Document text
Letters to the Editor: A leadership lesson from fish Fish that swim in schools will follow the fish that makes the most decisive movements. If a fish from such a school has its cerebrum surgically removed and is returned to the school, it will swim in a straight line because it is not receptive to, and therefore is not confused, by sensory inputs. Such a fish is instantly elected leader of the school. All the other fish in the school will follow wherever this apparently decisive leader goes. Does this sound familiar? Frank Papen, Ashland Take time to appreciate birds Sunday was National Bird Day, a day to take some time to appreciate the wild birds who fly freely outside our windows, but also to reflect on how we treat the native birds of other countries. Although our laws protect our native birds such as blue jays, cardinals, and crows from commercial exploitation, such protections are glaringly inconsistent with how we allow the pet industry to exploit the birds of other countries. Birds are more intelligent than dogs and cats and just as social and active but we would never consider a life of confinement in a cage as acceptable for a cat or dog. Yet most birds spend the bulk of their lives isolated and confined behind bars. The exotic birds currently held in captivity cannot be returned to the wild. We have a responsibility to provide them the best care, but better if we extended the same respect we have for our own birds to those of other countries. We shouldn't trade exotic birds like commodities and cage them like prisoners. Monica Engebretson Animal Protection Institute Sacramento, Calif. RVTD recall effort the only solution If the voters don't hold the RVTD Board accountable through the recall process, no one will, resulting in funding losses for operations and projects. To quote MMT's 10/18/02 article: " Representatives Rob Patridge, Sen. Lenn Hannon and Rep. Alan Bates ...inform(ed) the RVTD board its 'dysfunctional' behavior could result in a loss of an unspecified amount of state and federal funding." "... (P)oliticians (went on to) say, contentious behavior at meetings has tarnished the district's reputation." Eighty percent of RVTD's $12.8 million budget comes from Federal, State and local funding. Rob Patridge said, "...the way they have been managing the district is highly inappropriate (and) We are not going to throw good money at the bad." Why not let the regular election process clean up this seven member board? Only one member of the dysfunctional five is up for re-election this May leaving a voting majority until 2005. Get involved, your signature can put this on the ballot. Sign the recall petition before Jan.12th. Medford behind Costco next to Mellelo's Coffee 9;30-6 Ashland Shop 'N Kart 4-6 South Ashland Exit Mobil Gas Station, Hwy 66 Call Connie Skillman 482-2148 for a petition to sign and circulate. Carol Chapman, Ashland LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -