Letters to the Editor for July 13

Paul Woolery

Hood River

Just apologize

I wonder why politicians generally are so out of touch and defensive that they fail to see how the American people respond to sincere apologies (which to be real apologies, of course, have to include an admission of fault).

Were Hillary to say the following about her seemingly conscious errors of fact regarding her emails and state secrets (instead of her present approach of denying the accusations), many people who think she is less than human would be persuaded she, unlike her probable opponent, is actually capable of talking about these things in a sensible and acceptable way:

“Because no harm was done by my actions overall, I just assumed this was then entirely an inconsequential matter, but I misstated some matters of fact and am very sorry I did so. I wanted the things I said in error to be true, so I persuaded myself to see them that way.

“I admire those Americans among us who always avoid saying things they know are mostly, but not entirely true, things they only wish were another way. I want to be that kind of person and believe I can be. I will try to make sure I learn from this lesson and in the future stick to the exact facts in my telling of them. I am so sorry to have misled anyone by my statements and apologize to the American people for my errors of judgment here.”

Instead of letting the deepening mistrust of her and the presence of new party candidates help steal defeat from the jaws of victory, she could see that mistrust turn to appreciation of her humanity, almost as if she planned it that way and actually made her misstatements for this purpose.

And does anybody else think that the explanation of Trump’s disjointed and casual approach to this election might be he is pulling a Berlusconi and trying to inoculate himself against lawsuits and investigations?

After all, remember how cowardly the IRS is when facing the charges of a politically-inspired witch hunt.

Bob Williams

Hood River

Say thanks

Thank and support our police. They’re all that stands between us and anarchy.

Jerry Giarraputo

Hood River

Don’t miss Avenue Q

Buckle your seat belts, fun-loving adults with an edgy sense of humor! Don’t miss Avenue Q each weekend this month at the Columbia Center for the Arts Theatre!

Great music, crazy story, puppets, and a million laughs. Thanks, Mark Steighner and all the cast, crew and band for a remarkable musical play!

My favorite characters were the Bad Idea Bears. Somehow I’ve got to go see it again ... and somehow fit it in with the Shakespeare and Oklahoma productions also happening right now, along with the other great cultural events we in this region have to choose from, as always.

Tina Castañares

Hood River

Queue up for Avenue Q

The Friday night opening of Avenue Q at the Columbia Gorge Art Center gave first nighters the thrill and excitement that comes when the cast on stage projects these feelings right into the audience. This is what going to see a show is all about.

Sure, it’s the book and the score and the production. But it’s the sense of pace and timing, the filling out and bringing to life of the characters, and the sense of motion that propels the show forward that tells the real story for the audience.

The tale of Avenue Q has been well-told in this paper. But it is the accomplishment of Director Mark Steighner, the music of a small group that sounds like a traditional pit band in a Broadway house, and the performances of the wonderful cast of 12 humans and nine puppets that make this such a theatrical experience.

Avenue Q has a heart, whether with an aorta or a hand up its middle. It has been playing somewhere and continuously in New York since it premiered in 2004. Part of the fun of watching the puppets is that you see double. You see the skillful animation of the hand puppets by their human manipulators. At the same time, you see the emotions on the faces of the human actors who have become the puppet characters.

This is a rare experience. Don’t miss it!

Dick Swart

Hood River

Help find Gus

On Thursday, July 7 around 9 p.m., our 7 year old Australian Shepherd / Border Collie, Gus, disappeared from our property on the eastside of Mitchell Point after being spooked by fireworks. Gus is an extremely well trained, intelligent, friendly guy who would never run off in a normal situation.

With our home so close to the freeway, that was our first thought as to what may have happened, but days later, after tirelessly searching, we’ve found no sign of an incident.

We would like to call on our fellow Hood River area residents to join us in our search for Gus, whether that may be just keeping your eyes peeled, or sharing our Facebook posts. Gus is neutered, chipped, and should be wearing an orange collar with tags. He is a red Merle, with brown and white markings, no tail, and white ghost specks in his eyes. He loves people and would follow anyone. We love and miss him so much, and are sick with worry.

At this point we have very little information or leads. We think he could have ended up in the Post Canyon area, as we live right below it. Please keep your eyes, ears, and hearts open, and remember to take care of your loved ones (furry or human) and hold them close. Treasure every day you spend with them.

We both love fireworks, but we all need to acknowledge that many dogs are terrified of loud noises and take precautions. We love our neighbors and are not placing blame on them — we carry that blame on ourselves, he is our responsibility — but this is a problem I have seen occur over and over. If you want to set off fireworks but know there are dogs in the area, contact the owner. In most cases the owner will happily put their pet in a safe place, and you can continue with your fun. Dog owners, you hold most of the responsibility for keeping your fur babies safe. If they are spooked by loud noises, make sure they are safe and secure around holidays like the Fourth and New Year’s.

James Freeborn

and Rachael Lentz

Hood River