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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels July 14, 2004 Kerry backers not to blame As coordinator of the John Kerry entry in this year's Fourth of July parade, I would like to respond to V. Moscaritolo's recent letter taking us to task for our "behavior." The antics described in that letter were not part of our entry and were paraded down the street well after we had completed the route. Our Kerry group was clearly defined by matching T-shirts, balloons and signs, which expressed our support for Senator Kerry and his vision of a new direction for America. Our endeavor took months of planning and from the beginning, our goal was clear: We wanted to deliver a positive, spirited and hopeful message for change. We also unanimously agreed that controversial elements would not be included in our presentation. We were proud to express our belief in Senator Kerry, and the response we received from the crowd that day was overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging. I agree with V. Moscaritolo; we do have "a polarization problem" in America today. The need for "tossing around an effigy of the president ..." is an indication of something seething in many people who are angry and fearful about what has transpired in the last four years of the current administration. And while the particular entry may have been offensive, those who felt the need to express their outrage in that manner have the right to do so in a country which prides itself on freedom, including the freedom of speech. Jane Maynard Ashland Kerry's entry a positive vision A apology to the organized supporters and marchers for Kerry seems due from V. Moscaritolo. In stating he "was deeply disgusted by the behavior of the Kerry campaigners in the Ashland Fourth of July Parade," he has mistakenly assumed the nearly 100 organized supporters were connected to the contingent with the effigy of the President. Our goal was to be a positive presence and not engage in negativity. As patriots we proudly waved the American flag. Our chants were pro-Kerry, NOT anti-Bush. Anti-Bush marchers were asked not to join the Kerry contingent. Diana Spence Ashland Biscuit proposal is flawed science I appreciated the Tidings coverage on the Biscuit salvage logging protest (July 7). Along with the many reasons listed for people wanting to protest the timber sale, one was missing. Many of us with scientific backgrounds are also upset with the apparent disregard for good science that the Forrest Service is demonstrating. As a computer engineer who specialized in computer modeling, I was disappointed to learn how the Forest Service predicted if erosion from Biscuit Fire logging activities would threaten endangered species and water quality. Their computer modeling methodologies don't meet basic scientific standards. For example, Forest Service documents state their computer model's accuracy is "at best, plus or minus fifty percent" and is only recommended for studying a few hundred acres. However, their study encompassed tens of thousands of acres and the model predicted erosion levels that were off by up to 600 percent compared with on-site measurements. Yet they somehow concluded erosion would only increase by 11 percent. It's clear the administration's ties to big money are driving the Biscuit-logging proposal - not good science. Call your federal representatives now (1-800-839-5276) and ask that all timber sales in roadless and old-growth areas be stopped. Our children deserve better. Ken Crocker Ashland Friendship Force ties global bonds "A world of friends is a world of peace." This is the motto of Friendship Force, a club my husband and I have participated in since 1999. It's reassuring to know that in the midst of all the conflict and division between countries, we are involved in an organization that is committed to fostering peace and understanding in the world. It is active in more over 60 countries, promoting goodwill through a program of homestay exchanges. On Oct. 15, members of the Ankara, Turkey Friendship Force club will visit our club. They will live with us in our homes as honored guests. We will show them the wonders of our region, and involve them in the life of our community and local cultural events. Many of our visitors from Turkey do not speak English. We are seeking the help of people in our community with some knowledge of the Turkish language to assist us. Then in the spring of 2005 our club will visit Costa Rica where we will live with families. They will open their hearts and homes to us and show us the beauty of their country. Friendship Force of Southern Oregon meets monthly for international cultural programs and social gatherings. Everyone is invited who has an interest in promoting peace through personal commitment, and who enjoys learning about other cultures. Our next meeting is a picnic on Saturday, Aug. 28. For information, call 772-9349. Paula Assali Medford DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams