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On Your Mind is the Herald/Review’s telephone opinion line and is intended as a public forum for our readers. Comments represent the opinions of callers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper or any specific knowledge that we have. Readers may share their opinions by calling 458-0332, or by e-mail to svhoym@transedge.com or regular mail at 102 Fab Ave., Sierra Vista AZ 85635. Due to the volume of submissions, comments will be limited to 150 words or fewer. Comments are edited.
Dec. 13
Thank you to the town of Huachuca City and Sunny D’s for a great 50th anniversary dinner.
After reading the Dec. 13 letter, “Obama should listen to us on health, war issues,” I thought to myself, socialism has surely become the drumbeat of the day among the far-left. It’s unfortunate the writer seems unaware that socialism has been a disastrous failure throughout the world. All of Europe is staggering under the weight of socialism. The sad fact, however, is that America is becoming more socialist by the day and heading toward the same disaster. The writer’s concept of peace seems illusionary. Some memory recall may help: al-Qaida, 9/11, the madman in a nuclear Iran, China, Russia, Hitler, Stalin, Castro, etc. Planting one’s two feet on the ground will also help.
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Dec. 14
Are there any licensed contractors who do countertops and kitchen cabinets? I have contacted a few businesses in Sierra Vista, but only one has replied with an estimate. I guess business is good or some choose to not the have common courtesy to reply. If you are licensed, have references and have time to do quality work, please contact OYM and let me know.
Dec. 15
I would like to thank the CARE program and the Compassionate Friends for the candlelight vigil on Sunday night. As a father who had to bury his son, it was a great thing to be a part of. Also, thanks to the Herald for its coverage of the event.
I found Cal Thomas’ Dec. 15 column “Think globally; act globally?” revealing. Thomas comments about “the conspiracy of one-world government” gaining momentum in liberal circles. He quotes the following from Barack Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope,” “When the world’s sole superpower willingly restrains its power and abides by internationally agreed-upon standards of conduct, it sends a message that these rules are worth following.” Obama must first convince al-Qaida, the Taliban, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, Russia and China — none of which abide by the standards of international conduct favored by Americans and the free world. Thomas rightly asserts: “It’s bad enough to have the Democratic Congress dictating to Detroit and borrowing money from the Chinese to keep automakers afloat. … It would be something far worse to have a world body pass laws that require Americans to live by standards they would never choose for themselves.” Time for clarification! Where does President-elect Obama stand on one-world government?
During my lifetime of military service I served with our citizens in many parts of the world and with people of most ethnic backgrounds and skin colors. One of my mentors who was also my superior had skin color much darker than that of our current president-elect and when he retired from our military service I am proud to note he wore four bright and shiny stars on each of his broad shoulders. I had many friends in military service who also admired and enjoyed the leadership and friendship with that same gentleman. I know it would have been foolish to have referred to him as anything but an American since he was himself proud to be an American and serve our nation in its military service. His service was most distinguished. I fear that the addition of other words before or after “American” is simply divisive and foolish.
After age 70 do retired people have to serve on jury duty in Cochise County?
I’d like to wish all of the people at the Herald and Review a Merry Christmas and the best for the holidays. You put up with all the letters to the editor and the comments, and the not-so-nice comments, all year long. You do a great job of publishing a great newspaper. A little side note here to people who write in to OYM. Maybe we could just write nice comments during Christmas and be cheerful and grateful for all we have compared to other countries. Our house and so many things God gives us to be thankful for. Maybe it’s time to focus on that and that includes myself.
Editor’s note: Merry Christmas to you, too, and thanks.
This is for all the angry Christian callers who are apoplectic over the use of the word “holiday” in any context during the month of December. Your bigotry and/or ignorance or both is staggering. Other faiths have celebrations this time of year not just Christmas. Those with real faith do not have to force their beliefs on others. It’s supposed to be your faith in your church with your God not trying to dictate beliefs to others. Why don’t you angry Christians pray for tolerance as Jesus did? Get over your angry selves. This country is not a theocracy. If you need to live in a theocracy there are several countries whose ayatollahs practice that kind of so-called religion. Move there.
Dec. 16
I had never questioned the birthplace of Barack Obama but thought Diane West raised an interesting point in her Dec. 16 column, “Where were you born, Obama?” It seems Obama has never authorized Hawaii to release the long form of his original Certificate of Live Birth. West mentions, “… Hawaii issues birth certificates even for babies born elsewhere, so simply having an original Hawaiian birth certificate ‘on record’ doesn’t answer the key questions.” West asks the obvious question, “Why doesn’t Obama simply authorize the document’s release and be done with the question?” She adds, “Unless, of course, he has something to hide.” Obama promised us transparency.
