've written, you can go online to spokesman.com. Then click on "times" then enter herb huseland in the search box and shazzam, every story I've written is there in chronological order.

I don't know what is lurking around the corner, but I definitely caught the bug and will search out other opportunities as I find them. For a start, I'm going to sell advertising for this blog. I normally get from 60 to 120 visits per day from all over the area and even some other countries. The cost will be very inexpensive and your ad will be exposed to many potential customers. I can be reached at: bayviewherb@gmail.com or by phone 208-683-9107.

Bayview Whitecaps Are Expanding

Last spring, a loose group of kids that were unaffiliated with a league wanted to play baseball. They got together with parents and others and formed a Babe Ruth Team. It turned out like a field of Dreams thing. The team started to win and just kept on winning. By the end of the season they had won:

3rd place in the St. Maries 18 & under wooden bat tournament,
1st place Kalispel all stars 15 and under invitational.
1st place Idaho 15 & under State Champs
3rd place Pacific Northwest Regional 15 & under championship tournament.

Not bad at all for a team thrown together from Bayview, Spirit Lake, Athol and Rathdrum. This year some of the players will be too old for that division, so since they were already beating up on older age kids teams, they decided to form a second team of 18 and under, while keeping the younger team together. Unfortunately, outfitting a team with uniforms, equipment travel and administrative costs, it's not cheap to field a team. Last year, residents from the entire north Kootenai County area stepped up magnificently. We are asking that you do so again.

Please donate generously to this effort. Please send donations to the Bayview Chamber of Commerce specified for the "Whitecaps" so the money goes to the right place.

Looming Colonoscopy

I debated as to whether I should write about something this personal, then decided if one person benefited by paying attention to their own bodies, it might save their life.

Friday morning at 7:00 am, I'm checking into the VA medical center in Spokane for a colonoscopy exam. This was not routine. Periodically, the VA gives me a card in which the patient is asked for small stool smears. This is to determine whether there is blood present where there shouldn't be. There was.

There are many reasons why this could be. Hemorrhoids, polyps or colon Cancer. Of the three, obviously the big C is the scare. Polyps can be a forerunner to cancer and for that reason, they need to be removed. From time to time, I think I'm indestructible. On the other hand, I am 72 years old and subject to the body wearing out just as others do.

The preparation for this procedure is not fun. First you swallow copious amounts of a liquid that does not taste good. That is followed by 24 hours of fasting, in which starvation starts to set in. Preparation starts actually, two days before the procedure. Since they dope you up, you can't drive for 16 hours after being released.

Hopefully, this will be a minor scare, but still I'm somewhat apprehensive. But trust me, if you have black stool, run, don't walk to your doctor. It might save your life.

I'm A Racist???

Today, for the first time in my life, two people called me a racist. Why? Because I called the show off wide receivers in the NFL on their show-off antics. This happened on Huckleberries on line, where on occasion, ultra-liberal fanatics that have been brain washed have totally suppressed honest debate. This happened after hearing the knee jerk response from this comment I made:
"You can take the receiver out of the Ghetto, but apparently you can't take the Ghetto out of the receiver." Now we all know that certain ethnic groups exhibit some commonly shown traits, even white anglo-saxon types. In the NFL there are Blacks, whites,orientals and Polynesians. My comment went right to the core of the issue. It was an ethnic showoff trait that is shown on TV every week-end. Did I identify an individual race? No. This is a cultural issue that certainly does have racial overtones, but what bothers me the most is that we cannot any longer debate these issues on their own merits.

Political correctness, which has permeated our country is not law. It has never been formalized except for cases of assault, if the assault is on a minority, but then that is another discussion. To not be able to identify and discuss anti-social behavior because it might point to a racial or ethnic group is misinformation at it's worst.

This isn't about whether or not I am correct in my conclusions, it's about the right and quite possibly our duty to talk about them. It is clear to me that this country has somehow been bullied into becoming tight lipped when discussing minorities, whether those minorities are wrong or not.

We are faced with illegal entry issues on both our southern and northern borders. The main stream media calls it "undocumented immigrants." They aren't undocumented immigrants, they are criminal trespassers. Up north, it would seem the enforcement is more against anyone convicted of an alcohol or drug offense, than to actually catch smugglers, both human, drug and Islamic terrorists.

I decided, after realizing how this society of ours had changed so radically when I wasn't looking, to not take it anymore. No, I'm not a white supremacist, nor a Nazi. Just a person that has been on this earth much longer than the perpetrators of this new dogma of silence. Certainly, there will be those that will say, Look, he proved he is an asshole. Well, I'd rather die an asshole that become what our brainwashed youth has become. No longer able to debate social issues on their facts and issues, but required to tip-toe around them for fear they may offend the offenders.

