Letters to the Editor

The ten commandments
The Editor:
Do we really want the ten commandments removed from state buildings? There are a group of people attempting to do just that. This country was founded on the principles set out in them and I believe it would be a serious mistake to begin any process that would discredit them in any way.
At the time of the Revolutionary War, 150 years after the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock fleeing religious persecution, 99.8 percent of the people professed to be Christians. This country was founded on the Christian faith and Christian principles. It is this very faith that has caused us to be such a successful nation. God�s purpose for giving us the ten commandments was that we would have a long life and prosper. No other nation that I know of has ever prospered like the United States. History shows us what happens to countries that remove God from their nation, look at Russia, China and Cuba.
Is that the kind of country we want to live in? Even our founding fathers included references to God in all their political communications. George Washington stated, �It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.� At no point were religion and governing ever intended to be separate. Our very foundations are based on them. Noah Webster, dictionary author wrote, �The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to be for the basis of all civil constitutions and laws.�
Patrick Henry, hero of the Revolutionary War wrote, �It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospels of Jesus Christ.�
This country was not founded by a people who wanted God removed, but a country that wanted to live lives honoring and reflecting his principles. It is time that the godly people of this nation rose up and said that enough is enough before we lose everything our forefathers stood for, so that this could be the greatest nation ever! Make no mistake, you can only overcome evil with good.
Diane Murr
Blaine

We support him
The Editor:
I have never felt the compulsion to send a letter to The Northern Light regarding the election of anyone for public office. The reason is that in many cases their reason is one of personal gratification.
When I heard that Jim Jorgensen was running for port commissioner in our Whatcom County I had to stick my two cents in. I have had many conversations with Jim, and he has his head screwed on right. Jim Jorgensen has been a teacher for many years and is the man behind so much community beautification. He is for conservation and preservation of our beautiful northwest. With Jim you can be sure he will protect the public�s money like it was his own. To find a native son such as Jim Jorgensen that has his background as a educator and protector of our resources is exceptional a real doer.
Jim Jorgensen will listen to all sides of any argument and make a decision not based on personal greed or pleasing some party. Be assured he will make decisions on what is good for all of us. He has family here, kids here, this is where his roots are and where he likely will die. You can be sure that Jim will never do anything to screw up this area he loves so much.
Fred A. Nielsen
Bellingham

Skating points
The Editor:
We very much appreciate The Northern Light printing Nita�s letter last week regarding the proposed skate park. For anyone who noticed that letter, I would like to add some points we feel are important, given her observation that some of us tend to shy away from these kids.
Nita has made it a point at times to speak to groups of two or three skateboarders, just to see how they would respond. She has seen surprise, accompanied by shy smiles, and has received pleasant answers. They seem to be pretty decent kids who have a desire for a place to be active in their own special way (which is a pretty amazing skill, if you watch a little) and to hang out with friends. We feel this understanding is helpful between generations.
Also, for anyone who does not know officer Landis, or care about what he would support, he is very focused on the welfare of our youth, being abundantly concerned about child safety in vehicles, maintaining a presence on our school campuses and also enjoys creating a great deal of fun at his own expense at local events that include dunk tanks. We trust Jon�s judgement � if he thinks we need a skate park, let�s have one! Thirdly and most important, there was an unfortunate error in the last paragraph at the end of Nita�s letter. The word �not� was omitted. She stated, and we want to emphatically restate, that the park would not be in a residential area. Who would want a bunch of clacking, rolling noises near their homes in the evenings? This small oversight, we believe, contributes to a very large difference between support or non-support of the park among our citizens.
I would like to repeat the statement that boredom, frustration, loneliness and nothing to do are a dangerous combination. We know this all too well by our own heartache. Let�s not ignore these young people. And finally, our family considers it a privilege to be part of the Blaine community. Nothing against Birch Bay � it�s a beautiful area � but we have called Blaine home for quite a few years. Thank you.
Dwan Shipley
Blaine

