Election 2024

In reading the recent Bulletin about Sen. Tim Knopp filing for reelection after disrupting the last legislative session through his extended absence, I found his quote quite telling. He opined that “Oregonians are fed up with the tyranny of the majority.”

Another word for “tyranny of the majority” is democracy. I have always felt that the senator harbored these feelings, as his repeated actions to disrupt the normal process of government show.

I never thought that he would express them out loud in public to a reporter.

I think it is time for us to take Sen. Knopp at his word, that democracy really isn’t his goal in filing for reelection.

My hope in the coming election is that the majority of voters will continue to determine the direction and operation of Oregon’s government.

And that those voters decide to make Sen. Knopp’s frequent absences from the Oregon State Senate permanent.

— Jeff Rola, Tumalo

We read with great alarm The Bulletin’s article of Sept. 13 by Tim Trainor of The Redmond Spokesman describing local chapter activities of the ultra-right-wing People’s Rights group.

Central Oregonians should be aware that the Southern Poverty Law Center lists the People’s Rights network as one of Oregon’s 24 “hate and anti-government” organizations.

The newly-acquired headquarters property near Terrebonne will be managed by a fellow named B.J. Soper.

Soper is described by the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights as being affiliated with armed paramilitary organizations such as the Pacific Patriot Network, the Central Oregon Oath Keepers, the Three Percenters, the Central Oregon Constitutional Guard, and the State of Jefferson. Soper took part in the 2016-armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

We should also be aware that Scott Stuart, chair of the Deschutes County Republican Party, is also a member of the Redmond-area People’s Rights group and will have a role in establishing the property as PR headquarters.

One might conclude from these developments that our local Republican Party leadership has become radicalized, creating a party that is a dangerous mere shadow of its former self.

Militant ultra-right-wing organizations such as People’s Rights cannot be normalized and presented as representing anything other than a fringe movement.

— The Vocal Seniority Steering Committee: Craig Lacy, Dick Linford, Tom Rogers, Roger Sabbadini, Sid Snyder, Gayle Stamler

In the Sept. 13 issue of the Bulletin, Ron Smith submitted a letter stating the original Medicare alone works well for nearly everyone without the need for any additional coverage. He cites the relatively low cost of office visits, procedures and tests. This is true.

However, he is ignoring the potential and often unforeseen expenses of hospital stays, which average over $18,000 in Oregon but can obviously run much higher.

Ambulance services can range from about $1,200 for ground or easily reach $50,000-$100,000 for air transportation. The average cost of a knee replacement is conservatively about $35,000. These are just a few examples.

And yes, the Medicare allowable amount may be lower than these amounts, but whatever the number, there is no out-of-pocket limit for the remaining 20% that would be the patient’s responsibility. For many people this financial burden could be catastrophic.

— Patrick O’Keefe, Bend

Do you have a point you’d like to make or an issue you feel strongly about? Submit a letter to the editor.