I don't talk about my family much, but to make a point I'm going to now. I have four children, all adults. One of my daughters married a black man and produced seven children of which I have several half-black grandchildren. One, a soldier in Afghanistan repeatedly referred to his sister and her baby as "Niggas." I warned him once, and after he repeated the racial slur, I unfriended him, my own grandson, from face book. You see, I don't put up with real racism either.

To the two biggots that called me a racist, Kamm and Mr Bloggy, I suggest that you pull that trigger a little less often and be sure of your target. You see, on the internet, while it is true your identity is secret, (mine isn't) you really don't know outside of one or two remarks what really goes on in a person's head. Taking one statement out of context without a pattern is worse that calling a racist name itself.

Babs Christmas Bazaar

Babs is holding it's annual fund raiser at the Bayview Community center December 4, 11 am to 5 pm. No store bought food for this soiree. Homemade Soups and Breads, salads and a bake sale. These ladies put out baked goods like your grandmother used to make. Actually, many of them ARE grandmothers.

There will be an espresso bar. gift baskets, Babs cookbooks and a quilt raffle of which tickets are available. Cost? A pittance. Only $6 per adult (over 7 years old) and kids, $2.50.

Some in the community are not familiar with Babs. It is a ladies group that was formed at least 54 years ago. Babs stands for Bayview, Athol and Belmont, a community that has kind of disappeared east of Silverwood. Some, but certainly not all that this dedicated group has accomplished are as follows.

An annual scholarship sending a hyoung lady to NIC each year.

One young lady to Girl's State each year.

These are the ladies that clean garbage from the sides of hwy 54 for two miles between mp 13 and 15.

A substantial cash gift goes to the ABC food bank which serves Athol, Bayview and Careywood every year.

Donaltions to the local schools for books.

Gifts to 4-H and Hospice.

You can see that these active ladies are not just a bunch of pretty faces, though they are that, too. They quietly go about their business, letting actions speak rather than words. Please turn out for this and other events that this unselfish group holds. They just keep on giving. Oh and they just may know where you can obtain a walker if needed. They were featured in the Bayview Daze parade pictured above.

The First Terrorists

The first terrorists that hit this country were the Pilgrims. Think about it. They were extremist Calvinists that put people in stocks and threw garbage at their faces as they lay there helpless. Even worst were the times that personal grudges would be settled by turning the enemy neighbor in to the religious police. Many were burned as witches. Not because they toiled and boiled or put curses on anybody, but because they were different.

Our country was not always a haven for religious tolerance, nor anything even close. The state of Maryland was at one time, ceded to Lord Baltimore, as a haven for Catholics. After England's King was denied permission to remarry, he promptly outlawed the Catholic church.

We just finished our Thanksgiving holiday which dates back to when our pilgrims landed near Plymouth Rock. The latest rumour is that it will be renamed "Dodge Rock," since the demise of Plymouth. Thanksgiving is celebrated for the act of our pilgrims stealing all the food they could carry from the Indians, then violating the endangered species act by wiping out every turkey within miles of the settlement.

John Alden was hired to bring Priscilla together with his buddy. He was the first pimp known to the new world. Folks, these people were nut cakes. They punished everyone that didn't toe the line politically. (Sounds like our current political parties, doesn't it.) Cozying up to John, she said, "Hey big fella, how about we take a roll in the hay our selves. To hell with your friend." They did.

Bundling was in vogue at the time. This was, as we still do, a way around our regulations against unmarried sex. So they would date, (it was cold in new England winters)Lying next to each other, covered with many quilts, they had a bundling board between them, apparently to keep them from coupling. Unfortunately, many of the bundlers were carpenters that knew their way around boards.

The bottom line here, is be careful about the historical events that you celebrate. The cause might not be as just as you might think. But then nobody in schools these days study anything other than cutting out turkeys and weird hats. Black hats, if you didn't notice.

Many people are up in arms against Christopher Columbus because he took slaves. The pilgrims on the other hand, made slaves out of their own people, then spread false dogma amongst the brethren. It's just a wonderful thing that it wasn't all wasted. You see, turkey is pretty tasty.