Fireboat needed
The Editor:
A serious boat fire recently occurred in Blaine Harbor, where the owner was seriously burned and his boat completely destroyed. Only the fast action of citizens prevented that fire from spreading to nearby boats and other exposures.
Did you know that there is no fireboat there, despite the fact that the Port of Bellingham has expanded the Blaine marina to handle more than 600 boats? Did you know the port purchased the Squalicum Harbor fireboat in 1984 through an interlocal agreement with Bellingham fire department? I understand, however, the port recently proposed terminating that agreement and converting its fireboat to other uses.
I�m making you and your readers aware of this because one candidate for port commissioner, Jim Jorgensen, strongly supports retaining the Squalicum fireboat and acquiring a fireboat for Blaine harbor. He also believes port employees should train with local firefighters to better react to fire and medical emergencies.
Jim Jorgensen believes that port commissioners must do a better job of listening to citizens � it currently invites public comment only during the last few minutes of its meetings. Is this a genuine effort for input? Jim intends to host special forums in his district to give his constituents a real opportunity to voice opinion on issues like the need for a fireboat.
The port has performed admirably over the past decades, so we need to ensure that only persons with unquestioned integrity and ethics, as well as good listening skills, serve as port commissioner in the future. That description fits Jim Jorgensen, so he has my enthusiastic endorsement. David England
Retired fire chief, district 13
Custer, WA

Get out and vote
The Editor:
Every once in a while individuals come along in a community who really make a difference to those they touch. Whatcom County has been blessed with a number of these people over the years. Blaine has been blessed as well having Jim Jorgensen as a member of this community. Jim has lived and worked in Blaine for many years and has truly effected the lives of people he has touched here. Both of my daughters were taught by Jim and the result was very positive. Jim�s teaching style has been a model for many to emulate.
Jim began a salmon enhancement program in Blaine years ago because he cares very much for our environment. He taught our children these values for years. He has run a small business here for years (Jim�s Salmon Charter) out of the Blaine marina. It is because of this endeavor that Jim understands well the unique problems faced by a public body such as the Port of Bellingham.
It should be very obvious by now that I wholeheartedly support Jim Jorgensen for commissioner of the Port of Bellingham. I would urge all voters to get out and vote no matter who you support, but I would also urge you to support Jim.
Jim Gregory
Blaine

Support the park
The Editor:
What a pleasant letter was in last week�s The Northern Light regarding the proposed skate park. I was impressed at such a considerate appeal for our help. I don�t believe I know Juan Avena, though I�ve probably seen him around. Skate boarders are pretty easy to notice on or off of their boards.
It seems that perhaps many of us tend to shy away from these young people who move so quickly and skillfully among us. Their boards are noisy, their style a bit unusual, but hey! I guess it makes for freedom of movement, wouldn�t you suppose?
I really hadn�t given much thought to supporting the desired park, even though I knew that officer Jon Landis has been working towards it. Probably a vast majority of Blaine residents have real respect for officer Landis. He certainly has my confidence as a thoughtful concerned and kind servant.
Why am I interested in these kids and their needs? Well, because � I have a son. A tender gentle son who wanted only to laugh, to draw plans for beautiful homes, to explore beaches and forests, to raise butterflies, to build meticulously crafted furniture, to love life, to be loved. His response to the lack of understanding and encouragement from a dysfunctional family in his early teen years, was to turn to alcohol and drugs to cover his loneliness and pain. After years of struggle against these entrapments and searching for joy, the struggle became too much and we lost him. Boredom, frustration, loneliness and �nothing to do� are a dangerous combination. Let�s not ignore the hopes of these young people for an opportunity to have fun, practice their skill and keep busy. Let�s pay attention!
The skate park would not be in a residential area and I expect it would be monitored for safety and appropriate behavior. Let�s give officer Landis some confidence and consideration. Where are those boxes for donations?
Nita Shipley
Birch Bay

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com