Malcolm Speaks

I heard from Malcolm today. He has returned to Spring, a suburb of Houston about three miles north. He has electricity, which is better than most, has his internet connection, but as yet, no dial tone. We are waiting for a more complete description of what he is facing, but it appears his mobile home didn't get blown away.

O k, 2 pm September 15, the power finally came back on.
I went to San Antonio,stayed at my grandmothers rental house(which happened to be empty). I waited 24 hours to make the return. on the return at Flatonia,Texas we passed the convoys of Cat 1000 watt generators with their federal police escorts ... Hundreds of them. I got lucky with the weather holding out until I made it through southwest Houston where I saw only light damage from wind. Some hours later the same part of Interstate 10 would be under several inches, perhaps feet of water. Upon my arriving home I did notice the wind had some incredible force to remove the skirting off of every trailer in the complex. A few missing shingles and such.

While leaving Houston, I called my grandmother and she told me, my 49 y/o cousin who lives in Galveston , failed to make the bus for the evacuation. We can only hope for the best. As of yet no word on him.

To the northeast of where I live the damage is awesome. Trees plucked roots and all and thrown over 20 ft from the hole. Mangled steel pieces from industrial buildings and signs litter the storm drains.

I've only seen a few pics of Galveston and I am very concerned for my cousin. Now its time for my first shower and maybe more later.

More Malcom & Ike

In our continuing coverage of Malcom Lowry's survival attempts, I am again reprinting some of his e-mails to me, along with my warning to him. I will continue to cover this as long as he can still communicate with me.

"Mother Nature just played the "you gonna die card" in your poker game. Stick the most important stuff in your rig and get the hell out."(Herb)

(Malcolm) "Ya, the poker game is a bust. I'm headed for higher ground you'll know more when I know more."

"I've talked with the fire dept and of course Ive been watching the news and internet reports; we are being told to shelter at home but as I've mentioned previously, I live in a mobile home.The advice for mobile home dwellers is to go elsewhere...So I have altered my plan. I will spend a good part of tomorrow at the shop which is 45 feet above sea level,well out of reach of the storm surge, to drop off my tools and secure some other valuables. By late evening I plan to be in a brick home on the "clean" side of IKE. There is no doubt this storm is the most ominous threat to Houston in 25 years.

The places which will be affected by storm surge are all evacuated, special needs people are gone too. The highways have NOT opened to contra flow. the mood is a calm. Anxiousness is a better description than impending doom. for those of us still here, we've all accepted the fact we cannot totally evade this monster , we will be hit... HARD. Hurricane cat2 wind for more than 10 hours, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes. ya....there is fear, but I have not seen one person panic or any of the emotions other than concern coupled with swift action by the local governments and citizens alike."

UPDATE: 1:11 pm 9/12. Alright I've had enough already....I'm headed south to San Antonio. I'll give you a call after I'm out of this mess.

Ike's Fury

This is another of several posts which my former neighbor, Malcolm Lowry is sending daily reports on the arrival of Hurricane Ike. When the storm hits, he will hopefully update repeatedly while he still has power.

24 hours sure made a difference in the medias coverage of IKE. The damaging winds now span a distance of over 200 miles from the eye. It seems as if Ike is building up strength for the eventual inland campaign aimed some where in SE Texas. Stern warnings and mandatory evacuation for the gulf coast counties,and wind advisories all the way north of Conroe. We here in spring expect power outages from winds reaching 60+ mph with gusts up to 100 mph. this is not good for the thousands of people in mobile homes....that’s me!

With the evacuees from the coastal counties coming inland, it will be difficult for driving just due to local traffic unable to travel south because of the contraflow of the interstate. I myself don’t wish to be looted so I will be riding this thing out. However I do have a backup plan. IF by tomorrow evening I don’t feel comfortable here in the 40+mph winds starting @5-6pm, I will go to my shop where at least some steel and concrete were used to build it.

The local news is having their turn in the spotlight every news cast is like an audition for GMA or TODAY show. Reality tv at its very best. Ha! At the grocery store people are stocking up on the standard emergency supplies: batteries, water and beer. The highways are still in their normal configuration with moderate traffic. everyone I've spoken with is calm and not overly concerned with being forced to flee.