Snowy, Cold Holidays

This morning, I wrote an energy check that I couldn't cash. Faced with foot deep snow on the north side of my house, (where my car is parked)and a three foot berm where the snow plow buried said car, I decided to just leave it. My back has been acting up and I guess the aging process is speeding up, while my body is slowing down. Then while shovelling snow off of my front porch so the snow wouldn't slide down inside my sorrels while fetching my daily dose of the spokesman-Review, my snow shovel broke.

I looked around for what to do during the holiday approaching. I was thinking I needed to go to town for a whole chicken for Thanksgivings dinner. (Turkeys are too damn big for one person. Then it hit me. Every time I go to town I buy more than I can use at the grocery. Also, I am a hoarder. With my deep freeze full to capacity, I thought, aha! I bet there is a whole chicken frozen in there somewhere. There were two. On the shelf was a miniature can of cranberry sauce, along with another desperately lonely can of yams.

It dawned upon me. I don't need to go anywhere. I had no previous plans to go out during the holidays, so why not just do it myself. There won't be a large family gathering around my table, but the bird along with all of the fixin's will be on the table and with football dominating the day, I'll be just fine. Someday I'll yell for help and dig my car out, but for now, I have heat, lights and a good book. My gas mileage is always good, but parked under a snowdrift, it's even better.

You all have a great T-Day and remember the important urgency of the day. If the weather is dangerous, stay home. Already several have died because the weather coupled with inexperience and the belief that they just had to be somewhere, killed them before they could enjoy that gathering they just HAD to be present for.

January In November?

Sometimes it gets cold and sometimes it gets wet. It is when both happen at the same time that it gets serious. Today, it is timed either real good or real bad depending on whether you ski or not. It is 9:15 am and snowing. It is 20 degrees out. So far I have about three inches of the white stuff and the winter storm warning doesn't expire until Tuesday am. 4-8 inches is the prediction, but then just yesterday, they predicted about 1.2 inches. They lie to us, folks. By 11:00 I have accumulated 6inches on the north side of the house and counting.

According to "They," we are in for a cold wet winter due to something called La Nina. Looking outside, it is cold snowy and I can only find one sorrel. Gloves disappeared sometime last spring in that jumble that occupies my car on a perennial basis. The ceremony of the broken and frozen pipes is about to begin. As the heavenly orchestra conductor raises his baton, here it is, folks. I wasn't through with summer yet, either.

I would call a few friends today, but if they weren't real tardy, most of them are long gone to Arizona. The only traffic so far this morning on Lime Kiln was Hans with his snow plow. It's always ominous when Hans plows at three inches. It usually means he expects very heavy snow and wants to get ahead of it. While the weather bureau only predicts 4-8 inches, he would have waited if he believed that.

So here I am, bootless, glove less and considering how skinny the paper is on Monday, wondering if wet feet is worth the stroll to the paper box. I may just forgo my morning ritual and get my news via the Internet and of course, Huckleberries on line. Meanwhile, it continues to come down, even a little heavier than when I started this. Perhaps I've offended the weather gods.

***Weather Bulletin: The weather guessers are now predicting 5 to 8 additional inches of snow for this afternoon and evening along with gale force winds which is of course, a blizzard. Lakeland School District is still playing their cards close to the vest and will not make a decision on tommorow's schedule until the wee hours of the am. You can check at: lakeland272.org for the latest.

Big Brother-Illlegal Search Seizure

If you are accosted by a police officer, a sheriff deputy, an FBI agent, you have certain constitutional rights. The right to silence, the right to not be required to give evidence against yourself, the right to not be subjected to unreasonable or unlawful search & seizure.

The one exception to that rule of law, is the U.S. Transportation Security Agency. TSA can xray you, force you to strip without probable cause to suspect any damn thing, and now in addition to auditioning for a job as a stripper, they can fondle your genitals. There are several problems with all of these topics but let us dwell upon the genitals for a moment.

Unless I'm on a hot date, I really don't want anyone fondling me anywhere. I do suppose though that there are weirdos out there that will go through the line numerous times for that forgettable pleasure. This has gone way past reasonable. Unfortunately, our government doesn't seem to care about strict enforcement of our constitutional rights. Like all big governments they will do what we let them get away with to protect us from Granny's, red headed, light complected, Arab terrorists, etc. Common sense needs to take hold here or the courts will.

The other down side is that where a traveller has choices, many are starting to drive or take a train, rather than suffer the long delays in line and ending with indignities. It is time for all citizens to rise up and let the TSA and their bosses that no solution is 100% safe, so stop taking our liberties from us to try. The politically correct notion that we cannot profile is ludicrous on it's surface. I'm not even sure there is a law against profiling, but just something the MSM has invented, then foisted upon the public. Profiling is the best tool law enforcement has. Taken away, we have to screen thousands of obviously innocents to attempt to catch one or two real threats. If any movement is a threat to the airline industry it is these jokers and their unconstitutional regulations.