I’d like to comment on the Sierra Animal Hospital that has opened up on Saturday and Sunday. I can’t say how delighted and excited I am about that. We have been so concerned about our own pets and have lost animals in the past due to not having vet services on the weekend and not being able to take them to Tucson. This hospital is not a regular place of business for our animal and I wish all animal hospitals would add extra hours or at least a day on Sunday. These animals are part of our families and we can’t minimize their significance or importance. To lose one of them because a vet isn’t available is tragic. So, I’m so happy and thank you Sierra Animal Hospital for putting the animals’ needs above your own.
The Herald ran an article Dec. 15 on Page A4 about the number of Mexican nationals needing to return home to make a living. This is a tragedy that will be hardly noticed here due to our own economic problems. Someday soon I hope we will recover from this, but many Americans will never realize how much we lost. There are great, honest and hard-working human beings in this group. Most noticeable will be the criminal element that most always manage to survive. I hope these good people are able to survive there. I’d like to see them successfully bring change to Mexico by uniting the populace and replacing the selfish leaders they have now and try to rid the country of the murderous drug-dealing elements. In a word, bless and keep them.
The controversy is heating up over Obama not producing a valid long form birth certificate. He has produced a short version on the Internet that shows signs of tampering. Anyone born outside the U.S. can obtain a short form in Hawaii certifying a live birth with certain parameters. Obama could put all this to rest immediately by producing a long form or authorizing its release. This is not going to go away because it’s a Constitutional matter. The complicit press is usurping our right to know. What are they trying to hide?
I just found out that under this new law where everybody who lives in Arizona and has an Arizona license plate has to uncover the word Arizona. This does not affect any snowbirds or anybody else who lives in this state with plates from another state. To me, this is wrong. I think our legislators need to change it so that snowbirds, people going to college, GIs or what have you should have to uncover their state names on their license plates also.
Dec. 17
What bothers me — besides the “surreal” scandal surrounding Gov. Rod Blagojevich to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat — is the long history of political corruption within the Chicago Democratic Party machine. Can I ignore that Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel (Obama’s Chief of Staff) were elected to political office through the necessary efforts of this political cesspool? Can I ignore Tony Rezko, the rich Chicago real estate giant and power in Illinois Democratic politics (recently convicted for political corruption) plays a key role in Patrick Fitzgerald’s federal investigation? Can I ignore Rezko is no stranger to Obama and Emanuel? Should I be concerned that the Chicago Democratic Party Machine may have its tentacles into an Obama White House? The $700 billion bailout package (half of which still unspent) and Obama’s proposed nearly $1 trillion stimulus package. Do I have cause for worry?
Honesty isn’t something any of you people specialize in unless it’s your honesty because you’re holding the guns — isn’t that so Sierra Vista? Otherwise it’s time for you to go to jail, huh? That is why you need a defense. And that is why there are such things as transfers for the military and civil service; and why there is such a thing as being fired; and why there are such things as “victimless” crimes … because if anyone starts to remind their fellow human-beings about you … time to move on, America. Isn’t that so, Sierra Vista?
I wonder if other private religious schools like Our Lady of the Mountains have the same problem harboring illegal aliens or immigrants? Maybe this is a one-thing situation with these parents. They send a lot of e-mails to all the parents. They could have addressed it to the advisory committee of the church. It’s probably being solved so why kill it to death? Maybe it sells newspapers.
After the Diana West “Where were you born, Obama?” commentary in the Dec. 16 Sierra Vista Herald, I decided to get more information about President-elect Obama’s “Long Form” Birth Certificate. After looking at the http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html.
web site and some others, it appears that the commentary was old news at best and some might say the information provided was outdated and incorrect. Check out the web site yourself and then consider Ms. West’s motivation and/or creditability.
For Mr. Braden’s problem with the barking dog: If you know your neighbor and you know their phone number or you can get their phone number, if the dog starts barking, you call them. It doesn’t matter what time of the day or night it is. Maybe then they will get the message.
I just had to say something because under the circumstances I don’t think anybody should have been treated in that manner. If there’s a problem it can be resolved without upsetting the whole restaurant. I felt really sorry. Some of those seniors must have been in their high 90s. I felt sorry for them and absolutely mortified and I know others there were, too. I don’t know if I’ll ever go back there again.
