Apply the same logic

Regarding the editorial Aug. 4:

When considering the helmet issue for bicyclists, the public takes the position that a helmet law is ridiculous and unnecessary. It boggles my mind when I see adults riding bicycles who blow through stop signs and traffic lights with little regard for other traffic. Those people are a much greater risk to themselves and to auto drivers than motorcycles and cars that stop and obey the traffic control devices.

Since helmets are considered not necessary for bicyclists, how can the mandatory use of helmets for motorcyclists be considered a necessary evil? Apply the same logic in both instances and compare the results.

Finally, no manufacturer will certify that the motorcycle helmet will protect the rider at a speed greater than 15 mph.

This is the message we have been trying to get across for 20 years. It took an effort to make the helmet mandatory for adult bicyclists to finally get the message across.

Mel Yeager, Albany

Offering a second chance

We, the people of Albany, have an opportunity to help give a second chance to individuals who are fighting to recover from drug and alcohol dependency.

Every day, anyone who reads the local paper can see the impact that non-recovering addicts have on our city. Property crime is up, addicts are constantly tying up police and fire services — and are making our parks less family friendly. The list goes on.

But there are people in our community who want to break that cycle, to begin to make healthy choices for their lives and overcome the barriers that make reaching these goals often seem unattainable. One group that helps these people is called C.H.A.N.C.E. Since May 2005 they have worked closely with Linn County Mental Health and the Linn County probation system so that recovery for people in need becomes a way of life. They offer group and peer-to-peer counseling, and assist people to find the resources they need to make living clean and sober a reality.

Recently C.H.A.N.C.E was informed that the owner of the building where they have been located wants to sell, leaving them with three choices: Buy, move or close.

It would be a terrible shame if the citizens of Albany couldn’t find a way to keep this awesome organization going. In the last year alone, C.H.A.N.C.E has made a direct impact on more than 2,400 individuals who work, live and play right here in our community.

C.H.A.N.C.E. is at 435 Third Ave. S.E., right across the street from the old Albany High School. As they are a 501c3 corporation, any and all donations would be fully tax-deductible. As citizens of Albany, we need to be a Community Helping Addicts Negotiate Change Effectively. Which, after all, is what C.H.A.N.C.E. is all about.

John S. McDaniel, Albany

‘Magic’ was really science

In response to a letter printed in the Democrat-Herald on July 30 from Rose Schmidt, I would like to encourage an open mind to what might be a different point of view.

Referring to a program presented by the Lebanon Public Library (“Tales of the Unknown”) for readers in fifth through 12th grades, Ms. Schmidt was concerned about the topic of magic. She cited Bible passages that forbid the use of magic and stated that the topic “is not something to make light of.” Many people may agree.

This warning raised questions in my mind, so I looked for answers at the source: the library. I asked if the newspaper item was printed exactly as the information was given to the editors. Sometimes press releases are paraphrased and the original message can be misconstrued. (This seemed to be the case.) I requested a more detailed explanation of the content and manner of presentation of this subject.

I was assured that the program is designed not to make young sorcerers of the attendees but simply to encourage reading. (Not an easy task with some youths.)

An example that was given was the matter of water displacement, a scientific “phenomenon” that might cause wonderment in a youngster.

If this is the sort of “magic” that will be presented, it appears less harmful to me. Science has never been my favorite subject, and I’m still mystified by the marvels of electronics and other wonders of the scientific realm.

Lori McNulty, Lebanon

Human dignity for all

This letter is regarding the man who is suing three city officials in Portland, claiming they are encouraging undocumented immigrants to live in Oregon.

Why doesn’t he just wear a T-shirt that says, “I hate Mexicans”? It really is sad that he is pouring his time into hatred, instead of something good.

As for his comment about being assaulted twice while taking photos of license plates of potential employers; all I can say to that is, “Get a clue, nimrod.” If you’re being assaulted don’t go there and don’t take pics. What a good way for him to waste the city’s money, a lawsuit, not to mention wasted time.

Reading the blurb about him in the “Oregon in Brief” section on July 29 just made me think, “Wow, tattle-tale dorks with too much time on their hands come in all ages and sizes.”

It will be a wonderful thing when we as humankind will respect all races as humans and not have racist people like that who want to treat certain people like cattle because of skin color.

Sharon Hernandez, Albany

Was it about his ears?

Barack Hussein Obama opined that he “doesn’t look like all the other presidents on the dollar bill.”

He was either trying to inject race into the campaign, or he was referring to his ears.

If we believe the former, this would not be the first time Obama has used the race card against John McCain. If the polls stay close, it will also not be the last.

Larry A. Smith, Shedd

Evacuation went well

Many thanks to the Albany Fire Department for their quick response to the incident at Coastal Farm & Ranch on Friday, Aug. 1. Their professionalism and courtesy in handling the situation were greatly appreciated.

I also want to thank the Albany Coastal Farm & Ranch store associates, as well as the distribution center and office staff for the efficient evacuation of all buildings.

This situation was a good reminder of the importance of establishing evacuation procedures. While we hope to never need them, the are invaluable in an emergency situation.

Buzz Wheeler, Coastal Farm & Ranch, Albany

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