Online Fraud

Today I had over 25 messages, all from my AOL address and were addressed apparently to everyone in my contact list. When you open the message, it is an advertisement from a Canadian pharmacy, advertising erectile dysfunction medications.

First, I doubt seriously that the firm is Canadian, or even a legitimate source for these drugs, since it is doubtful they would stoop to hacking people's e-mail. For the record, I did not send any of the messages. I have also received the same from others that are similarly affected. Since our Federal Bureau of Investigation doesn't seem to be interested in pursuing off shore law breakers, I don't know what to do about this scam.

If any of you have the expertese to stop this, or to punish them back, please do so. Here is the address on line:

> http://www.allprimed.com/useful_shop.html

Idaho-Boise State

Well it was, after all a foregone conclusion that one of the best teams in the nation would beat Idaho. That the score was 52-14 was actually a false indicator, as in the second half the Boise State coach had his 2nd and 3rd string players in the game. What wasn't a foregone conclusion, was how the Idaho defense and sometimes offense refused to quit.

I had mixed feelings about the game. I am not a native of Idaho, but a life long fan of the University of Washington.I have kind of degeneratively become a regional fan. When I was younger, USC and occasionally UCLA dominated the league. UI has not competed in any demonstrative way for a very long time. Historical notes reveal that the original league was disbanded, forming the pac-ten was for the most part to dump Idaho which had never been competitive.

What this boils down to is that I am a regional fan. The day that the SoCal teams dominated the league is over. For years, USC would sign over 150 players. Not to play them, but to keep them from other teams. The NCAA rulebook forcing teams to limit rosters cost the rich colleges big time.

Now I root for first, Washington,then the other NW teams. That brings me to the present situation. While I wanted on the one hand for Idaho to do well, I also wanted Boise State to stay in the race for national champs. Mixed emotions indeed. Well, the game came out about where I was predicted to be, with Boise State pulling their first string after the first half. That was classy.

The Mouth Riseth

Some weeks, especially after some real good hard news, not to mention the antics of our elected Buffoons, things just don't happen. This is one of them.I've run out of energy trying to convince people that honesty and integrity, while rare, is still a feature that voters should strive for. Bottom line as they say, is,"You deserve what you ask for."

As a result, I'm going to ramble a bit. OK so I do that a lot anyway, right? The weather has turned colder. Not blistering, frost bite cold, but after what seems to be just last week's summer, a change has occured, as it does every year. I'm too broke to follow the Arizona bound lemmings as they desert our mecca of delightful summer activities, and I'm too old/tired/lazy to shovel snow.

The weather guessers have forecast gloom and doom for this year, explaining as they do every year, the difference between El Nino and La Nina. Does anyone but me remember when the forecasters would just tell it like they thought it would happen, without studying their computer models to replace what used to be called fortune telling globes. How many times have you looked out the window and observed weather that is totally different than those weather gods are predicting from their windowless enclaves.

Alas, you may have already figured out that I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to say this time around. Hey, even the Bayview Chamber of Commerce (chuckle) held their monthly meeting without bloodshed.You need to go do something useful, not sit there reading my meaningless stuff.

A howdy to John Land and beautiful bride, Jan in merry old England. I wish you a very merry Christmas. ( I can hardly ask you to celebrate Thanksgiving, as it was in celebration of our original religious fanatics set forth upon out continent, escaping from the dastardly clutches of the Church of England.)

And to all of you snow birds that will not have to dig their cars out this winter, I would spit in your direction except it would freeze in mid-air.

New Neighbor Moves In

I just got a heads up from Chuck Murray about a rare find in his back yard. A Western Scrub Jay showed up October 24 and appears to be settling in for a long sty. Non-migratory, their habitat stretches from Southern Washington State to Texas, preferring the dry areas south of us. The last sighting of this specie in North Idaho was in 1977 around the Priest Lake area.

When Chuck notified the Audubon Society of this bird, requesting information on it, the society lit up like a Christmas tree with excitement over the find. Large numbers of bird watchers have descended on the Murray homestead, hoping for a peek at this rare bird. While they normally travel and feed in pairs, Chuck has only observed the one.

When the bird first arrived, Chuck didn't know what it was, so he took a picture of it and sent it to the Audubon people. About a week later, there were more bird watchers in his yard than birds.

