Letters to the editor

07/21/10

What happened to the American Dream?

I want you to imagine arriving in New York as an immigrant in the 1800’s; all you have are the clothes on your back, and the desire for a better life. You have left behind the old world, a world that traced its history back almost 2000 years to the time of Caesar and the Roman Empire; a land where kings and a wealthy aristocracy owned everything. A world where you might never own anything but the clothes on your back and the dishes you eat out of.

Now, as you step onto the docks of New York you see a young vibrant city that is barely 200 years old. You see a country rich in resources; iron and coal to make steel, forests full of lumber for building, fertile plains to feed a nation, and rivers raging with power to run the machines. You are urged to go west to the fertile lands of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and beyond.

Perhaps you are a baker, a farmer or a carpenter, but you have a skill and soon you find people demanding your services. You start to work and trade the fruits of your labor with other people; and over the years, by working hard, you have a house with a warm fire and meat on the table.

This is the American Dream and for over 200 years America’s abundant resources and trade between the States made the dream a reality. Texas steers became Chicago steaks, tractors built in Michigan were used by Nebraska Farmers, forests of Arizona made the railroad ties that linked a nation, fabric made in North Carolina became “Blue Jeans” in California, and as the money went round and round it created America’s great middle class.

Then about 30 years ago something changed, the American Dream of work hard, save money, and build a future for our children was replaced with the idea that “I am entitled to the American Dream”. It seemed that many people were only interested in themselves and how much money they could make. They seemed to believe that because they lived in America it was their right to work as short a time as possible and retire early; all the time while living in a mac-mansion, driving a big SUV, and having lots of toys for the weekend. Work hard and save for these goodies, NEVER, they had credit. It seemed we had become a land of mindless consumers.

It has made no difference whether they were individuals, The Mayor, a County Supervisor, Governor, or the Federal Government; it seemed like no one wanted to work hard and save; they just wanted to spend money they did not have. Today’s total debts are huge. The Federal debt is 13 trillion dollars, but did you know that the total credit card debit for all American Households is 2.6 trillion dollars?

There is an old saying “How do you get out of a hole, well first you stop digging”.

Now is the time to stop digging to make tough decisions.

Can we afford a war in Afghanistan and Iraq while our borders are not secure?

We have promised ourselves Social Security and Medicare, how do we pay for them? Do we have to reduce benefits, change how doctors are paid?

Do we continue to fight a war against drugs, or is it better to legalize and tax them?

How do we pay for government worker’s pensions and healthcare? Do we have too many government employees? Is their cost too high?

Finally, after we have reduced government cost; how do we tax ourselves to pay for everything? Do we want to pay more in gas tax, or have a national sales tax?

Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative; now is the time to ask yourself, “What am I willing to sacrifice to balance the budget?” Who do I vote for to support my ideas?

Don’t be fooled by an empty shirt with a promise of “Trust Me”.

In this election I’ll be voting for people with a clear understanding and solutions to the problems.

No longer will I accept “Trust Me”, and if there are no clear answers; you won’t get my vote.

Bob Hamer

Payson

_______________________

Energy derived from coal/natural gas cheaper than solar

Dear Mr./Ms. C. Gail:

Thank you for correcting my solar terminology in your letter, “Solar cells don’t require water,” in the July 9 Payson Roundup. I really had the oranges and apples mixed up when I referred to “solar panels” in my letter of July 2.

The difference is really important. According to the Heartland Institute, the fully funded cost per kilowatt hour (kwh) for the two processes is: solar thermal (uses lots of water), $18.82 and solar photovoltaic (no water), $37.39.

So, as we quit using a precious resource (water) for solar thermal, we use more of another precious resource (money) for solar photovoltaic. Which raises another question—the fully funded cost of more prosaic processes per kwh are: coal generation, $3.79 and natural gas generation, $5.61.

Why is the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) encouraging, nay, mandating, solar installations when there are several hundred years of known coal and natural gas reserves in the U.S. and Canada?