OK, well I think I might give my poker buddies a call and see maybe I can get a game going for tomorrow night. if the storm gets bad enough maybe I can do as good as I did during Katrina! In fact I think I made $80 IN the 8 or 12 hrs of Katrina. this storm is expected to last much longer; I hope this helps my game!

Addendum: I have e-mailed Malcolm urging him to bail out. He lives in a mobile home with a shop out back that would be one story. Houston is now predicted to be the center of the storm with 90 MPH winds and a 20 foot storm surge. with Galveston Bay leading almost all the way into Houston, it will probably be fatal for him to stay.

Trouble in Texas

Texas in bracing for what could turn into a major disaster. Determined to react better and faster than in the past, local counties are taking independent action. Matagora County, roughly half way between Houston and Corpus Christi has ordered a mandatory evacuation. Other area have done so with infirm patients. Obviously, the memory of patients in nursing homes perishing because nobody came for them is haunting, and perhaps always will haunt those in charge of these areas.

Our on the spot reporter, Malcolm Lowry, had this to say. "It's hard to believe that were in for a major storm when you look at the sky. It's a beautiful Morning with a clear sky and 92 degree temps predicted for the day."

A rather disturbing account was passed on by Malcolm, quoting a New Orleans police officer. We have no way of verifying this, but Malcolm is normally dependable. We will leave the name of this officer out, so as to protect her from retribution in the department, and also to protect against an inaccurate quote.

"Yes, a lot of people are frustrated. Everyone I spoke with decide that if, "IKE were to greet our shores, they were not leaving." citing high gas prices, being herded around like cattle without the comfort of ones own surroundings, packed like sardines in evacuation centers is not a pleasant experience. Of course, being killed, one presumes, isn't either."

She went on to suggest that many "bad seeds" are in the majority of evacuees, leading to rampant crime after evacuation. Apparently her position is that like the old "visiting firemen" of old, these people, not of the community they land in tend more toward crime than in their own neighborhoods. She went on to say. "Allegedly, I wish the media wouldn't interview the "bad seeds" ... The ones that feel the government owes them something. The government lined up buses, (free) put them on Amtrak, (free)and carried their lazy asses out of town and put them up in shelters. They still found something to complain about." (We believe she is talking about Katrina in this example)

One of the major problems with the evacuation is illegal workers that are afraid to report to evacuation centers for fear they will be segregated and hauled off for deportation. Apparently, the Customs and Immigration authorities have, in the past guaranteed a cessation of enforcement during mandatory evacuations, yet in another case, rounded up several for deportation. Without editorializing about this, it appears that major loss of life may occur if this monster storm hits some of the more agricultural areas, that team with illegals. That they shouldn't have been there in the first place, pales with the consequences that could occur.

Malcolm went on to remark about the fact that Houston seems to always be the point where evacuees are cared for. It sounds like some, if not many locals are a bit tired of being a lifeguard station for others.Malcolm's last remarks were, "Ya, looks like it could be dampish over the week-end. lol. I'll be riding this one out like I did Katrina. Actually, by the time Katrina made a serious threat, it was too late to run.The interstates were clogged, people ran out of gas or overheated, and it was a disaster.Mu parking lot was flooded, but I passed time playing poker." (he didn't say whether he won or not)

Apparently many of the State, Federal and local authorities are geared up to cure the problems that occurred with Katrina. Gas tankers will patrol the freeways, where evacuees run out of gas. All traffic lanes will funnel to the north and not buses will be left to drown in the lower areas, as happened with Katrina, as the bus drivers abandon their jobs and ran with their families. All in all, Katrina did not bring the best out in anyone. We can only hope that an important lesson has been learned. We will continue to relay reports from Malcolm,as long as he has the ability to send them.

