Author: North Coast BBQ

Submitted By: babbles@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

To the BBQ readership,

Someone sent me the link to a post on the substack “Brian Resists.”

It is a letter from the President of Iran to the American people. This letter was also published on the websites of Time Magazine and the New York Times.

I have copied and pasted it below.

This is serious food for thought.

om peace namaste

lucy brook
nehalem resident
U.S. citizen

Iranian President Letter to Americans

“To the people of the United States of America, and to all those who, amid a flood of distortions and manufactured narratives, continue to seek the truth and aspire to a better life:

Iran—by this very name, character, and identity—is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in human history. Despite its historical and geographical advantages at various times, Iran has never, in its modern history, chosen the path of aggression, expansion, colonialism, or domination. Even after enduring occupation, invasion, and sustained pressure from global powers—and despite possessing military superiority over many of its neighbors—Iran has never initiated a war. Yet it has resolutely and bravely repelled those who have attacked it.

The Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries. Even in the face of repeated foreign interventions and pressures throughout their proud history, Iranians have consistently drawn a clear distinction between governments and the peoples they govern. This is a deeply rooted principle in Iranian culture and collective consciousness—not a temporary political stance.

For this reason, portraying Iran as a threat is neither consistent with historical reality nor with present-day observable facts. Such a perception is the product of political and economic whims of the powerful—the need to manufacture an enemy in order to justify pressure, maintain military dominance, sustain the arms industry, and control strategic markets. In such an environment, if a threat does not exist, it is invented.

Within this same framework, the United States has concentrated the largest number of its forces, bases, and military capabilities around Iran—a country that, at least since the founding of the United States, has never initiated a war. Recent American aggressions launched from these very bases have demonstrated how threatening such a military presence truly is. Naturally, no country confronted with such conditions would forgo strengthening its defensive capabilities. What Iran has done—and continues to do—is a measured response grounded in legitimate self-defense, and by no means an initiation of war or aggression.

Relations between Iran and the United States were not originally hostile, and early interactions between the Iranian and American people were not marred with hostility or tension. The turning point, however, was the 1953 coup d’état—an illegal American intervention aimed at preventing the nationalization of Iran’s own resources. That coup disrupted Iran’s democratic process, reinstated dictatorship, and sowed deep distrust among Iranians toward U.S. policies.

This distrust deepened further with America’s support for the Shah’s regime, its backing of Saddam Hussein during the imposed war of the 1980s, the imposition of the longest and most comprehensive sanctions in modern history, and ultimately, unprovoked military aggression—twice, in the midst of negotiations—against Iran.

Yet all these pressures have failed to weaken Iran. On the contrary, the country has grown stronger in many areas: literacy rates have tripled—from roughly 30% before the Islamic Revolution to over 90% today; higher education has expanded dramatically; significant advances have been achieved in modern technology; healthcare services have improved; and infrastructure has developed at a pace and scale incomparable to the past. These are measurable, observable realities that stand independent of fabricated narratives.

At the same time, the destructive and inhumane impact of sanctions, war, and aggression on the lives of the resilient Iranian people must not be underestimated. The continuation of military aggression and recent bombings profoundly affect people’s lives, attitudes, and perspectives. This reflects a fundamental human truth: when war inflicts irreparable harm on lives, homes, cities, and futures, people will not remain indifferent toward those responsible.

This raises a fundamental question: Exactly which of the American people’s interests are truly being served by this war? Was there any objective threat from Iran to justify such behavior? Does the massacre of innocent children, the destruction of cancer-treatment pharmaceutical facilities, or boasting about bombing a country “back to the stone ages” serve any purpose other than further damaging the United States’ global standing?

Iran pursued negotiations, reached an agreement, and fulfilled all its commitments. The decision to withdraw from that agreement, escalate toward confrontation, and launch two acts of aggression in the midst of negotiations were destructive choices made by the U.S. government—choices that served the delusions of a foreign aggressor.

Attacking Iran’s vital infrastructure—including energy and industrial facilities—directly targets the Iranian people. Beyond constituting a war crime, such actions carry consequences that extend far beyond Iran’s borders. They generate instability, increase human and economic costs, and perpetuate cycles of tension, planting seeds of resentment that will endure for years. This is not a demonstration of strength; it is a sign of strategic bewilderment and an inability to achieve a sustainable solution.

Is it not also the case that America has entered this aggression as a proxy for Israel, influenced and manipulated by that regime? Is it not true that Israel, by manufacturing an Iranian threat, seeks to divert global attention away from its crimes toward the Palestinians? Is it not evident that Israel now aims to fight Iran to the last American soldier and the last American taxpayer dollar—shifting the burden of its delusions onto Iran, the region, and the United States itself in pursuit of illegitimate interests?

Is “America First” truly among the priorities of the U.S. government today?

