One name stands for all

James Parker's letter (June 30) brings to mind the importance of a name. A person's name is the word he or she most longs to hear or see. The nearly 42 million American veterans he cited all have names, each one precious. That's why a veterans' memorial is ennobled by names.

When a person comes to a veterans' memorial, is it because of a striking design that tears come along? No, most likely, it is the sight of a name that evokes some of the strongest emotions we humans experience.

Veterans' memorials may not be able to include all the names of an area's veterans. The idea is almost silly. But neither does a mass or nameless memorial serve the purpose, just as a mass grave falls short when there are no names.

If all cannot be there, then isn't it in a soldier's nature to represent his/her companions? If one is there, isn't his or her company there beside?

As one of the Vietnam veterans said to me as he was helping finish the brickwork of the Scio Veterans Memorial, "This is for my fellow vets." And I imagine he meant all of them.

Mr. Parker, my fellow Scioan, I invite you to be named on our memorial. You are to be commended for your service to our great country. Perhaps you have been disgraced, insulted or omitted in the past. Here is an opportunity to move beyond that.

You said no one asked. So I am. Come to our dedication ceremony on the Fourth and make yourself known. Someone may even purchase a brick for you. That's the kind of people you'll find.

Melody Taylor, Scio

No, you're not forgotten

I would like to comment in response to James Parker's letter June 30. Mr. Parker, you have not been neglected or forgotten as a veteran. It seems pretty sad that you would condemn all the hard work put forth by many volunteers (I am not one of them) to make these two memorials even more beautiful than they were before.

Our household bought two bricks, one for my dad and one for my husband's dad. We decided to buy those bricks because we are very proud of our parents' military service and because it helped fund the memorial.

These two memorials are something to be proud of for everybody. I am not familiar with the Albany one, but do know that Scio has the support of many veteran organizations. There are names placed on the walls from all branches of the service, and it would be an honor if you would choose to place your name there, also. Even if you choose not to put your name at one of these areas, your service in our military is much appreciated and is also honored by these memorials.

Carolyn Nunn, Scio

Stop whining about prices

Recently, a newspaper article came out about race car drivers feeling the crunch of gas prices. They will get no sympathy from me.

Summer is here and gas prices have never been higher. By all means, let the car racing begin!

These guys will burn more gas in a day than I will all year. What excitement it must be to see them go in circles only to see crashes and see who can do it the fastest.

It seems I hear more complaining about prices for everything on any given day. By all means, pay for your cell phones with ringtones and mp3 players. Don't forget to pimp your rides with thousand-dollar rims and stereos. Hurry to the malls for your $50 dollar manicures and pedicures. And don't forget your big-screen TVs and DVD players in your 2,500-square-foot homes with air conditioning.

Just remember, the rest of the world is wondering if they will get another meal. Your consumption of gas has created our problem that we all must live with. Just do me a favor and stop your whining.

Michael D. Felde, Albany

An initiative for drilling

It is time to start the "People's Initiative." It has virtually no cost, takes very little effort and can be easily done by everyone. I am not talking politics here; I am talking what is now a plain necessity.

It is time this nation started developing our own oil reserves, wherever they they may lie. It may take 10 years to get them on line. So? Who can guarantee that the alternatives will be on line in 10 years? Even if McCain is elected and serves two terms he may not be the one to pay off the $300 million (he offered for a invention of a new car battery).

What we are certain of is the price of gas is not going down. You can take that to the bank. If you are like me it won't do any good. After the last fill-up, there's nothing left.

If all the things the anti-drilling folks are hoping for do come through, there is still the rest of the world and the growing demand. If we get ours on line we can, like other countries, sell our excess and subsidize our gas, pay off the national debt so our grandkids won't have to, cover health costs, etc. You name it.

The country has to get a bigger share of the profits - like the Arabs, South Americans - so we the people can get the benefits. Look at it this way. It's how we can get our money back from China!

All you have to do is get a postcard and write on it. Drill here, drill now, or start packing to go home.

Address it to The Congress, Washington, D.C., 20510. In fact, it isn't even necessary to get a postcard or write anything. Just stamp an envelope, address it and send it on its way. They will get the message. No big donations, no big campaign, no big slice for administrative costs. Quick, easy, simple - and effective!

If you like the idea, do it. If you really like the idea and want to help, send copies of this letter to your friends and to newspapers all over the country.

William C. Curtis, Sweet Home

Sending a message on gas

The poor consumer has nothing to bargain with except his diminishing valued cash. So let's all keep our money in our pockets one day each week and see if the oil companies miss it.

What would happen if we all placed a Wednesday ban on gasoline purchases. Why Wednesday? Because it's one day in the middle of a seven-day week, or in their case a six-day week.

No, I'm not forgetting the guy who has to drive to the Portland airport of the truck driver who has to fuel up every day. There are no perfect plans, but it would sure give the TV talking heads a new storyline.

Do you remember the ban on Monday haircuts? We got over them by switching to Thursdays with some weird hair on Saturday nights.

Arthur Spillman, Albany

MAILBAG GUIDELINES: Letters must bear the writer's full name and address, but we'll omit the street address in the paper. Please include a daytime telephone number. Letters should be as brief as possible and are subject to editing and abridgement. Letters from the same person generally are limited to one a month. We usually do not print verse. Thank-you notes for donations may appear Saturdays in "In Appreciation."