Our government is asking the auto companies to build more fuel efficient engines. This is the same government that has encouraged us to buy Hummers, by giving us lucrative tax advantages. The same government that has forced catalytic converters and the related sensors, relays and switches to further choke the engines down. And now adding ethanol to the gasoline, worsening the mpg. Ethanol is now selling for $1.60 a gallon, costs $3 to make it and doubled the price on my corn chips. Chevy has tried selling us fuel efficient engines, in early ’90s they sold the Chevy Metro (for $7-8,000) that got an honest 60 mpg, interstate, at 60 mpg. U.S. people wouldn’t buy them. We were taught to get ahead at the green light and stay out in front.
In today’s paper, “Some question aid to illegals at local church,” parents should take these kids out of this church and stop putting money to this church on Sundays and see how the Catholic church and the Tucson Diocese would like that. The same thing will be the local chamber of commerce and the local restaurant here on the west end should be checked by the Border Patrol. But it will not be done because the patrol will do nothing. Obama is for amnesty for the Latinos who broke our laws, and that’s the only reason he made Janet Napolitano his secretary of Homeland Security. She did nothing to help the Border Patrol. Look at the mess Phoenix is in today. If Obama gives them amnesty, I hope the people will get him out of office in four years. Let them come over the right way like everybody else.
Thank you, Mr. Van Acker, for exposing the law-breaking going on at Our Lady of the Mountains. I was disgusted to read how they encourage illegals by giving them food and other shelter. This is against the law and should not be done.
In regards to the lawsuit against Border Patrol Agent Corbett: I’m wondering if he has ever thought about counter-suing against the family for not raising their child properly since he broke the law? Also why not sue the country of Mexico for doing nothing to provide work for their fellow men and for encouraging them to come over illegally into our country?
Merry Christmas. “Merry Christmas” is written on the rooftop of a house on Huachuca Terrace in Bisbee. There’s a huge blue peace sign next to a very tall man-made Christmas tree in Old Bisbee. A fully lit house also in Old Bisbee looks like it’s just hanging in the sky in heaven. The North Pole is captured by a beautiful home on Naco Highway with Santa and his reindeer just a street ahead. Another beautiful light display is in Naco, Ariz., on Dominguez Street. In the Warren area of Bisbee, Bisbee Road is indescribably lit house after house after house. There are a lot of fascinating displays in Bisbee and Naco. Go see them. Hats off to those who take the time to show us their marvelous talents and marvelous displays. They’re just beautiful. Merry Christmas.
I’m happy to hear Gene Brust is doing something about the Palominas school vote for a high school. I don’t think most who voted for it realize that right now the state pays Buena a set amount per student. If or when this new high school goes into effect Buena can up the price per student and that money will come out of the parents’ pockets. When the taxes go up to build a high school the rent will also go up. But then Obama said he’s going to bring all of the troops home from Iraq. When he does where will the troops go? Out, out of the service. Then there won’t be a need for many of the military bases in the U.S. They might even close Fort Huachuca. Then who will be left to pay for the cost of building an empty school?
Christmas week is wild this year. Monday is Hanukkah for eight days. Christmas is on a Thursday. Right after Christmas is Kwanzaa for eight days. Then New Year’s is on the next Thursday. All of these back up the snail mail. But snail mail is better than the UPS Store, where they don’t even have a number system for service. I stood in line an hour and 45 minutes. My tiny little box cost more than USPS Priority Mail, which would have delivered it the next day. The UPS Store doesn’t guarantee it any sooner than a solid week. So the post office is not so bad after all. It costs the least for the fastest service. Merry Christmas.
Dec. 18
To the person who said Carter had the lowest approval rating. You are dead wrong. I wish you people would do your research and not just make things up. Carter at his lowest was 28 percent. Bush now is at 19 percent.
Did you see that? Record snow fall in Las Vegas, Nev. Must be that global warming.
I see where Michelle (Quiroz) has made the news again. Now we have her closing the DECA store at Buena. Why does she get involved in such a minor action? She should be spending more time checking her books so we don’t have another fiasco like the last one she put on the tax paying public. Let DECA do their thing. They are not hurting anyone, Michelle. It’s time for you to step out of their business.
Our schools and colleges are always crying for more money. They start by raising tuition, taxing property owners and so forth. I wonder if they ever thought of cutting their own salaries, especially in colleges where pay scales are extreme. Example, why six assistant principals where one could suffice? Why new books every year? They ought to be able to use them at least two years. Seems there’re just too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
I’m sure a lot of you have seen a commercial on TV about clean coal technology where a guy walks through a door out into an open field where they say in reality there is no such thing as clean coal technology. Well, I could say the same thing about human caused global warming. In reality there is no such thing. I won’t believe it until the day I die.
