Don’t promote magic

As a recent emigrant from the East Coast, I’ve been awed by the natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle, and fine, welcoming folks I now call neighbors. But the article I just read announcing the Lebanon library’s “Tales of the Unknown” has left me beyond disappointed — even devastated.

In case you missed it, Lebanon Public Library is planning for this Saturday “a journey into mystery, mayhem, and mind reading” including a “trip to the strange side of magic” in which students will “re-enact the tragic death of poor Uncle Klink, beloved escapologist,” hear of famous hauntings, and watch while three students demonstrate their “mind-reading capabilities.”

Is this what we want for our children? Has this community been so desensitized by Harry Potter that they think this is cute? The Scriptures (Deuteronomy 18:9-14, Acts 19:19, etc.) are filled with strong admonitions forbidding the use of magic (which is also referred to as sorcery and witchcraft).

This is not something to make light of. Should we not rather be filling our children’s minds with uplifting and encouraging folklore; positive role models; thrilling, historical accounts of their ancestors’ quest for freedom; and faith-building, not fear-producing fiction?

I’m new to the area; I don’t even know how the system works. But will you do something to stop this from happening and safeguard our children’s vulnerable, malleable minds before it’s too late?

Rose Schmidt, Lebanon

Linn’s right on ethanol

I thank and agree with our Linn County commissioners regarding use of ethanol! I also noticed my drop in mpg upon the addition of ethanol and I’m also concerned with the possible damage to all gas-burning equipment. This would include lawn mowers, off-road vehicles, chain saws, generators etc.

Thanks also to Mr. Trask and Hawthorne.

Dave Doherty, Lebanon

Warming not sustainable

I noticed in this morning’s paper, July 21, several articles about global warming by noted local scientists, one a mechanical engineer and business man, all debunking the worldwide belief that, one, it’s occurring and/or it doesn’t matter.

It was a change from the usual, that is, that it isn’t occurring here because we had a wet spring and dry summer and, two, it’s all a hoax perpetrated by those rascally Democrats, who we all know are extremely liberal and prone to exaggeration and/or aligned with that vice president who won the 2000 election, but was determined not to be by the extremely liberal Supreme Court.

I have news for our local scientists: It’s happening regardless of their expertise and is so noted by even more qualified real scientists, trained in climatology. That there are normal warming and cooling cycles, as exemplified by the ice age and subsequent warming is not in doubt. There have probably been several such periods as scientists are discovering in drill holes in the Arctic and Antarctic ice masses.

For the most part these were not caused by homo sapiens. We haven’t been around that long. The real issue is what, if anything, we can do about it and that doesn’t get all that much attention, presumably because that would interfere with the free market system and cost those who are producing those nasty greenhouse gases money. The alternative is not sustainable for much longer.

Kenneth O. Houston, Albany

Start with impeachment

Members of Congress are charged with the duty to enforce and protect our laws. We have now several individuals who have for years been violating basic human laws. They have repeatedly lied to the American public, creating violence with our military in the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, killing and maiming thousands of citizens of both of those countries. It is time for the American people to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law of the land George W. Bush and Richard Cheney. They are war criminals and have led the United States into a morass of illegal and violent oppression of the peoples of these two countries for their own profit and the profit of the oil companies they support.

Please stand up and support our members of Congress to hold these war criminals accountable. The first step is impeachment.

Sue-Lin Simons, Brownsville

Quit yelling at me

I have been a lifelong resident of the town, and for the last 20-plus years I have been subjected to cruel, vile, vicious treatment at the hands of a small group of teenage punks!

I have every right to be outside without being used and abused by a group of kids who have nothing better to do than display outrageous, despicable behavior. To me, this is a form of discrimination. If you have a problem with me being outside, pack your stuff and get out of my face! I may be in a wheelchair, but I have the right to be treated with respect.

I am 38 years old and I do not like to be yelled at by a bunch of ignorant, dumb teenage punks. I am a registered voter and I demand a little respect.

I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to express my outrage at those who are violating my civil liberties.

Jeff Smith, Lebanon