Update from Malcolm:

"Parts of Brazoria County are evacuating today. They were voluntary now they have decided to make it manditory for the Surfside areas. Schools closed for the rest of the week. and fuel trucks are being called in. they are holding emergency meetings for city council in Galveston to transfer all council jurisdiction and power to the mayor. Trash services are being canceled.

where I'm at we are looking at the nasty side of the storm plus a cold front heading south we may have some flooding in the lower elevations." (Apparently, the feeling is that IKE will take care of trash distribution)

Hurricane Ike

It is ironic that this storm is called Ike, since the evacuations that will take place will be over what they, in the south, call the Eisenhower freeways. All of the original interstates were empowered by the Eisenhower administration, and of course, the congress of those times. It is perhaps interesting, that while throughout the south, signs liberally dot the freeways, proclaiming this fact, none in the north acknowledge this great president and general as the benefactor.

For those too young to remember Dwight Eisenhower, or his presidency, many called him the do nothing president. The reason was that the perception of him was that of a sloth that slid his way through eight years. In reality, he just wasn't a publicity hog. As a General commanding the entire war in Europe and North Africa, he was used to delegating responsibilities to lower echelons of command then letting them run with the ball, so to speak. He forced the interstate system through a reluctant congress, who thought it was unconstitutional. It may well have been, but under the guise of national defense, he declared these super highways as defense installations for the purpose of moving troops and equipment rapidly to the ports of embarkation on both coasts. He got away with it, and the nation no longer had to put up with two lane highways running across the country such as route 66, highway 99 and others.

I am posting this about Ike, as a friend and long time Bayview resident, Malcolm Lowry, now resides in Spring, a city just a little north of Houston, and in an apparent direct path of Ike. I contacted Malcolm and asked him to give me regular updates on the progress of this violent hurricane. Currently, they weren't terribly concerned, and hadn't got any serious warnings from the State or City. That's about to change. I will keep everyone up to date as long as Malcolm can keep 'em coming. According to the storm center, Ike is due to wreak it's havoc in the Houston area around Saturday. Stay tuned.

John McCain

I just finished watching the CNN special on the life of John McCain. Considering that CNN isn't noted for being the bastion of conservatism, all in all, I thought they did a pretty good job of telling his life story. Sure, they emphasized his warts, but they also portrayed him as a man of principle, a man that doesn't bow to knee jerk party line, when principle was in the way.

Many people that doubt his credentials as a viable candidate, point to his temper and the breakup of his first marriage. First, dealing with temper, is a subjective exercise. Most people that rise to the top of a political career,are either phonies, or passionate about government.Passion sometimes takes the form of anger, and that's to be expected. Nobody should stand in place with a smile on their face while being attacked on a personal basis.

The breakup of him and his former wife is a story that has been told time after time with returning vets. Not just the ones that survived combat, but especially those that survived imprisonment. Our Veteran Administration Treatment Centers across the nation are full of Viet Nam Vets with Post Traumatic Syndrome. Many, if not most, when repatriated, found it difficult to adjust to life as usual. Liberal politicians constantly harp on the subject of understanding and helping those that were so afflicted. Is it such a stretch to assume that after over five years of imprisonment, torture, and the feelings of guilt that this, just as human as any other vet, might have had problems readjusting to life as usual. It isn't unusual for marriages to flounder when faced with a vet that is maladjusted to normality.

That this man has overcome most of the major challenges, crippling injuries, PTSD, and other experiences, along with the knowledge that his line of Admirals, both father and grandfather expected nothing short of greatness from him. He appears to be a man of principle, not slogans, nor party first if he feels they are wrong.

Why then, are so many people aligned against him? Could it be that he is upsetting the status Quo so badly, when the Democrats started smelling blood on the water, that his opponents have become shrill? This man may be the best transitional president we've ever had, or needed. Many of us have made mistakes in our personal lives. I certainly have. For this man to make some of the same mistakes that I did with much more justification, I can accept. Do we need change? We certainly do. I just think that McCain/Palin are the change we need, not a throw the baby out with the bathwater change the democrats suggest.

I used the word transitional, because some have forgotten that we only elect a president for four years, not eight, and it's not automatic that he run for a second term, though if he is able, why not.We all know that I am 70, just two years younger than McCain. If he remains healthy, alert and involved, well, that's a decision best left to the future.