Dec. 19
You remember Dawn and Nick Zervas who had “Dawn’s” restaurant on Fry Boulevard? Well, they have transferred their skills to their new operation, “The Diner” on Highway 92. They serve up good “quality” food and coffee to satisfy the most discriminating amongst us. The wait staff is friendly and efficient as well. Besides, it’s close enough for me to use my newly acquired 1929 Rolls-Canardly (it rolls down one hill and canardly make it up the next). Sign me as a satisfied customer.
In reply to the Dec. 19 OYM, “Most significant 2007 statistics: When GM sold 9.37 million cars worldwide losing $38.7 while at the same time Toyota sold 9.7 million cars and made $17.7 billion, i.e. no loss. Those are management issues.” Those are management issues for sure, but also union issues as well. Since GM must pay its autoworkers $75 an hour and Toyota pays $45 an hour, it becomes crystal clear why GM cannot compete. Unless Democrats put pressure on their minions, the auto unions (UAW), to take a needed cut in pay, Detroit can mass-produce hybrids, as the OYM recommends, from now till doomsday and still not be able to compete with the Japanese hybrids. Democrats must stop bottle-feeding the auto unions. The UAW must bite the bullet. Otherwise, a Detroit auto bailout is doomed for failure, causing a humongous waste of taxpayer money.
Thank you Mr. Birnbaum for your letter in today’s newspaper. Diane West has become simply a racist. Her diatribes on Obama are ridiculous and our newspaper is small to print her. She and Millard Fillmore are often cause for hate. I would even say that during the campaign violence could have happened. It didn’t but it could have. They are right in there with Rush Limbaugh. Thank you again, Mr. Birnbaum.
Would someone please explain to me what happened to the alternative classroom teacher at Apache? She was enthusiastic, energetic, dedicated to the profession of teaching and first and foremost there for the students and their benefit. This teacher did a great job. She had students other more experienced teachers could not or would not handle and was able to reach them and motivate them to succeed. She was treated shamefully by the school administration and district. We need this teacher back.
What if anything can be done about the way the Huachuca City Senior Citizen center is being run since the Catholic Community Services are no longer involved? It is atrocious the way they do things there. First of all, the outdated food that is donated for the underprivileged is gone through by the staff and taken into the kitchen. This is supposedly for the meals served there. Ha! Not so and not legal. Second, there is a list of phone numbers to call when the food comes in. Only a select few are called. Where and to whom does the rest of the food go? Why are the people in charge allowed to dictate to whom and where it goes? Huachuca City needs new people in there for the people. Please, someone help us.
Our daughter is a freshman at Buena High School. We went to a fall sports banquet expecting for her to have a nice time and get welcomed for a good season of hard work rewarded for her efforts. The coach did not show. Is this normal for Buena High School? Is this how the coaches treat their players? I was very disappointed, and my daughter was devastated. They didn’t even receive anything but a certificate, not to mention we couldn’t eat for an hour and a half because there were no utensils or paper products. Very poor organization. Can the Buena athletic department or administration do something about this? This is very unfair for our student athletes.
I’m a veteran who is totally disgusted with our current commander-in-chief. He got us involved in a war that had nothing to do with what happened in this country on Sept. 11. Plus his administration and policies turn their back on the young men who went over to Iraq and then were tragically wounded, disfigured or disabled. Now they won’t take care of them. All because he was fighting his daddy’s war. Step up. The Republicans have ruined this country and our young men. They won’t stand up and back them, but they will sure sacrifice their lives.
The whole denial of the automakers’ bailout was done by Republicans, and it was all based on union-busting. They finally found a way to bust unions and that’s the only reason that things went down like they did. Guess who makes the money for your corporations, you stinking Republicans? It’s the workers who work every day, sweat and toil, so you can have your big houses and your Mercedes. The unions needed to make concessions but not like you wanted it. Nice try, fat cats.
There was a comment in OYM that was totally uncalled for. I agreed with the writer up until she was insulting to people who are native to this state by saying they are lazy and don’t care about their property. What a joke. I don’t know what state you came from but you are highly misinformed. People in this county care greatly for their property. I was born in this county and I resent your comment. Maybe you should move back to the county you came from.
I’m calling to make people aware of the rip-offs that are perpetrated by major pharmacies. A doctor wrote me a new prescription for a drug I wasn’t familiar with it. I was shocked to find it cost $223. I had not met my deductible so I had to pay for it and I’m on a fixed income. I checked online and found that the same drug is available for $90 at Osco. There is something terribly wrong with our system. I wish we had an Osco here. People need to be aware of these rip-offs.
Nameplate wrote on Jan 9, 2009 12:10 AM: