Bradwood Landing preserved
NorthernStar Natural Gas Inc. filed for bankruptcy, reporting over $129 million in liabilities against $166,000 in assets.
Behind a smokescreen of lawyers and talking points, these carpetbaggers polluted their wake with a stream of red ink, some of which will have to be mopped up by taxpayers.
Hooray for Oregon regulators, political leaders and citizens who helped prevent Bradwood Landing from defiling the Columbia River and the state. Despite the inducements and bullying of big money speculators, LNG rejections are occurring on both the east and west coasts.
Economic development doesn’t have to hurt.
Roger Rocka
Astoria
A victory for Columbia River estuary
Thank you to The Columbian for the recent editorial regarding the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas project (“LNG Looks DOA — Work on Columbia River terminal is suspended by Houston company,” May 6).
As one of the countless individuals who devoted a massive amount of time to help protect the Columbia River, the life blood of our region, I am overjoyed that economics and the regulatory process brought this project to an end.
Fortunately technological advances in the extraction of natural gas have created a surplus in North America. Consequently, the economics of the importing natural gas are no longer a sensible investment. NorthernStar’s financial backers finally saw this and pulled the plug.
The Columbia River and its citizens can breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate.
George Exum
Cathlamet
Cartoonists’ opinions are off base
The editorial cartoons that appear in The Columbian are often malicious lies.
A recent cartoon depicting Rush Limbaugh has him saying things he has never said and having a viewpoint he has never espoused.
Clearly, the cartoonist has never listened to Rush.
Another cartoon depicts Tea Party members with placards and shouting racist slogans, none of which I believe have occurred at any Tea Party. Again, the cartoonist has no real knowledge of the group he wants to demonize.
Why should these malicious cartoonists be given a media outlet for their outrageous lies?
Dawuud Jarjuura
Vancouver
Donnelly’s columns complimented
It was with deep regret that I read that Ann Donnelly will be taking a sabbatical from writing her Thursday column. Her work is far superior to that of her predecessor Elizabeth Hovde.
I believe Ann to be the most articulate Republican spokesperson in our community. When I read opinions that are in contrast to my own, I have the most respect for these when they are carefully researched and supported by documentation, as are hers.
While my personal politics fall considerably to the left of Ann’s, I find her to be a “worthy opponent.” And, while I may feel that Ann’s research is not entirely inclusive of disparate different sources, there remains no doubt that she has taken the time to consult more rigorous articles and documents.
As a professor and program manager at Clark College, I have sought Ann’s input in a number of courses and forums to serve as a counterpoint in curricula and to create broad-based political forums. I value our camaraderie.
So à bientôt, Ann, don’t stay away too long. And Columbian — when you choose Ann’s successor, please be sure to seek a rigorous scholar, so we Democrats can savor the joust.
Tracy Reilly Kelly
Vancouver
Republicans criticize Miranda rights
The most surprising thing about the recent car bomb incident was that so many Republicans voiced a disregard and a disdain for the very Constitution that so many have fought and died for: the reading of Miranda rights.
I can’t believe that so many of our elected representatives — those who have taken an oath to defend it — have actually stooped so low as to pander to the right-wing, uninformed, misguided, Tea Party-types and be willing to throw out the only thing that makes us uniquely American: our Constitution. It goes to show the world that, when push comes to shove, our Constitution can be tossed aside like trash.
I have absolutely no respect for any of the lot of them. I wouldn’t shake their hands if offered, and I hope they all lose in this coming election.
In fact, I am even more energized now to work for any Democratic candidate.
Vivian E. van Dijk
Brush Prairie
School budgets are bloated at the top
Vancouver Public Schools’ announcement that it will cut its budget by $4.1 million is almost laughable, if it weren’t for all of the teachers who are bearing a large part of the cuts. (“Proposal would cut 25 teachers — Vancouver Public Schools faced with trimming $4.1 million,” The Columbian, April 28). Unfortunately, whenever a government agency announces financial cuts, the overpaid administrators at the top of the organization are very seldom affected. (Recent city of Vancouver and state of Washington budget adjustments are two other examples.)
School districts and other publicly funded organizations have done a very good job of isolating themselves from public scrutiny. The net result of this is a lack of transparency regarding their efficiency and how they spend our tax dollars.
Wouldn’t it be nice to hear that a public school district was reducing bloated administrative costs and adding teaching positions?
That would be a statement worthy of front page coverage.
Larry Kingsbury
Battle Ground
Arizonans have the right idea
Call me a racist if you want but I believe the Arizona immigration law is the way to go. Our government won’t do anything because they are afraid of offending someone by not following their own law.
These immigration laws already on the books must be enforced at all costs, no matter who it offends. This is not racial profiling; it is the law.
Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell vote only along party lines, just as they did with not voting for English as the official language of the United States — what great Americans they are.
Hopefully we can get rid of Murray this year and Cantwell the next time around — it could only be an improvement.
This state still issues driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. What a great bunch of politicians.
Mel “Skip” Pearson
La Center