Election Years

I am impatient for the election to be over. Normal people turn into petulant children, cranks turn rabid, mature adults turn spiteful and insulting. . Discussions are not limited anymore to issues. Now most people on line feel it necessary to first discredit the other. This is done by belittling the person with whom you are debating. This can take many forms, none of which will change anyone's vote. In fact, it may well turn the recipient off enough to where they change their vote against your choice.

Why then, do people do these things? It's a mystery to me. Normally nice people snarl and bite at folks that show a tendency to favor the other candidate. I'm not just talking about the far left, although they seem at the moment to be the loudest, shrillest voice. Right wing wackos fit this description too. Facts cannot be altered, but opinions are owned by the opiner. Hours upon hours are spent by people that are undoubtedly at work,apparently not too well supervised.

The most amusing issue of the day, is the candidacy of Sarah Palin for Vice-President. In an unbelievable development, the left is all abuzz with reasons why picking her was a mistake. Why,then,if that is their feeling, don't they just shut up and let the Republicans shoot themselves in the foot? Could it be that these lefties feel threatened by this sneak attack? That maybe, just maybe, Palin will draw away some of the Clinton vote?

Do we hear the same level of contempt for the selection of Senator Biden as Obama's running mate? Of course we don't. Perhaps the media pundits, but not the Guy/Gal on the street. Another inconsistency is calling Palin, a first term Governor, and executive, too inexperienced, when Obama who is also a first termer, and a Senator, to boot, is touting his inexperience as a plus. His mantra is throw the establishment out. We need change. Apparently this principle only applies to one party, not the other.Well, we are going to have change. It remains to be seen who will create those changes, however. It does not appear that either candidate is a shoo-in. It is notable though, that Obama/Biden appear to be leveling off, while McCain/Palin appear to be on the upswing. It's too early to tell, but I can't wait for it to be over, whoever wins, just so I don't have to listen to adults acting like children. Of course with the Internet, some probably are. Calling people derogatory names is not an adult exercise.

Addendum: I just finished listening to Sarah Palin give her acceptance speech. I wondered, while waiting for her to come on, whether she would out of lack of speaking experience, embarrass the ticket. ... She knocked them dead. Now I understand why the lefties are so upset.

New Experiences

Having become ordained two or three years ago, I never thought I'd use the license, but today I officiated at my very first wedding. I was sitting with a couple of friends a while back. They were discussing their wedding plans and brought up the subject of who was going to perform the wedding. I piped up with, "I could do that," at which time they almost fell off their bar stools. Not many if anyone knew that I was an ordained minister, albeit the Universal Life church.

I wrote the ceremony from scratch and it was short and sweet. After all, the important parts are, "do you? do you? then pronounce.It was a lot of fun. John and Mary Golden aka Mary Stirn were married at 2:00 pm in Spirit Lake at the home of Mary's Daughter, Taryn Hecker. About eighty guests were present, the weather turned out perfect and it was a rousing success. I only hope I filled out the license correctly. I probably should have went to the county and got a sample, but somebody will yell if it wasn't done right, I'm sure.

Maybe I have a new avocation, that of a marriage mill operator. Who knows what the future will bring. I noticed that it was far less nervous to preside, than as a participant.

Energy Debate

I think that the demonetization of large corporations have skewed the issue in a partisan way. Certainly, supply and demand is the primary factor in fuel pricing. This, however isn't the only side of this very multi-sided coin.

The issue of conservation and ecological protection, while very much needed, has escaped the bounds of the extremists goals of zero growth, to become a main stream issue.It is very unfortunate that two or three extreme liberals control congress at this time. That isn't to say that control of congress should switch to extreme conservatives either.

We are at a crossroads that portend disaster.Industry has for the most part, fled the country, after ecologists drove them off shore. Steel, Manufacturing, and all down the list. The idea that by sending manufacturing offshore, it will help the planet is absurd. We have just moved the pollution to other parts of the world, that same world we live in.

