Oct. 1 Letters to the Editor

History repeats, if not heeded

A history lesson: First came disastrous inflation. It impoverished most of the middle class. A short economic recovery occurred, but the world depression doomed the Republic.

For about three years the supporters of democracy struggled against both right and left. Finally the leader of the National Socialist Party, Adolph Hitler, was made chancellor. He preached authoritarianism, racism, militarism and radical nationalism.

All expressions of political independence through parties, churches, schools, books, newspapers or journals were silenced. Obedience to the Fuhrer became the supreme virtue. Close economical regulation was achieved by replacing independent labor unions with new organizations of employer and employee.

Democrats, Marxists and, most brutally, the Jews were persecuted. Hitler had his bully boys who terrorized and persecuted Hitler’s enemies. He formed youth groups to indoctrinate the young with his doctrines and to separate them from family influences.

History repeats itself, if it isn’t heeded.

Theda Williamson

Ryderwood

Guards would be cheaper

I would like for someone to explain to all of us taxpayers why the Mint Farm keeps getting vandalized. Is there not a security guard roaming the property during the night?

There have been several times that trees have been uprooted and busted off. Why? There are skid marks on the streets behind the Mint Farm caused from drifting and dragging.

There needs to be someone guarding this place so this will stop. I feel it’s cheaper to hire someone to do rounds.

I worked at the Port of Longview for 35 years doing this with two other guards. And in 35 years, nothing like this ever happened. We made rounds once per hour all night long. Why can’t this be done? Sure is cheaper than the thousands we have already paid out.

Robert Sholtys

Longview

Don’t sacrifice freedom

I am writing in response to Janet E. Bailey’s letter on Sept. 23 in which Bailey called for a nationwide ban on alcohol. In my opinion, Bailey needs to relax and have a tall cold one.

To suggest that Americans should forfeit their right to consume alcohol is ridiculous. Our country has already tried prohibition and it failed miserably. The Eighteenth Amendment, which called for prohibition, is the only amendment to be repealed in our Constitution.

Furthermore, to use Saudi Arabia as an example of a country we should emulate is absolutely laughable. I wonder if Bailey realizes what she’s asking for. In Saudi Arabia, Bailey, being a woman, would not even be allowed to offer her opinion in public.

I find it troubling that so many Americans are willing to sacrifice freedom just to feel safer. That feeling is an illusion and freedom is too high a price. There will be no ban on alcohol in my America. Not on my watch. Not on my watch.

Eric Hazen

Longview

Program was a good deal

A recent letter to the editor (“What a deal!,”) implied that the $3 billion government “Cash for Clunkers” program was a bad deal because savings from reduced oil consumption would amount to only $350 million. The letter writer failed to realize that, since the median life expectancy of new cars is currently 9.2 years, the true savings in oil will be about $350 million per year for 9.2 years, not just one year, i.e. a total savings of about $3.22 billion. Apparently the Cash for Clunkers program was a good deal and will pay for itself and then some.

The letter also failed to mention that the Cash for Clunkers program will result in a reduction in exhaust emissions that contribute to global warming and that thousands of good paying jobs were saved. If the Cash for Clunkers program is any indication of our current government’s effectiveness, then we probably have little to fear from health care reform.

Alan Howard

Longview