I thought the basic purpose of the ACC was to minimize the cost of regulated services to Arizona citizens, whether as ratepayers or as taxpayers. Somehow this objective has been pushed aside for a new goal—“to be the lead state in the crusade to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

Thus, with no apparent study, we are willing to subsidize photovoltaic power at ten times the cost of coal generation.

Dan Adams

Payson

__________________

Editor,

I live in the Cheney Ranch area in Linden, Arizona; my legislators are Sylvia Allen and Bill Konopnicki. Last year in October, there was some prospective legislation brought forth to Sylvia Allen who later became the prime sponsor for the legislation. This was a bill put together for children’s rights, which was called Senate Bill 1314. It involved equal time for the children and their parents, mandatory sanctions for those who falsify testimony or evidence, and for parents to have access to their children’s records. This legislation would put a stop to the abuse of discretion in the family courts of Navajo County and the rest of Arizona.

Unfortunately, Representative Konopnicki voted against SB 1314. As I read the votes, I was dumbfounded by what I saw: Mr. Konopnicki had voted against the legislation. How could he vote against this? This is a bill for children! Even the anti-domestic violence organization of Arizona, and the Maricopa County Family Courts were not against this bill. However, I was willing to give Konopnicki the benefit of the doubt, so I went to get my answers by putting a call in to Mr. Konopnicki—about eight times. I left my e-mail address, my phone number, and the times to reach me. I have yet to this day to receive a returned call or e-mail. The very appearance of this seems that Representative Konopnicki voted against Senator Allen herself rather than basing his judgment on the bill in itself, playing politics with the rights of my children. His repeated refusal to respond to my phone calls and e-mails reinforces this appearance.

It’s time that Mr. Konopnicki wakes up: it’s time that Mr. Konopnicki realizes that the people of Northern Arizona are tired of “politics as usual”. In contrast, Sylvia Allen offered up her office, her time, and her expertise and battled the opposition to get this bill passed. I am relieved to find that Senator Allen is not your everyday politician. Sylvia is someone that stands up for what’s right against what’s wrong, even if it were to cost her political capital. Mr. Konopnicki, I say to you that you should be ashamed of yourself. As for Sylvia Allen, I have only my sincerest thanks for your commitment to what you know and what everyone else knows is right.

For any doubters out there, you can look up the history of SB 1314 at www.azsenate.gov/.

Remember the words of Edward Burke, Mr. Konopnicki, “all that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”—or maybe for it to prevail, a man must vote against a good bill in the hopes of swiping someone’s seat in the Senate when his term limit is nearing its end.

Sincerely,

Mike Espinoza

_________________________

The Chamber and parade

Letter to the editor

Well this year the parade turned into a big flop because of poor organization from the committee that was putting it together. I talked to so many people who said they would not be back to our town because of it and the new rules set forth. The children and the parents were very disappointed about not being able to use water guns.

Another subject that really concerns me as a resident is when does the Chamber of Commerce have the right to decide who gets a permit and who doesn’t? I would like to think if a business would like to put on an event to raise money not only for themselves but to also help other businesses that they should be issued a permit. If there is a by-law or rules somewhere saying they can’t I would like to see it published in the paper for everyone to see. It’s a sad day when we can’t work together as a community. The Camber of Commerce doesn’t seem to know what their responsibility to the community really is. Are the officials elected or appointed for the chamber, and if appointed by whom? It seems like every time we take one sets forward we end up taking two steps back.

A concerned resident

_________________________

Flags

Editor,

Once again we had a great 4th of July on the mountain. As usual the display of the American flags, the fireworks and other evidence of patriotism were inspiring.

I especially enjoyed the new flag pole at the Taylor rodeo grounds and huge American flag which was not only flown on the 3rd, during the rodeo, but also on Sunday the 4th. A special at-a-boy goes out to the rodeo committee.

At the same time I was ashamed to see that in Snowflake they didn’t display the flag at either Snowflake City Hall or the Police Station. I’ve noticed that it seems to be the norm at the Police Department.

Snowflake Fire Department does not fly the flag because they don’t have a flag pole. Taylor flies the American and Arizona flags daily at the City hall – Fire Station complex.