The current congress is controlled by a senator from San Francisco,and a long term Senator from Nevada. Well, it would be nice to have a sagebrush rebellion type on the side of the smaller populated states, what we have is a man that has his hand out for the pork that he can deliver, to the smallest populated state in the union, and he has the power to stop even his own party from bringing energy legislation to the floor. One wonders whether this nation will survive this election year.

Currently, we,in this country, manufacture next to zero electronic components. Not just Television sets or DVD players, but radar sets, and other highly defense orientated issues. Soon, we are going to find ourselves in a position where we no longer can pick and choose our allies, in a war sense. Our country has become a consumer nation, not a productive country. This is going to eventually bite us in the ass, and in case of war, which appears to be never ending throughout history.

We need, desperately, to become more independent in more that just oil. We have as much in the way of raw materials as any other country with the exception of Russia, and they are so far behind the rest of the world in developing these resources, it will take them 50 years to catch up in technology. They may, however, just revert to the old Soviet trick of,"If we cant invent it, let's steal it."

Industry has to come back to where we, as a country can control the output. Sure, we need to pay attention to our air and water quality, but not at the expense of loosing our economy. Japan lost the second world war, not because of lack of determination, nor lack of industry, they lost because they had no raw materials to feed their factories. As long as we send our raw materials to the orient for manufacture, then ship the finished product back to us, we are a third wold country.

I am not advocating total protectionism, nor wide open, which we have now.Our balance of payments with counties such as China.Japan and others, are out of whack due primarily to their willingness to sell to us, but not buy from us. That doesn't constitute trade. Those that have egregious differences in B of P, slap tariffs on them until they see the light.

Tongue Firmly Planted ...

Ada County, Idaho announced today that hereafter,(no pun intended)The city of Twin Falls will have to pay an additional $150, totaling $1350 for autopsies performed by the County. In addition, the county was heard to say that in the future, due to rising costs due to rampant inflation, it will be a gross misdemeanor, for more than 15 murders committed locally. Currently, the average is 20 to 25 per year.

This new policy comes with a free gas card for anyone that wishes to transport their victims outside the city, so that it becomes a county issue. Criminals were heard to mumble, "more government interference in our affairs. When will it end." Several potential officials, 'er, future victims, wondered out loud whether their estates would have to pick up the cost, or would the county fine the perpetrator.

In other news, the Laramie Daily News, reported that in anticipation of party animal type student arrivals, signs were posted on the commons that read,"45 minute unloading only." This, an apparent reference to the fear that the first act of these kids would be to stop there and proceed to get loaded.

Gas prices are affecting everyone and everything. The Whitman County Gazette reports that a Coyote hitched a ride for five miles, when he apparently ran out of gas. After the animal was extricated from the grill of a car, it limped off still appearing out of energy.

Should We Lower Drinking Ages to 18?

The debate is raging over whether to lower the drinking age to 18, citing patriotic fervor, regarding they can fight, they can vote, etcetera. Here are my opinions on that.

I was around the last time Idaho went to 19 in the state of Idaho. At that age, people are just not mature enough to handle booze, and tend to binge. We've had several area deaths on university campuses of students that either stumble off of their third floor balconies, or die from toxic alcohol syndrome that I would not be in favor of turning this monster loose.

Now as to the points often made, such as old enough to die for their country, and old enough to vote, or even old enough to be held as an adult in the commission of a crime, I'll take these issues on by simply saying they are invalid comparisons.
I have served in the military. Most of us drank at 18 or 19 while overseas, simply because we could. The military wants people of the age group from 18-21 because they will take risks on orders that older, wiser people would not follow. In short, they think they are 10 feet tall and bullet proof, Not unlike one that is imbibing alchol.

Old enough to vote? That was a political move to attract Democratic votes, not an acknowledgment of maturity. I would venture to guess that 80% or more young people vote knee jerk how their parents do until around 25, when they start thinking unencumbered by parental or teacher brainwashing.

End Of An Era?