Murray has been feeding birds at his home on Cape Horn Road for 20 years and has befriended a covey of California Quail that have lived in the area for a long time. Gradually they stopped spooking when the Murrays were around, until finally in the present time, they wait under a bush in his yard for the afternoon feeding around 3:30 pm. As far as the Jay is concerned, he hit pay dirt, since a hungry bird will find a smorgasbord at this location.

The Last Dance

The last surviving original Pacific coast League team is moving. The Portland Beavers was purchased by a group headed by Jeff Moorad of the San Diego Padres. According to a blurb in the spokesman-Review, the team will play in Tucson, Arizona next year.

The team has played continuously in Portland since 1902. The original teams prior to major league teams either moving to the coast, such as the former Brooklyn dodgers and the San Francisco Giants, from New York, and Oakland or expansion teams, i.e. San Diego,Anaheim and Seattle.

Original teams that existed until major league expansion or moves, were the Seattle Rainiers, Portland Beavers, Oakland Acorns, San Francisco Seals, Sacremento Solons, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels and the Hollywood Stars.

(From Portland's website)

"Beavers History
When Henry Harris, president of the San Francisco club of the outlaw California League, visited Portland in December 1902, it was the beginning of a chain of events that continue to this day. Harris convinced the Portland club to quit the Pacific Northwest League and jump to his fledgling Pacific Coast League. The two leagues went head-to-head in five West Coast cities, but the PCL won out and became a recognized league in 1904."

For us old farts, (we prefer traditionalists) it would appear that nothing in history is sacred. There is still a PCL, but none of the teams are from the coast. They range all over the west and southwest, even including Round Rock, Texas.

Thank God It's Over

It's all over except in some states such as Washington, where mail in ballot counting will go on for days. One wonders though that if Rossi overcomes the deficit now present, whether King county will mysteriously find additional ballots heretofore not counted.

Some folks are ecstatic over results while others walk away saddened with the realization that it wasn't their turn.Those who voted and are upset can at least hold their collective heads up high with the knowledge that they participated in democracy.For those that are disappointed and didn't vote, shut yur pie hole. You didn't participate and have absolutely no standing in this exercise. The Republic and it's subdivisions have spoken and as the saying goes, "It is what it is."

It is now time to put away the wrathful angry representations and misrepresentations and calm down. For the winners, the earth is not standing still and the challenges still exist. Challenges that in some cases, such as free international trade have not been adequately addressed, what with our balance of payments and industries owned by the Orient. Perhaps the conservative "free trade" mantra isn't the panacea that those disciples of that philosophy thought it was.

We will live with our choices and in many cases, perhaps most cases, good choices were made, directions were reversed and progress takes on many guises. As far as the Timberlake Fire Protection District goes, I don't think those issues are going to disappear any time soon. Long term solutions that the electorate can agree with are needed to keep the district from spinning off into oblivion. The key here is voter involvement without the appearance of dictatorial direction from the commissioners.

In any case, we have identified problems that will carry over to the next election cycle in some races that unfortunately were uncontested. Hart will probably find that this is the last election he will win by default. People are starting to become aware that honesty and integrity are more important than philosophical purity. That, hopefully will become a major issue next time around in many races.

Issues That Are Clearly Unclear

I've been watching election returns all afternoon and on through the evening. Before I reach overload, I thought it would be useful to express my thoughts. First, this election cycle reflects a massive NO to CHANGE! Now that alone isn't necessarily fatal to the democrats. It's just a massive rejection to an empty vessel. While an election might be won by slogans like, "CHANGE," and accusing the republicans as the party of,"NO, it is important to understand what this all means. Slogans are just that. Buzz words.

Essentially, it means nothing. The same demagogues from both parties will still spread crap and either distortions or outright lies to us. This is nothing new. The liberal revolution was a temporary victory as will the conservative be. ... Unless real change occurs. Nowhere in the last half century, perhaps with the exception of the Reagan years, has either party managed to govern with any degree of expertise. This isn't necessarily the fault of the candidates, since they rely on test marketing, polls and such. What is broken is the lack of intelligent participation from the voters, most of which are either rabid fanatics of one side or the other, or dropouts. Of course, being a dropout doesn't disqualify you from bitching, even though you didn't take a position, didn't vote, and didn't think your thoughts mattered. They do.

Just in the Lakeland School District election for a bond issue to establish a cooperative voc-ed campus for training for the trades and other skills requiring certification, such as health care, only won by 5 votes. Do not ever think your vote doesn't matter. It does, even if it's only a warning to the other candidate that they don't have an absolute mandate.