I invite you to look beyond the machinery of misinformation—an integral part of this aggression—and instead speak with those who have visited Iran. Observe the many accomplished Iranian immigrants—educated in Iran—who now teach and conduct research at the world’s most prestigious universities, or contribute to the most advanced technology firms in the West. Do these realities align with the distortions you are being told about Iran and its people?

Today, the world stands at a crossroads. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before. The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come. Throughout its millennia of proud history, Iran has outlasted many aggressors. All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures—resilient, dignified, and proud.”

Submitted By: jettkeyser@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Perhaps this reflection aged too rapidly given our times…but it is offered in a spirit of leaving no one out…written in the days following No Kings III

Oh Noble Love

We hear their cries as our cries.

Holding and deepening intention,

banners rise, reach into the darkness

of dreams, a percussion gathering

noble commitments. But as we return

to the daily carnage, we understand

these wounds will require more than

mindful attention and a deeper release.

Our freedom, known now as a birthright,

is historically rare, a privilege paid for

in blood offered and renewing sacrifice.

The unity of neighbors, strangers, and

friends, citizenship, will always serve.

But as our spirits degrade and the water

table drains, we must now ask, with care

discern: What is called for, what are we

to do? This emperor requires no clothes.

Perhaps, we can become clear and live

the ancient scroll: Only a deep love

will heal our profound ignorance. Can we

hear their cries as our cries, finding a way

together?

Submitted By: wingsforwisdom@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Hello Community,

I am a local Health and Movement Coach. I focus on longevity and cancer prevention in particular to women’s breast health. You may know me from classes at NCRD such as Functional Fitness for Seniors, Qigong/Tai Chi, and Joy Lymph Flow or workshops I hold at Sea Dream in Nehalem. I also provide reflexology and health coaching services. I believe in strong community ties leading to good health and I serve on the board of directors for the Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy. I’m working to open a wellness sanctuary in Nehalem called Bethany. More details about that in the future. Today I’m here with an offer and request. I’m seeking founders club members to help me pay for an Acupressure Teacher Training. This is a program with live virtual classes alongside the person I’ve followed for the past 20+years, Michael Reed Gach PhD of www.acupressure.com As soon as I’m ready, I will hold classes at NCRD, other local venues and my coming wellness sanctuary. I received a partial scholarship for the training taking $1000 off the price making it $950! On my current self-employed income, that’s still a lot at once and I’ve just invested in a trip and training for another part of my work in the world of birthing and maternity care.
I have the following founders club offerings in exchange for your early support:

$49 – 1 class and 1 class pass to share with a friend!
$99 – 2 class passes and 2 to share…
$143 – 3 class passes and 3 to share… or one 1hour personal health coaching session.
Gratitude comes with all of the above!

This teacher training will help me deepen my skills for my own healing as I live for longevity and continue to empower myself in preventing breast cancer recurrence. I will also be sharing local classes to share quality and quantity of life for those interested. Life is a precious gift and we can all feel better and lower health care costs with such good self-care. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Founders club offerings can be arranged through me with plenty of payment options: Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, card, cash or check..

If you wish to make a straight up donation, I currently have a GoFundMe open. Donations through them are not allowed to accept any return on investments. Please contact me to make a payment if you’d like to be part of the founders club with great appreciation. gofund.me/69bb061d6

In kindness and wellness,
Libby

Elizabeth Golden Seaver
IIN Health and Movement Coach
971.977.0166
wingsforwisdom@gmail.com

Submitted By: dixiegainer@icloud.com – Click to email about this post

If the order stands, it would likely have significant impacts on Oregon’s pioneering vote-by-mail system.

Oregon became the first state in the nation to vote exclusively by mail following a 1998 ballot measure that passed with broad support. That policy has led to the state having among the highest rates of voter turnout in the nation.

Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, decried Trump’s order as a “desperate last-ditch effort by a failing president to suppress American votes.”

“Oregonians have successfully voted by mail for over thirty years, and we’ll be damned if we let Donald Trump change the way our state runs its elections,” Wyden said in a statement. “My message to the White House is this: if you come for Oregon’s vote-by-mail, you’ll have hell to pay.”

I took this article from Oregon Live
I don’t agree with the last paragraph
It is time for Wyden to go
He has stayed in his position
Due to mail in voting – he might not
Make it if clean voter roles and a stricter
Voting system are put in place