Budget cuts have arrived that severely curtail the neighborhood correspondent program at the Spokesman-Review. Back when the Voices editions first started a little over a year ago, we had one staff reporter, Paula Davenport. All the rest of the coverage was from correspondents, such as myself and many others. With the massive lay off of many staff reporters last Summer, we correspondents had an even larger part to play.

Since then, most of the reporters were re-hired. As it applies to the Prairie voice, my edition, we now have two full time reporters working where one was originally. Several budget cuts have occurred at the Spokesman-Review, with the last one, last week, being the most severe affecting us correspondents. The budget was cut in half. So far, I have survived, but the Bayview News will only be seen twice a month, instead of every week.

I may be able to write an occasional feature or news story, but our little area will languish, as might Athol and Farragut State Park, my beat for the last year and a half. How this will affect area advertising, I have no idea. Somehow, with advertising in the Handle Extra and also the Prairie Voice growing fast, the news content is shrinking. This doesn't make sense to me, but it apparently does to the money managers.

I have been accepted as an occasional contributor for the River Journal, published by Trish Gannon of Clark Fork. They recently changed from a weekly newspaper, to a monthly magazine format. This will enable them to enlarge the coverage area from an exclusively Bonner County paper, to a regional magazine. I hope I can contribute my share.

I will continue with my relationship with the Spokesman-Review as long as they have a use for me, but it would appear the end is near. On the other hand, maybe other writing opportunities will come along to fill the gap. I'm having far too much fun to quit now, and the feedback I get is by far, on the positive side.

A Divided City

Picture from Harrison Chamber of Commerce website


I recently visited friends, John and Deena Austin on their custom built houseboat for a couple of days in Harrison, Idaho. Well, actually, part of the reason I was there, was to check out a very pretty, petite young Septuagenarian lady, who runs the City owned campground/RV park. While there, I learned a bunch about current events surrounding this lovely lakefront spa.

It seems that sensing a better deal than Kootenai County offers,Powder Horn Ranch developers, petitioned the city of Harrison, which is contiguous to the planned development, separated only by the Coeur d'Alene River, for annexation. The owners of the Powder Horn Group sweetened the pot by allegedly offering to fork over $31,000,000 for infrastructure improvements. The largest of these are apparently a total rebuild of the City's sewer system, one that uses septic tanks, collectors, and discharges into Lake Coeur d'Alene. Word on the street, has the EPA frowning the current system.

The city council is reputedly split evenly on whether to annex the land, which is approximately 1800 acres. On the conservative side of the argument is,* "hey, we're just fine the way we are without bringing in a bunch of multi-millionaires as neighbors that may take over politically." (*paraphrased collection of observances)

On the progress side, *"Thirty one million dollars isn't pocket change, and we need, badly, the infrastructure improvements to not only build the sewer system, but some streets that are sliding into oblivion. The tax base would increase hugely, and most of the residents would not be registered voters, as their homes would be second and third residences for out-of-state purchasers.

The rough current size of Harrison is about 170 residents with about 120 registered voters. Back in 1915 and again in 1923 when the old shingle mill burned down and was replaced, twice, Harrison was over 10,000 in population. Now the city officials must weigh the benefits and drawbacks to this momentous decision which apparently must be made soon, to make a difference. The new money would amount to $116,104.87 for every man, woman and child now residing in Harrison.

Present at a town meeting called by the Urban renewal committee, Wednesday evening, were many local residents and of course, the anti-urban renewal champion, Spirit Lake, Idaho resident and general all around Gadfly,Larry Spencer. One wag was heard to say,"why doesn't he stay home to answer all of the complaints surrounding his mobile home repo business. This is our town, not his." Apparently, that attitude fell on deaf ears.

Athol Daze Pictures

Don Hollen, Equestrian Winner


Carol & David Harms, Commercial Winners


Money In The Straw


L-R Myrtle Dane, accepting "Citizen of the Year Award," with former Athol fire Chief, Jorene Bohn in attendence


Unidentified Escapee From the County Chain Gang

Athol Daze, Aftermath

Athol daze has come and gone once more. Flashing bolts of lightning and rumbles of thunder greeted most participants of Saturday's parade, as they prepared for the day. Around 7:30 am, torrential rain, thunder, lightning, hail ... everything but famine and pestilence came down on Athol,causing many to look up in trepidation, but by parade time, the sun was back out and everything went smoothly. Over thirty parade entrants took part in what started out as a potential washout.