Until the moderate middle steps up to take charge of their various political parties, The extremes will rule. This occurs primarily through apathy. The extremists and fringe dropouts will always fight harder that the families that are comfortable in their existence. These, for the most part, are not reincarnations of Jefferson, but manifestations of their own failed, wasted lives, where they seek to justify their existence.

Anticipation

I don't know about you folks, but I'll be glued to my TV from about 6:00 pm to watch what is billed as a voter riot. It sure will be interesting, regardless of the outcome. Thankfully, people can return to as close to normal as they ever get. Meanwhile, I have to finish a column for the S/R, so later.

For election results in Kootenai county, go to:

http://www.kcgov.us/elections/results/

Please Vote Tuesday

Most mid-term elections have abysmal turnouts of registered voters. There are many important issues, as well as political offices up for grabs, not to mention two up for grabs write-in contests.

Two such contests, pit Jai Nelson, Republican Primary winner against incumbent, Rick Currie. Currie lost in a three way election, with the split vote. This is a classic glass half-full or half-empty scenario. Nelson claims Currie had over 60% of the voters against him, while clamimg victory with less than 40% herself. The third losing candidate, threw his support behind Currie, as a write-in.

The other contest pits Phil Hart, Republican/Libertarian/Constitution Party incumbent against Howard Griffths, who threw his hat into the ring when several integrity issues surfaced during the Summer past. I cannot remember an election season with any more drama than this one, also a write-in canidacy.

For the first time in 15 years, Kootenai County clerk, Dan English has opposition. The lone elected Democrat on the county payroll, Dan's selfless dedication to his position was unchallenged until a sore loser in a city of Coeur d'Alene council election spurred fringe operatives from the extreme right to place the blame for their guy's defeat on the election department. An allegation that was discounted by the courts.

Wherever you are on these and other issues, let's have a great turnout to celebrate our unique system of overthrowing governments. By voting.

Pay It Forward

October 30th 2010 at 6:pm, the American Legion Auxiliary will host its annual
“Pay It Forward” dinner. The dinner was started as a means of collecting food items for the ABC Food Bank located in Athol and in remembrance of Ellie, who believed the way to return a favor is to “Pay It Forward.” All of the supplies to cook the meal are donated from local merchants. The price of admission to the dinner is a donation of food or cash to the Food Bank.

This dinner was started in remembrance of a dear friend. Ellie taught me to return a favor by paying the favor forward. The last year that Ellie was in Germany she left her fully decorated Christmas Tree, households goods, and bedding with Norma Jean and her family. Her only request was to pass the gift on to someone else in need.

As we move into the fall and winter season, the economy is very slowly improving. There are friends and neighbors who are in need. Pay It Forward by donating what you can."

An Open Letter to the Timberlake Community

Oct 22, 2010
I am not personally involved in the recall efforts against commissioners Rudebaugh and Fish,however, I was a direct witness to their behaviors (both public and behind closed doors) and completely support and understand why the petitioners want them removed from office.

Rudebaugh and Fish are currently circulating a flyer that falsely states that “the only real reason the petitioners want a recall is because of a strong personal attachment to the former fire chief,a desire to have the former management structure returned, and a $500,000 permanent levy” on the citizens." These claims are false and simply represent more of the scare tactics these two men used to get elected in the first place. It is a well known fact that I am not returning and there are no plans for a levy or the return of the previous management structure.

The fire district is in very poor shape both in terms of equipment and personnel, and its future should be seriously discussed and decided by the citizens, in the form of town hall meetings supported by a community survey, which was the original plan crafted on December 16, 2009 in a work session of the entire board, including these two new commissioners. That meeting gave me unanimous direction to send out a newsletter and survey, to schedule town halls, and proceed with the commissioner supported plan to test public support for some form of levy to address the problems posed by a dilapidated fleet of vehicles. However the newsletter was halted by these two commissioners one day before it was to be mailed.

The August 2010 Timberlake Fire newsletter stated “In mid February, the chief acting on his own without Board approval, removed many pieces of equipment from service.” The board was informed that removing the apparatus was an option one week prior, and none of them objected. In fact, Rudebaugh gave specific direction to do it. Soon after that happened, he put a gag order in place, and then violated his own gag order by leaking information to a friend who called the press, and then acted surprised and strongly objected when the information appeared in the paper. I couldn’t believe it.