I’ve always had somewhat of an issue with Snowflake’s celebration of Pioneer Days without recognizing the 4th of July but there is absolutely no excuse for not displaying the American Flag on at least a major national holiday.

As I would like to continue with my present position I can only sign this as,

Disappointed in Snowflake.

_________________________

Common Sense or arrogance?

letter to the editor

Forth of July Weekend in the High Country and picture perfect. Until you run into some idiots that make you ask yourself ‘are they that arrogant?’ cause they certainly have no common sense!

After a day of festive celebration Saturday, Sunday imagine your taking your grandkids to Black Canyon Lake for a little fishing and enjoyment of the lake. Instead of doing this you’re explaining to them why some idiots let one horse drown. Here’s where my common sense question comes in:

Who in Sam’s hill would take horses into a crowded lake on a holiday weekend? With family and kids around, forced them into the water of a boat launch where people are trying to get on and off the lake? Of course when asked the bikini girls reply was “we’re training them. We know what we are doing!” Wonder if she felt that way as she rode off crying for such stupidity! Little late for tears now, sister!!!

Knowing how high our lakes are this year, why wouldn’t you check the conditions of the lakes? We would before we would let our Grandkids go into it, and they have been trained properly. They are great swimmers! This was their first!

Horses first time in the water fully saddled-Hello! The Cowboy can’t quite seem to bring himself to say sorry for “Man, that was a new saddle!” comment. Oh excuse me, I think a real Cowboy knows his boots would fill up with water! Duh!

Why is it when one idiot challenges another “lets see if you can do it” the results are never good!

Oh, then there’s the actual owner. “It’s only a horse, I have 20 more!” makes it kind of hard for a kid to understand when they hear that statement after what they just saw! As they are standing there crying and asking WHY?!

Even worse they ride off with no sorry for what just happened!

We enjoy that lake and now they don’t want to go back to it!

So how do you say thanks to a bunch of arrogant idiots with no common sense for ruining a perfect holiday weekend?

I guess you just hope that every 4th of July they will remember the tears and the faces of shock and horror on those kids for such arrogance!