Some of the first prize winners by category, were Bob Pekar, Senior float, the Lone Piper, American Legion Auxiliary , Chipmaster, by Carol Harms, with brother David, as outrider,Timberlake Fire District, looking ready to answer the next alarm, Athol Home Schoolers, Equestrian, Don Hollen, 57 T-bird by Roger Haines, Old '42, the Farragut fire Engine, driven by Errin and Megan, Disabled Vets with their transport van, Rick Currie with his Republican Party entry and honorable mention, was Sheriff Rocky Watson, still trudging along as part of the chain Gang.

After the parade, many gathered in the city park where booths were lined up with food, drinks, arts and crafts, and of course the t-shirt lady. The "money in the straw game was a huge success, with urchins everywhere. The annual fund raising auction for the park was held, and once again, donated items were plentiful. Next year marks the Athol Centenial.

Intellect vs Knowledge

I have recently encountered a trend in the blogosphere, whereby educated youths of lower to mid-twenties seem to think they have a lock on smarts. Obviously, most of these fine young people will one day grow up to be intelligent productive adults.

Unfortunately, many think that by the dint of a college degree, they have reached the pinnacle of acquired knowledge. When they look back at these formative years, an epiphany will occur. Suddenly, thy will realize how really dumb they were prior to gaining age, maturity and acquired knowledge.

The process of learning just starts where formal education ends. If one has an inquiring mind and an open view toward knowledge, it will come rapidly, year after year. Without the curiosity to find answers to questions that baffle, no learning takes place.

As I said, most will reach a place around forty where they will look back with wonder at how little they actually knew back then. Some, of course, bathing in the belief that their intellect surpasses that of most if not all others, won't agree. They will go through life smug with the feeling that all is well and no further tolerance of other opinions or sources of information are necessary.

In the mean while, this old codger is still learning new things every day about life, people and really, nothing has changed. I was, too, one of those brash youngsters of which I am speaking about.

A blog Is Not Jounalism in it's Common Form

Recently, some folks that disagree with my positions on community affairs, have questioned my "journalistic ethics." So that everyone, including those that know very little about journalism will understand, I will attempt to explain the difference.

When I write my column, or an article for publication in the spokesman-Review, or for that matter, any other publication that might seek my work, that is journalism. A blog, however, is a private, no holds barred, opinion oriented forum that really has no parallel to professional journalism.

I encourage those that consistently disagree with my opinions to seek other methods of entertainment, as I'm really not interested in having outsiders control my site. In most cases, I have tried to be somewhat democratic about allowing diverse opinions that may disagree with those that I have published online. I do however, draw the line at giving a person a soap box on MY blog site, the forum to tear me down.

Recently, we have had what I consider a community busting event which was covered in previous posts. That issue is dead now, except for those that will wonder why the Chamber of commerce in Bayview is paying legal fees for something they could have found out for themselves through discussing it with former officers or, (gasp) actually called the Idaho state regulatory group designated to handle such inquiries.

The obvious of course, will prevail. Meaning that those of us that were right to begin with will be vilified for our style, opposition and whatever other side issues that can be brought forth. I have observed over my lengthy lifespan that it is much easier to forgive those who are wrong than to ever forgive those who showed you were wrong and that they were right.

At some point, the community as a whole will either make honest attempts to heal wounds, or they will nurture the ones already held. That would of course be terribly unfortunate, and non-productive. To those that have opposed me in the recent effort, just remember if you can, all of those times that I lined up on your side of an issue. If you can't, then your admiration isn't necessary anyway. Most of you haven't availed yourself of my "site meter,: that little box at the end of my blog page. When clicked on, it will give you many stats reflective of who, where and why people read me. I personally find the acceptance of my forum around the world and the country, very fulfilling. Currently I am holding at 75 visits and 165 page views per day, with over the last three and one half years, over 35,000 visits and 62,000 page views. In short, it you don't like what I'm doing, stick it in your ear! Start your own forum. Do something besides criticizing others that do.

