Listen to rural residents about pot

Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone and his colleagues, commissioners Tammy Baney and Alan Unger, voted to “Opt In” instead of allowing the rural public to vote on whether to allow commercial marijuana grows in rural communities. Commissioner DeBone is now in favor of shifting the commissioners’ marijuana appeals load to hearing boards because it is “aggravating” to the commissioners. What about the aggravation caused to rural residents who do not want pot grown near them and were not given the option to opt out by vote? The least commissioners DeBone and Baney can do is personally hear the anger, frustration, worry and concern from these county residents, their constituents.

DeBone said, following the latest marijuana hearing, “It feels like we’re getting run over.” What about rural residents who feel like we got run over by commissioners who supported an industry with significant financial incentives to see marijuana quickly rolled out in Deschutes County without any limits to the number of cannabis “businesses” that are being rubber stamped by our county.

Commissioner DeBone, one of three commissioners responsible for commercial marijuana grows in most rural residential neighborhoods, weak marijuana rules, nearly nonexistent rule enforcement and permit applications being rubber stamped. I say, too bad, Commissioner DeBone — listening to appeals by concerned rural residents is in your job description. If you do not want the job, don’t run again.

Phil Henderson appears to be the only commissioner who understands the severity of this problem and is concerned about the impacts it has on the rural residents.

Sam Davis

Tumalo

No guns for teachers

Like all teachers, I feel intense pain and sorrow when students and teachers are shot in their schools. Unfortunately, it has become a common occurrence in our country, and it seems that very little, if anything, will be done by our elected representatives to prevent it.

In 2016, in the House of Representatives, 214 Republican members and five Democrat members received campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association. In the Senate, 23 Republican members and zero Democrat members received campaign contributions from the NRA. All members of Congress who received campaign contributions from the NRA and the state they represent are listed on the internet by The Center for Responsible Politics in Washington, D.C. Of course, those legislators almost always block every attempt to pass any gun control legislation. Donald Trump also received a sizable campaign contribution from the NRA, which is financed by its members and contributions from gun manufacturers. I don’t believe that either the NRA or the politicians they have helped to elect really represent the opinions of the majority of gun owners. Responsible gun owners are not opposed to limiting the capacity of gun magazines; banning bump stocks, assault rifles and “ghost guns;” a longer waiting period; and making mental health records a part of background checks. I’m sure there are additional ways of protecting our school children from gun violence, but allowing teachers to carry guns in their classrooms is illogical and only increases the danger.

Frank Barnes

Bend

Time for Walden to go

For the last 20 years Thomas Friedman has authored some of the most insightful books and commentary about America’s place in the world. Having largely stayed above the partisan fray, his credibility is immense.

That’s what makes Friedman’s Feb. 25 column so noteworthy. Friedman describes President Trump as “the most indecent man who ever occupied the White House — he lies as he breathes.”

Friedman then takes the congressional Republicans to task for failing to murmur even a faint protest at Trump’s outrageous conduct. And in this respect, Congressman Greg Walden is as guilty as any.

As the Trump White House wallows in extraordinary corruption and scandal, Walden is mute. When the president attacks and undermines the institutions that are the foundation of our democracy — the media, the courts, law enforcement — Walden again has nothing to say. His silence makes him complicit.

Of course, Walden holds a position of extraordinary power. That could be jeopardized if he were to criticize Trump. And it wouldn’t be good for the Republicans if Walden were to call out the obscene character of the leader of his own party.

Some prominent Republicans, including Mitt Romney, John Kasich, and John McCain, have had the courage to stand up for truth and decency, but not Greg Walden.

Walden has been in Washington far too long. He has lost touch with the values that have made America strong, and he must be replaced.

Charlie Ringo

Bend