Charlie


	Letters to the editor 07/21/10 What happened to the American Dream? I want you to imagine arriving in New York as an immigrant in the 1800’s; all you have are the clothes on your back, and the desire for a better life. You have left behind the old world, a world that traced its history back almost 2000 years to the time of Caesar and the Roman Empire; a land where kings and a wealthy aristocracy owned everything. A world where you might never own anything but the clothes on your back and the dishes you eat out of. Now, as you step onto the docks of New York you see a young vibrant city that is barely 200 years old. You see a country rich in resources; iron and coal to make steel, forests full of lumber for building, fertile plains to feed a nation, and rivers raging with power to run the machines. You are urged to go west to the fertile lands of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and beyond. Perhaps you are a baker, a farmer or a carpenter, but you have a skill and soon you find people demanding your services. You start to work and trade the fruits of your labor with other people; and over the years, by working hard, you have a house with a warm fire and meat on the table. This is the American Dream and for over 200 years America’s abundant resources and trade between the States made the dream a reality. Texas steers became Chicago steaks, tractors built in Michigan were used by Nebraska Farmers, forests of Arizona made the railroad ties that linked a nation, fabric made in North Carolina became “Blue Jeans” in California, and as the money went round and round it created America’s great middle class. Then about 30 years ago something changed, the American Dream of work hard, save money, and build a future for our children was replaced with the idea that “I am entitled to the American Dream”. It seemed that many people were only interested in themselves and how much money they could make. They seemed to believe that because they lived in America it was their right to work as short a time as possible and retire early; all the time while living in a mac-mansion, driving a big SUV, and having lots of toys for the weekend. Work hard and save for these goodies, NEVER, they had credit. It seemed we had become a land of mindless consumers. It has made no difference whether they were individuals, The Mayor, a County Supervisor, Governor, or the Federal Government; it seemed like no one wanted to work hard and save; they just wanted to spend money they did not have. Today’s total debts are huge. The Federal debt is 13 trillion dollars, but did you know that the total credit card debit for all American Households is 2.6 trillion dollars? There is an old saying “How do you get out of a hole, well first you stop digging”. Now is the time to stop digging to make tough decisions. Can we afford a war in Afghanistan and Iraq while our borders are not secure? We have promised ourselves Social Security and Medicare, how do we pay for them? Do we have to reduce benefits, change how doctors are paid? Do we continue to fight a war against drugs, or is it better to legalize and tax them? How do we pay for government worker’s pensions and healthcare? Do we have too many government employees? Is their cost too high? Finally, after we have reduced government cost; how do we tax ourselves to pay for everything? Do we want to pay more in gas tax, or have a national sales tax? Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative; now is the time to ask yourself, “What am I willing to sacrifice to balance the budget?” Who do I vote for to support my ideas? Don’t be fooled by an empty shirt with a promise of “Trust Me”. In this election I’ll be voting for people with a clear understanding and solutions to the problems. No longer will I accept “Trust Me”, and if there are no clear answers; you won’t get my vote. Bob Hamer Payson _______________________ Energy derived from coal/natural gas cheaper than solar Dear Mr./Ms. C. Gail: Thank you for correcting my solar terminology in your letter, “Solar cells don’t require water,” in the July 9 Payson Roundup. I really had the oranges and apples mixed up when I referred to “solar panels” in my letter of July 2. The difference is really important. According to the Heartland Institute, the fully funded cost per kilowatt hour (kwh) for the two processes is: solar thermal (uses lots of water), $18.82 and solar photovoltaic (no water), $37.39. So, as we quit using a precious resource (water) for solar thermal, we use more of another precious resource (money) for solar photovoltaic. Which raises another question—the fully funded cost of more prosaic processes per kwh are: coal generation, $3.79 and natural gas generation, $5.61. Why is the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) encouraging, nay, mandating, solar installations when there are several hundred years of known coal and natural gas reserves in the U.S. and Canada? I thought the basic purpose of the ACC was to minimize the cost of regulated services to Arizona citizens, whether as ratepayers or as taxpayers. Somehow this objective has been pushed aside for a new goal—“to be the lead state in the crusade to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.” Thus, with no apparent study, we are willing to subsidize photovoltaic power at ten times the cost of coal generation. Dan Adams Payson __________________ Editor, I live in the Cheney Ranch area in Linden, Arizona; my legislators are Sylvia Allen and Bill Konopnicki. Last year in October, there was some prospective legislation brought forth to Sylvia Allen who later became the prime sponsor for the legislation. This was a bill put together for children’s rights, which was called Senate Bill 1314. It involved equal time for the children and their parents, mandatory sanctions for those who falsify testimony or evidence, and for parents to have access to their children’s records. This legislation would put a stop to the abuse of discretion in the family courts of Navajo County and the rest of Arizona. Unfortunately, Representative Konopnicki voted against SB 1314. As I read the votes, I was dumbfounded by what I saw: Mr. Konopnicki had voted against the legislation. How could he vote against this? This is a bill for children! Even the anti-domestic violence organization of Arizona, and the Maricopa County Family Courts were not against this bill. However, I was willing to give Konopnicki the benefit of the doubt, so I went to get my answers by putting a call in to Mr. Konopnicki—about eight times. I left my e-mail address, my phone number, and the times to reach me. I have yet to this day to receive a returned call or e-mail. The very appearance of this seems that Representative Konopnicki voted against Senator Allen herself rather than basing his judgment on the bill in itself, playing politics with the rights of my children. His repeated refusal to respond to my phone calls and e-mails reinforces this appearance. It’s time that Mr. Konopnicki wakes up: it’s time that Mr. Konopnicki realizes that the people of Northern Arizona are tired of “politics as usual”. In contrast, Sylvia Allen offered up her office, her time, and her expertise and battled the opposition to get this bill passed. I am relieved to find that Senator Allen is not your everyday politician. Sylvia is someone that stands up for what’s right against what’s wrong, even if it were to cost her political capital. Mr. Konopnicki, I say to you that you should be ashamed of yourself. As for Sylvia Allen, I have only my sincerest thanks for your commitment to what you know and what everyone else knows is right. For any doubters out there, you can look up the history of SB 1314 at www.azsenate.gov/. Remember the words of Edward Burke, Mr. Konopnicki, “all that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”—or maybe for it to prevail, a man must vote against a good bill in the hopes of swiping someone’s seat in the Senate when his term limit is nearing its end. Sincerely, Mike Espinoza _________________________ The Chamber and parade Letter to the editor Well this year the parade turned into a big flop because of poor organization from the committee that was putting it together. I talked to so many people who said they would not be back to our town because of it and the new rules set forth. The children and the parents were very disappointed about not being able to use water guns. Another subject that really concerns me as a resident is when does the Chamber of Commerce have the right to decide who gets a permit and who doesn’t? I would like to think if a business would like to put on an event to raise money not only for themselves but to also help other businesses that they should be issued a permit. If there is a by-law or rules somewhere saying they can’t I would like to see it published in the paper for everyone to see. It’s a sad day when we can’t work together as a community. The Camber of Commerce doesn’t seem to know what their responsibility to the community really is. Are the officials elected or appointed for the chamber, and if appointed by whom? It seems like every time we take one sets forward we end up taking two steps back. A concerned resident _________________________ Flags Editor, Once again we had a great 4th of July on the mountain. As usual the display of the American flags, the fireworks and other evidence of patriotism were inspiring. I especially enjoyed the new flag pole at the Taylor rodeo grounds and huge American flag which was not only flown on the 3rd, during the rodeo, but also on Sunday the 4th. A special at-a-boy goes out to the rodeo committee. At the same time I was ashamed to see that in Snowflake they didn’t display the flag at either Snowflake City Hall or the Police Station. I’ve noticed that it seems to be the norm at the Police Department. Snowflake Fire Department does not fly the flag because they don’t have a flag pole. Taylor flies the American and Arizona flags daily at the City hall – Fire Station complex. I’ve always had somewhat of an issue with Snowflake’s celebration of Pioneer Days without recognizing the 4th of July but there is absolutely no excuse for not displaying the American Flag on at least a major national holiday. As I would like to continue with my present position I can only sign this as, Disappointed in Snowflake. _________________________ Common Sense or arrogance? letter to the editor Forth of July Weekend in the High Country and picture perfect. Until you run into some idiots that make you ask yourself ‘are they that arrogant?’ cause they certainly have no common sense! After a day of festive celebration Saturday, Sunday imagine your taking your grandkids to Black Canyon Lake for a little fishing and enjoyment of the lake. Instead of doing this you’re explaining to them why some idiots let one horse drown. Here’s where my common sense question comes in: Who in Sam’s hill would take horses into a crowded lake on a holiday weekend? With family and kids around, forced them into the water of a boat launch where people are trying to get on and off the lake? Of course when asked the bikini girls reply was “we’re training them. We know what we are doing!” Wonder if she felt that way as she rode off crying for such stupidity! Little late for tears now, sister!!! Knowing how high our lakes are this year, why wouldn’t you check the conditions of the lakes? We would before we would let our Grandkids go into it, and they have been trained properly. They are great swimmers! This was their first! Horses first time in the water fully saddled-Hello! The Cowboy can’t quite seem to bring himself to say sorry for “Man, that was a new saddle!” comment. Oh excuse me, I think a real Cowboy knows his boots would fill up with water! Duh! Why is it when one idiot challenges another “lets see if you can do it” the results are never good! Oh, then there’s the actual owner. “It’s only a horse, I have 20 more!” makes it kind of hard for a kid to understand when they hear that statement after what they just saw! As they are standing there crying and asking WHY?! Even worse they ride off with no sorry for what just happened! We enjoy that lake and now they don’t want to go back to it! So how do you say thanks to a bunch of arrogant idiots with no common sense for ruining a perfect holiday weekend? I guess you just hope that every 4th of July they will remember the tears and the faces of shock and horror on those kids for such arrogance! Charlie