Common ground
The past few decades have seen a widening partisan divide, infecting public discourse at all levels. The escalating partisan rancor has risen to a level that undermines our democracy.
Our democracy rests not just on the Constitution and Bill of Rights, but on what Alexis de Tocqueville called the “habits of the heart” — our care and respect for one another and willingness to work through our differences.
During the unimaginable carnage of the Civil War, the poet Walt Whitman wrote these prophetic words: “Be not disheartened, affection shall solve the problems of freedom yet. Those who love each another shall become invincible.”
The time has come to remember our affection for one another, to put aside past grievances and seek common ground. I pray that our leaders and each of us begin that remembering today.
Richard Davis
The Dalles
Need plan
The yearlong-plus process of short term rental regulations has been one of the most disappointing civic processes I’ve ever witnessed. Calling a state of emergency to be able to place a selected person into a council position that swayed this vote was shameful and an abuse of the powers that were bestowed to council. Watching this decision swayed by an unelected council member by dancing through weak language in city bylaws to find a wormhole shows how far the moral compass can sway in today’s divided political climate.
The platform of “affordable housing” that was used to initiate the STR discussions was not mentioned once in the final meetings leading up to the vote. At public hearings I attended, the council did not acknowledge, debate or discuss the points brought forth about the negative effects this decision would have. Their minds were made up and the political chessboard was positioned to have the STR homeowners in a “checkmate” position and our efforts to speak out were pointless.
A major issue that now needs to be addressed is the creation of a Tourism Master Plan. I would encourage council and civic staff to endeavor to put their energy into looking how to move forward with actions that build the economy rather than taking actions to harm it.
Tourism has been the brightest growth segment over the last 35 years, started by the ‘80s windsurf boom and has now diversified to a broad recreation lifestyle with the infrastructure that people have come to love about Hood River. The rich recreational playground of the Columbia River Gorge supported by a diverse offering of tourist services (restaurants, shops, activities, parks, hotels and accommodations including STRs) is all centered in Hood River. We need leadership that will invest in this natural resource with a long-term strategy. The council, the chamber or the port have failed to embrace long-term tourism planning strategies and we have ended up with knee-jerk reactions around STRs. We hope this will be a call to action for others in HR who value tourism/recreation to rally a vision of a managed tourism plan.
Skip Taylor
Hood River
See ‘Catch Me’
If you haven’t seen “Catch Me If You Can,” do. My husband and I loved the show last night. The amount of work put in by Rachel Harry, Dan Kenealy, and all the kids was obvious — the show is a massive undertaking and they succeeded spectacularly. Rachel’s talent and experience were evident in the coordination of the direction, choreography, and lighting. Dan really delivered in his music direction of a large cast, live band, and tough music. Jasper Krehbiel and Sean Gray are rock stars as the two leads. Wow! Matt McCravey and JoJo Summersett faced some tough emotional moments on stage, bringing me almost to tears. The entire cast sold the show. I’ve performed in shows with fantastic leads, but a floppy chorus, and it kills the show. Not so for “Catch Me if You Can.” There is an encouraging quote in the theater world that says, “There are no small roles,” and it rang so true last night. Every “small” part was filled with life and packed with character. Well done, cast and crew of “Catch Me if You Can!” I’ll be back next weekend!
Ariana Bloodgood
The Dalles
Trump-nation
Trump-ism is not a new movement. It is not a conservative revolution. It is an expression of old, intolerant, fear based ideas that have no place in our world. The strong man has been done many times before in history.
It always leads to horrible places. Each election cycle the “right” gets more and more desperate. We thought Bush was a bad idea (turns out we were right) but Trump? Really? It’s hard to imagine what anyone sees in him.
Luckily for America, I think he is not the standard bearer for a new movement but simply the dying whip of the dinosaur’s tail.
RIP GOP — don’t let the door hit you in the butt on your way out.
Andrew Bryden
Hood River
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