I would also like to confirm statements that the management contract was my idea. In March, I researched this as an option and discussed it with other chiefs since I was privately considering another employment opportunity and wanted to ensure that the district would have continuity of professional management in the interim. I brought up the idea of a “management contract” to the commissioners as one of several “short term” alternatives to help the district survive within its current funding, even though the district's long term problems would not be fixed unless we either decreased service or increased funding.

It was understood by all that this was one of several alternatives, and that what was needed was for the board of commissioners to discuss all options in a public forum and obtain feedback to gauge which options the public would support. Unfortunately, commissioners Rudebaugh,Fish and outgoing commissioner Quillin chose instead to move forward with a management contract by acting behind closed doors. All of the planning and options were supposed to be transparent and open, but it was not. It was very dirty politics and it upset a lot of people. In closing, I would just like to thank the citizens of the Timberlake Fire Protection District for two
wonderful years in which it was my honor to serve as your fire chief.

Jack Krill
Former Fire Chief, Timberlake Fire Protection District

View From The Top

Winter hours have arrived for local bar/restaurants. The floating Patio will close Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.open Thursday through Sunday, until spring.

Ralph's Internet Cafe is open 8-8 Tuesdays through Saturday and 8-4 Sunday and Monday.

The Bay Cafe is open for Breakfast and lunch from 8:00am until 2:00 pm. Norma Jean tells us that you must try the new dish. Eggs Benedean.

JD's has their regular hours, 7 days per week.

The Buttonhook will be closed for the remainder of the Winter, unless the patio closes early. The buttonhook can open for special occasions and private parties by reservation. Contact Herb for that use at 683-9107.

The Bayview Mercantile is operating on winter hours as well, closing at 8:00 pm.

Marinas are open and taking slip reservations for next year, and/or covered moorage now. Call 683-2243. Or MacDonalds at 683-2211.

Wacky Election Year

This year might possibly go down as one of the wackiest ones in recent history. We have a congressman, Walt Minnick, democrat, dissing Obama. OK, not so unusual in this the avoid Obama year for dems.

Then we have two write-in campaigns in local races, both which actually have a chance to succeed. Jai Nelson, Darling of the Libertarian right polled just barely more than Curry and Filios in a three way primary race, causing Filios and Currie to team up in a write-in for Currie. None of the candidates polled more than 37%.

Then the bizarre candidacy of Phil Hart, late of the Constitution Party. Serving on the taxation committee in the state legislature. He owes a bunch to the federal government, and his own state, for which he legislates tax laws... AND, he passes the litmus test in the investigation of his conflict of interest. Plus, it is discovered that he allegedly stole enough logs from state lands to build his rustic mansion in Athol. Howard Griffiths, a man that we here in Bayview know and respect, couldn't stomach this travesty, as a republican himself, and starts a write-in, too.

Kootenai county clerk, Dan English, a thoroughly respected administrator, suddenly becomes a cause celeb from the same libertarian right that Jai Nelson springs from. As if the 15 year veteran wasn't there all along, the wackos eventually became enraged at the heresy of an admitted democrat that could actually hold office in this county. Of course many of his detractors don't even live in Kootenai county, but then that is why the term Carpet Baggers was coined, wasn't it.

For those of us in northern Kootenai County, the recall election in the Timberlake Fire Protection District. Two commissioners, most recent electees, Rudebaugh and Fish, enraged many in the district for firing a popular chief, then contracting for management with an adjoining district, ignoring that folks around here like to manage there own affairs. Local control is the foundation of conservative politics and the transfer of responsibility to Northern Lakes appears to have engendered widespread resentment.

Even local volunteer organizations are not exempt from the craziness that pervades our region. Here in Bayview, the so called Chamber of Commerce disses local businesses and caters to a special interest group that is anti-expansionist. This roiled up group appears to be spinning out of control. We hear that the coming election of officers in November,is in trouble. they can't find anyone that wants to hold these offices and many of the current board members can't wait to escape.

All in all, if in the firing line, duck, then go vote. Staying at home this year not only would be a travesty of monumental proportions, it would suggest that you just don't give a damn. That of course won't stop the non-voters from bitching, once the dust settles.

For Unbelievers

Many people cruise out to Bernard Peak in hopes of spotting the elusive mountain goats that some think is an urban legend. Well no, it's not. We really have goats here. (permission granted if you want to download this picture for your own enjoyment,) Tom Musson & I sailed out for a tour of the south end of the lake and lo & behold, they were everywhere. The two pictured were only about 50 feet above the water. I used as much zoom as I dared, since I was on a rocking boat.

