The Editor:
Thanks for your articles telling about the Blaine Air Force Station reunion. For the first half we had a lot of rain but it did not get in the way.
A few months ago we were thinking maybe 40 would show up but because your paper coupled with Bellingham and Seattle papers we had by my count about 100 people.
I met one man who was stationed during the same period that I was and worked in a room next to me. He was a height finder radar operator and we must have played cards in the slow times of the night. We had men and their wives from Orlando and Tampa, Seattle and Montana.
All in all, it was a great reunion.
James Zell
Blaine
The Editor:
As a recent letter stated, I also have had no problem for years with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and seen continued improvement in their behavior when crossing into U.S.
In an earlier letter regarding an article in The Northern Light about recent incidents at local U.S. border crossings, Mr. Agnello seemed to misstate his opinion by stating “public” sector when he probably meant “private sector” as CBP is a public federal government agency.
I have read the article several times and do not understand the point. No one should lose their Nexus card without cause. I met Len Saunders once and he seems to be credible person.
It seems that part of the blame falls on the parties cited in this report and does not excuse harsh or unreasonable interrogation by the border patrol if that occurred.
It seems The Northern Light committed a mistake rarely made by a reputable newspaper. A reputable newspaper would contact or attempt to contact the subject of their article before publishing it to obtain their response or comments. That did not seem to occur or they failed to mention this.
My suggestions are we have a more serious problem with the Blaine Post Office that needs to be investigated and reported on. Their attitude and service has continued to deteriorate.
I recently reported a broken package box in our mailbox stand and told them it has been broken for six weeks. They said they would perform maintenance soon and now two months later nothing has been done. I showed them the gash in my arm from when I tried to retrieve a package in that box and the supervisor said nothing. They should tape up all sharp edges in that box until it is repaired.
My next door neighbor said she made two complaints that were ignored. I gave her eight pieces of mail of hers delivered to me.
Mickey Masdeo
Blaine
The Editor:
As raspberry farmers, it is very important to my husband and I that we have representatives who understand the value of our industry and the challenges we face as we farm. This is why we support Luanne Van Werven and Vincent Buys who are running for re-election as state representatives in the 42nd District.
We are among the growers in Whatcom County that produce 60 percent of the nation’s raspberries. Luanne and Vincent recognize that agriculture is a vital industry for Whatcom County, and they know that family farms are the backbone of our local economy.
Our land is one of our most valuable resources. As such, we do the best we can to preserve it for the next generation, but dealing with overbearing regulations and land use restrictions make the future of family farming in our county tenuous. Responsible stewardship of the land and farming operations are not mutually exclusive. Farmers are dependent on the land, and obviously have a vested interest in enhancing its condition and value.
Luanne and Vincent will focus on reforms that free farmers to do what they do best so that future generations are able to follow.
Please join me in supporting Luanne Van Werven and Vincent Buys for re-election.
Leslie Honcoop
Lynden
The Editor:
On Tuesday evening, September 27, Whatcom County Council will have their regular council meeting. This meeting is important to me because the public is invited to support or protest an extension of the council’s temporary 60-day temporary moratorium on new fossil fuel shipments through the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve area to a six-month moratorium.
The six-month moratorium holds the line against current plans to move more crude oil and natural gas by train and pipeline while the county finalizes the review of the 20-year comprehensive plan.
The public can make a difference in the decision to include a permanent ban on exporting additional coal, crude or natural gas through Cherry Point, a sensitive and important area for existing industry there and for its unique wildlife habitat.
This will help set the stage towards the goal of a more sustainable future for all.
As we know, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in May denied the permit proposed by SSA/PIT to build a coal-shipping terminal at Cherry Point. The permit was struck down because it violates long-standing treaty rights of the Lummi Nation. It was increasingly clear that shipping coal to be burned in Asia would have far-reaching negative effects.
I believe there is one prevailing reason to ban fossil fuels: global warming. There will always be those who deny the facts, but most countries and people agree and acknowledge that modern technology and our addiction to fossil fuels have caused the earth to be ravaged in ways that are beyond repair.
As more and more carbon is burned, our atmosphere and oceans are becoming saturated with CO2, trapping heat and moisture. This causes unprecedented weather events such as drought, floods and fires, and disrupts natural systems which govern a balanced climate.
Above all, I believe global warming is a human rights issue for everyone.
Therefore, everyone is morally responsible to protect and show respect for the natural world, lest we destroy it and forfeit out rights to thrive from it. Let’s support the moratorium on new fossil fuels at Cherry Point. Attend the council meeting or send your vote to the county council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us.
Christine Westland
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Thanks to the Plover and the volunteers for another great season. An excellent example of community pride and activism to benefit all.
Special thanks to “Captain” Richard Sturgill “steering” the crew and the executive in the right direction over many years to make it all happen.
Thanks also to the helpful Coast Guard, and the many donors, including the Semiahmoo Yacht Club.
Jay James
Birch Bay
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