Submitted By: mkuestner10@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Patricia Marie Charles Went (“Patty”) passed away March 16, 2026, at the age of 89 at Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, OR., surrounded by her family.
Patty was born on November 21, 1936, in Columbus OH, the sixth of seven children in a loving, boisterous Irish Catholic family. She attended St. Mary of the Springs Dominican High School in Columbus, and then Maryville College in St. Louis MO where she received her BA. Patty met and married Burton H. Went in 1960, a union that gave them both great joy for more than 65 years.
She and Burt raised their family raised their family in Columbus, Ohio, and were active participants in the life of their Birchmont Road neighborhood and their Parish of St. Timothy. While raising their family, she returned to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Education at The Ohio State University and enjoyed a 23-year career in special education in the Worthington OH school system. She was a dedicated mother, great neighbor, and a devoted friend to many.
After Patty and Burt’s children started their lives and families far from Columbus, the two retired to Oregon and built their dream house in Manzanita’s, steps from the beach, and close to native steelhead runs. There she became involved in 4H teaching sewing through 4H, learned to make quilts, and volunteered in the local public library as well as at the Pine Grove Community Center. She took great joy in her garden, quilting, foraging for mushrooms, blackberries and huckleberries, and helping Burt pick grapes for winemaking. She was a voracious reader, was always in a book club wherever she found herself, and quick to suggest her favorites. In Manzanita, she loved hosting her grandchildren Cora, Charlie, Bridget and Isabel, and watching them grow up.
Her latest chapter brought her to Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, where her gregarious nature and quick wit endeared her to many in short order.
She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Peter, James, and William, and her sister Isabel. She is survived by her sisters Josephine (McGinnis) and Sara (Charles Kennedy). She will be missed by her dearly loved husband Burton H. Went, her children Burton (Nancy Giragosian), Greg (Lauri Shanahan), Megan Cifarelli (Paul Sanchez), grandchildren Charlie and Isabel Cifarelli, Cora Wyent (Emily), Bridget Went (Peter Yaworsky), and great granddaughter Elise Wyent. She is also survived by Nancy McLaughlin Sackson (Howard, Clare and Etienne), the daughter of a childhood friend whom Patty and Burt welcomed into their home at a time of great need and continued to nurture.
A woman of many words, a ready smile, and an amazing sense of humor, irreverent personality, she will be deeply missed.
A funeral mass for Patricia will be celebrated on April 16th at 11AM in the Chapel of the Holy Names at Mary’s Woods, followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Patty’s memory to the North Coast Land Conservancy at nclctrust.org or by check to:
North Coast Land Conservancy (or simply NCLC)
PO Box 67
Seaside, OR 97138
memo: in memory of Patty Went

Submitted By: stayhuman@tutamail.com – Click to email about this post

Dear Commissioner Mary Faith Bell, I have two simple questions:

1. Did anybody in Trump’s federal government ask or suggest to anybody in Tillamook County government or any employees of the Tillamook library to install the A.I. cameras that have been installed?

2. Is the company the county has contracted with to provide the cameras and storage in a data center an Israeli company or a subsidiary of an Israeli company or connected to Larry Ellison’s Oracle in any way that you are aware of?

These are valid questions as one of Larry Ellison’s number one supporters is Donald Trump.

And Larry has told the world he intends to put AI cameras all over America, including in public spaces, such as Tillamook County libraries:

fortune.com/2025/09/28/larry-ellison-ai-surveillance-oracle-tiktok-deal-social-media/

Larry Ellison is the number one private donor to the IDF, even as Palentir’s AI is/was choosing children, day care centers, hospitals and schools as primary targets in Israel’s genocide of Palestinians, and now Lebanese.

Larry and Trump are placing AI cameras all over America so, to quote Larry, “everyone will be on their best behavior”.

And who will be making sure you and Donald will be on their best behavior, Larry?

And what does ‘best behavior” mean to a man whose own behavior includes financially and aggressively supporting genocide and mass murder?

AI cameras and AI in general are key components of Israel’s genocide in Palestine and Lebanon.

Also, Larry’s Oracle ripped off Oregon millions of dollars years back, in a deal I suspect was rammed through Oregon government primarily by fellow Israel-firster and Ron Wyden.

Larry is currently squatting on Pele’s back (Larry thinks he owns the Hawaiian island of Lana’i), so I don’t expect him to be in this realm for too much longer. That said, I would love to see him deposed and removed from America.

Folks in France are aware of just how bad Larry is for humanity, and they understand the connection between Larry and Donald Drumf, something Israel’s propaganda machine has all but quashed in America:

futurism.com/future-society/larry-ellison-yacht-protest

From the protestors:

“He’s a big Donald Trump supporter, and a close friend of Benjamin Netanyahu,” Led By Donkeys declares in their video, as Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” soars in the background. “Trump recently handed Ellison control of TikTok in the US. Almost immediately, prominent pro-Palestinian voices were silenced. Last year, the Ellisons bought Paramount, giving them control over CBS news. The channels coverage on Iran has been notably pro-war, and the Ellisons will soon take over Warner Brothers, giving them control of CNN.”

Time to stop watching the Iran war-supporting and genocide-supporting CNN and CBS, I say.

Commissioner Bell, you took the time to insert yourself into this discussion about AI cameras the county commissioners have placed in our libraries on this forum, then you disappeared when I publicly asked a dozen or so questions.

Will you please at least answer the two questions above?

Andy Norris