On 4/29 students and members of the general public gather in the LBCC gymnasium in an attempt to address some of the issues many in the community face with regard to high local unemployment.
While there was a healthy crowd in attendance, looking for employment prospects, it seems the more telling story is in who wasn't there. There were a number of boths from the public sector (college, military, and other government employers), however it seemed representation from the private sector was notably thin. The largest employers in from the area failed to make an appearance, and it seemed that most of those who did show up were offering mostly performance based rather than salaried positions.
Shawna Halfacre is a chicken farmer in Lebanon, OR. She has about 250 free range birds that produce eggs for commercial distribution, as well as a few food grade sheep, and of course, the Buddy the goat.
Small farms help to create the backbone of agriculture throughout Oregon, and are beginning to prosper more now that the general populace is becoming more aware of their contribution to environmental sustainability.
At the April 15th board meeting I read a statement to the School board to correct the record as stated by Jim Martin during the Dec. 17th board meeting and unobjectively reported by the Lebanon Express and Albany Democrat Herald newspapers.
For a point of reference, the original articles can be found here:
The full text of the response that was read to the board is as follows:
I would like to take a moment to reflect back upon the comments that were made by Jim Martin during the Dec. 17th board meeting and after Pioneer elementary schools’ holiday program, as reported by the Leb. Express and Democrat Herald. To begin with, I would like the correct the record and note that the scope of the religious nature of the program as originally intended went well beyond just the 2 “sacred” songs, as Mr. Martin erroneously implied in his statements which said “There were 18 songs on the program, of which one has a sacred theme to it and 17 don’t. Really, the complaint should go the other way: The program was too darned secular,” and “To change that program for one person is almost a violation of everyone else’s rights.” I’m not sure what planet Mr. Martin resides on, but in reality, 18 of the original 20 songs were focused around the Judeo-Christian holiday of Christmas. This is a far cry from the statement that the program was “too secular,” and the fact that the total amount of content centered around a singular religion effectively made it proselytization by default.
In yet another article, Mr. Martin is quoted as having stated that district policy was followed after the commotion at the actual event, and that the people who caused it were well within their rights. These statements are not factually accurate either. After an amicable resolution had been reached by Principal Finch, it was then the school district’s duty to ensure the spirit of that agreement was carried through in good faith. This was not done, and not only do Mr. Martin’s statements advocate that parents and faculty operate outside of codified legal boundaries, but also suggest that it’s ok to operate outside of the established complaint process the school board has provided. If other parents had a problem with the decision that was made they should have been encouraged to follow the appropriate channels and file a formal complaint as well, not attempt to display arrogance and contempt for the rest of the community by causing a disruption in front of children, let alone anyone else who didn’t know or couldn’t care less about what had transpired. These statements tell people that if you are a member of the school districts favored religion; you are free to operate however you choose without consequence. What is even more concerning, is that they tell people that it’s ok to exhibit bullying behavior and it’s ok to push people around who believe differently than you. As I’m sure that every board member is aware, the complaints that were filed did not advocate for the elimination of the entire program, however that would have been the only alternative had the most offensive songs not been removed, but instead requested more diversity in the programming (to bring the program into legal compliance) and for the respect to allow all children to participate in the program and NOT encourage segregation by stating that, “if they don’t like it they don’t have to participate.” Asking a child to sit out of a school wide event based on their family’s religious beliefs is encouraging segregation instead of building community and understanding between all cultures that live here. Just because ONE person complains, doesn’t mean there aren’t numerous other families who sit in silence because they are afraid of the exact behavior displayed by Mr. Martin. There are many reasons to celebrate holidays, not just those of the Christian faith, but you wouldn’t have known that judging by the content of Pioneer’s program. This is a missed opportunity to teach the students of this district about other cultures, and to encourage compassion and understanding among them. I find it appalling that there is even a single member on this board who would not only consider Mr. Martin’s behavior to be acceptable, but would actively encourage it. In order to ensure a functional society, we have a system of rules in place which are designed to encourage civil, polite discourse and to allow that every voice is heard. In my opinion, to see board members actively encourage members of the community to participate in bullying behavior and act outside of established school board procedures is an ethical violation of the highest order.
Ken Bronson, manager of the Linn Shuttle, surveys opinions of riders to find which additional times might best serve riders. Many LBCC students utilize this service to get back and forth from campus to various points in Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Albany.
Beginning to wake up.....
Studying in the learning center....
Professor Gillow-Wiles helps students with their math work.....
Heading out for a fire drill....
More guitar playing in the cafe....
Surveying students to find out just how well they like wearing kilts...
I spent some time with Cory Warren walking around LBCC on 04/08/10, passing out flyers. Cory is an English major in his sophomore year, and is one of the more active members of the campus community. The primary goal of the GSA is to provide a place of companionship and support for members of the campus LGBT community, friends, family and other supporters.
Promoting tolerance....
Promoting understanding....
Promoting love....
and most of all, equivalent and harmonious acceptance......
I read the article and move on to the referenced video, which can be found here:
http://www.wikileaks.org/
or just watch it right here:
I remember hearing about the death of the Reuters employees in 2007, as well as other incidents involving non-embedded journalists which (at the time) sounded to me like there was more to the story than a simple "accident" or "mistake," as was typically reported at the time.
After having read this article, one thing I thought that was interesting was the commentary that was included from former helicopter pilot A.J. Martinez, who is admonishing the website that published the video for not offering more footage and (allegedly) intentionally alluding a broader context that might be sympathetic to military personnel. While I certainly advocate for greater perspective, I have a feeling there isn't much more to be found, and here's why:
#1 - There is enough footage (and judging by the commentary) to make it obvious that military personnel were not being fired upon; directly or indirectly.
#2 - The blatantly disrespectful commentary makes it clear that the individuals involved were actively looking for a target to shoot.
#3 - When the van pulled up to help the wounded (and they were quite obviously only helping the wounded), instead of simply making an attempt to disable the vehicle, they completely annihilated it.
While I agree that there are professions that, as a society, we expect the individuals to assume roles of great risk, however, at what point do we stop apologizing for ineptitude, neglect, and intentional malfeasance, and hold people accountable for their actions and assign some responsibilty along with that risk? Judging by the military's official statements that were made immediately after the incident, it doesn't seem they think any is necessary.
It seems like for the last 8 years every time I turn around I see something or hear someone talking about how *I* need to give deference to the military and *I* need to "support our troops," and other like statements alluding to the notion that I am somehow less of a person or care less for my country if I do not. People say that war is unpleasant, and I would agree. I would also agree that people have a right to defend themselves; so in light of that I have to ask, where were these people's rights to defend themselves from trigger happy soldiers?