County Clerk

This is an interesting contest, as no serious challenger has stepped up for Kootenai County Clerk in the 15 years Dan English has been there. I question the motives of Hayes who probably was a fine police chief, but has no training for the vast sub-departments of the clerk position. This smacks of pure partisanship. The very idea, allowing a democrat to hold office in Kootenai County apparently offends some of the fringe of rational politics. Or perhaps Hayes just needs a job. Any job.

I did a story a couple of years ago in which I covered Deedee Beard and the elections department. At that time, I went away in awe of the professionalism that Deedee and her boss, Dan showed during the election cycles. It pains me to see a fine public servant such as Deedee maligned for partisan purposes. Hanging the 3 vote loss to Kennedy on the elections department is the height of demagoguery at best. To send such a fine person as Deedee into retirement in the way some did is just plain awful.

As to this election, I commonly use a very simple formula for selecting whether to fire an office holder, or hire a new one. My formula is,"If if ain't broke, don't fix it." Folks, the office of Dan English and his perch as county clerk ain't broke. I urge everyone to ignore party affiliations as I have in this and one other case and vote for Dan, the best man for the job.

PS: I received a comment from Bill McCrory in which he correctly noted that I used Harris instead of Hayes. Mea Culpa. I had a brain cramp. The reason that I didn't publish Bill's comment was that he chose to use defamitory language in pointing my error out. He isn't the same gentleman that once helped me repeatedly through the pitfalls of computer ignorance that I once needed and received help with from him. Thank you for all of your help, Bill. Even the comment that you submitted, since it allowed me to correct the error. I forgive you for the anger that this issue spilling over from the litigation caused.

My Two Cents

Well, the election is almost upon us and what an interesting year it is.I'm not going to cover all of the mess, but a part of it intrigues me,having never used the blank space for write in candidates in all the 50 years I've voted. That is one thing I'm changing that this year, not once, but twice.

First the race for county commissioner in Kootenai County. Three candidates ran in the primary with incumbent Rick Curry gaining 32% of the vote, Jai Nelson, darling of the libertarian movement with 37% and Chris Fillios at 32%. This was from a total of about 19% turnout of registered voters. Since the election, Fillios has enthusiastically endorsed the write in campaign of Rick Curry. This essentially means that 66% voted against Nelson and her marginal crew.

I believe that without the efforts of some extremists and had Fillios not run, Curry would have walked away with the election. He is one of the most effective commissioners we have ever had. He speaks truth, even if that truth isn't what you want to hear. He works effectively with all political affiliates and doesn't deserve to lose. What is more important, is we can't afford to turn our county government over to extremists. I urge a write in vote for Currie.

The other write-in will be for Griffiths. This is a republican that after all of the revelations regarding Hart came out, just couldn't stay out of the race. That is to his credit, a brave thing to do. To anyone that is listening at all, I need not repeat the sins of Hart. He is an embarrassment to Idaho, the republican party and Kootenai County. That his own party in the ethics investigation held to a straight party line is not to their credit either. He has allegedly stolen from the state, has refused to pay his taxes and has deeded his home and business to a living trust to avoid any responsibility. This is a man that doesn't understand morality at all.

We need to address the severe polarization of the left and right. We need thoughtful office holders that have principles and morals to represent us. I realize that a write-in vote is an uphill battle, but if I am going to represent that principle that I espouse, then this I must do. I urge every one that reads this to give these issues serious thought and vote your conscience.

Lolo Pass Oil Shipments

There have been hundreds of trees cut down to tell the story of the boondoggle in shipping 175 ton half coker drums up highway 12, thence to and through Montana, which hasn't given permission yet either. Blocking off hwy 12, both lanes so that these monster loads can travel through Idaho to their final destination, the oil sands area of Calgary, Canada.

I have an off the wall suggestion that may actually work. It has been announced that many more over sized and over weight loads are planned for the future. Has anyone thought about flying over these routes rather than trucking them? No, I don't mean in a standard airliner. How about a rigid dirigible? I had read something about a new German built airship called the CL160. I even think there is one already here on the west coast.

The CL 160 as it's name implies, can carry a payload of 160 tons from point A to the end destination without touching the ground anywhere en route. True, 160 tons won't lift 175 tons, but those figures are so close, one wonders if the engineers that designed this machine hd a tolerance built in that would handle the additional weight. The airships use helium, not the hydrogen that the ill fated Hindenburg burned up with.

I urge the powers that be to look into this method of transporting extra heavy or extra large loads. How about we think outside the box just this once. Below is the source of the statistical information on these air machines.

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/cargolifter/