After a few days, I will, as I am accustomed to doing, forgive all of the harsh words that have been aimed at me locally. Right now, I'm still upset. It has occurred to me, and might to some of the rest of you, that if I hadn't been contacted by the chamber secretary, asking me to intercede with the attorney that the board hired, they probably would, as they pointed out to me, have recommended that a redraw occur, and the previous winner be disqualified. Regardless of her motive, unknown at this time, Claire, secretary asked for my input and it turned the situation around. Spruance, the attorney involved, actually was gracious enough to tell me that had I not brought my point of view forth, all three lawyers in the office would have concurred in the negative. Now, all we have to do is pick up the pieces.

All's Well That Ends Well

Ralph Jones wins the $1000 raffle prize. News reached me a few minutes ago from the Law offices of Doug Spruance, attorney-at-law. In a fruitful conversation last Friday, I pointed out the points of law that my position was standing on. We had a good exchange of ideas, and he followed my suggestion which was, "call the State of Idaho Bingo & Raffle Advisory Board." He did, and the state properly informed him that there was no law broken in a board member receiving the prize.

Some organizations do prohibit officers and or employees from participating in these types of fund raisers as a matter of policy. The purpose is of course to avoid the appearance of impropriety. In the case of our small town and the difficulty in fund raising, I would advise against doing anything that would discourage the more active members in our community from participating.

During the period between July 5, the day of the drawing and today, many hurtful things have been said to and about pretty much everyone involved, some in writing. Mr. Spruance suggested that gloating or in any other way, stepping on those that delayed the process, perhaps ill advised, but apparently done in good faith, would be non-productive and divisive. I agree. We need to stop committing communal suicide. Perhaps I have been more passionate about this that I could have been. Others have seen to it that the errors of my ways didn't go unnoticed. There have been mean spirited statements from many different sources. We need to go back and recapture the good will that along the way got trashed in the fight for justice.

Better Late Than Never

I was finally contacted this morning by a member of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. Ralph Jones, still hasn't been called or spoken to about what is going on with the now infamous raffle. I was asked to contact an attorney in Spokane regarding some of my concerns. I did so and had a fruitful conversation with him. We had some disagreement over the definition of the word, "proceeds" which we will both research further.

One possible good thing that has come from this exchange of opinions, is that the attorney found a state bureau called: "The Bingo & Raffle Advisory Group." We both agreed that since an issue at law, and specifically criminal law was at stake, that he would approach this board or bureau or whatever, to get their take on this problem. If they say, hey, no problem, Ralph's Grandson gets paid. If they say, no way, a redraw will occur.

Much of the rancor and anger in the community can be found in the total secrecy that the board has perhaps unintentionally created. Working a problem of this magnitude in the dark breeds a fear that one's motives aren't pure. Hopefully hereinafter, we can provide our investigations in public, and prior to the event, rather than after.

As to the public lynching Ralph Jones experienced at the hands of the board,I consider that indefensible. This man has given more to this community for less recognition than anyone I know.He was criticized for holding the drawing at his business, like he should shut down on the busiest week-end of the year? With a raffle that has gone on for fifteen years, he was told he should have known better, even though many previous board members have won the big one. Whether a raffle in this town will ever be viable again is problematic. The board threw all these jobs at Ralph and he didn't complain, just went out and did them. He has many friends in this area that do not like the way he has been treated.

I have taken notice that where the fear that one or more business owners would take control of the Chamber, it appears that a radical element has indeed done that. Of the six marinas, and about four other businesses, only Ralph's and Macdonald's and perhaps one or two more still actively support the chamber. These are updated figures that reflect the dismay from many businesses that are experiencing anti-business attitudes. Perhaps less confrontation would be helpful as well.Perhaps it's time we work with, rather than against the marina operators. It would appear that the real estate market slowdown will offer new opportunities to approach development without a chip on our shoulders. (heresy)