Category: General Interest

Dear Members of Congress,
I am writing to express my deep concern over Elon Musk’s involvement in governmental affairs, particularly in the fabricated DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) position—a role that does not exist within any legitimate government structure and one to which he was neither elected nor approved by Congress. This unprecedented and extralegal appointment is a direct affront to democratic governance and a matter of national security.
Mr. Musk, a private billionaire with a history of prioritizing personal and corporate interests over public well-being, has now been granted undue influence in critical government functions. His unchecked access to sensitive national infrastructure, military contracts, and energy policies poses serious risks. The American people did not vote for him, nor was there any congressional oversight in granting him such authority. It is deeply alarming that a single, unelected individual could wield such power without accountability.
Beyond the national security implications, Mr. Musk’s history of erratic decision-making, financial entanglements, and public manipulation of markets—including his direct financial interests in cryptocurrency, space exploration, and defense contracts—raises serious ethical concerns. No private citizen– is he even a citizen?– should be permitted to insert themselves into government operations without the scrutiny and approval of the legislative branch.
I urge Congress to take immediate action to remove Elon Musk from any and all government-affiliated roles and investigate how and why this fabricated position was granted without democratic consent. If left unchecked, this sets a dangerous precedent, allowing billionaires and private entities to hijack governmental authority without public oversight.
This is a critical moment for our democracy. I implore you to act swiftly to restore transparency, accountability, and the integrity of our nation’s leadership. The American people deserve governance that is chosen by them—not installed by backroom deals and corporate interests.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to seeing Congress uphold its duty to protect the nation and its democratic institutions.

Sincerely,
(Your name)

Meet Gabriel and Linus, the coolest cats at United Paws. These exceptionally loving and gentle brothers are Zen masters, demonstrating an exceptional ability to enjoy one day at a time. These two overcame adversity early in life to become happy, healthy kitties who now care for smaller foster friends who find themselves at UP.
Gabriel is an angel, soulful and strong-spirited. After receiving extra special care, he recovered from some health issues and became the love of his Foster Mama’s life. She said, “Gabriel’s will to live and thrive are inspirational.” Gabriel loves to be held and snuggled, and the minute you sit, he will be there to warm your lap.

Linus is a black and gray tabby with a gorgeous, ticked coat that makes him irresistible. Playtime is his specialty, and he seeks out toys to conquer and his brother to wrestle. When playtime is done, he soaks in pets, especially on his soft spotted belly. Linus loves lap time too, and is a pro at squeezing in with Gabriel to ensure a lap full of love.

Gabriel & Linus were surrendered to United Paws when very young, so they have had lots of tender loving care in a safe environment. This bonded pair is ready to bring lots of loving energy to a forever home.

You can learn more about these cuties, as well as other cats and kittens available for adoption, at unitedpaws.wordress.com, where you can also complete an application. If you would like to schedule a “Meet & Greet”, please email unitedpawsapps@gmail.com or call United Paws at 503-842-5663.

www.sott.net/article/497576-Its-all-about-the-Money-The-Blob-Pharma-corruption-goes-all-the-way-to-the-top-and-all-around-the-world

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/opinion/trump-executive-orders.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tU4.mvfY.hgohj3sw-BCQ&smid=url-share

If you have access problems, drop me an email and I’ll send you the text.

Gene Dieken

let’s tell it like it really is. please read this post AND watch the 2-3 minute video.

well, now that i’ve copied and pasted this message, the link to the video didn’t come through. if you want to watch it, perhaps you can do a google search and find it.

om peace namaste

lucy brook
nehalem resident
U.S. citizen

Inequality Media Civic Action
Lucile W,

Trump is trying to take credit for Biden’s economy. Don’t be fooled.

In 2017, Trump inherited a strong economy from President Obama and never stopped congratulating himself for it. He repeatedly made claims such as, “We created the greatest economy in the history of the world!”

Rubbish!

In his first administration, Trump tanked the economy with his trade wars and botched pandemic response.

Now, Trump has inherited an even stronger economy. Under Biden, over 16 million jobs were created — more than during any single presidential term on record. Unemployment was a low 4.1 percent. And wages were rising.

Under Biden, the American economy grew faster than the rest of the world’s, and faster than the pre-pandemic Trump economy.

Take a look at our new video to shore up your arguments when you hear more of Trump’s unwarranted brags! Then share it with friends to help get the facts out.

WATCH & SHARE
Yes, the United States and every other country had to deal with inflation, but Biden brought inflation down below 3 percent — lower than most other countries.

Americans have every reason to be outraged at decades of policies that prioritized corporations over people. But the Biden Administration cracked down on corporate price-gouging, monopolization, and trickle-down nonsense.

Some of the most important Biden initiatives will only start to pay off during the Trump presidency (assuming Trump doesn’t reverse them).

The Biden Administration took on Big Pharma by capping out-of-pocket drug costs for millions of seniors on Medicare, and lowered the price of 64 drugs — changes that will take place throughout 2025. And more drugs are scheduled to get cheaper in the following years.

Biden’s infrastructure law will give us better roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband access. The CHIPS and Science Act will provide more American-made semiconductors. Biden’s clean energy initiatives will pay off in the future with greater fuel efficiency and less pollution.

I hope you’ll watch and share this week’s video, and add your thoughts in the comments.

His whole life, Trump has taken credit for things he inherited, starting with his own personal fortune. If he doesn’t wreck the economy with his crazy tariffs or cruel deportations (or even if he does), you can be sure he will take credit again for something other people built.

Don’t let him.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action

Learn and polish your rotary cutting skills, accurate piecing and design elements in this four-week instructional class Thursdays, beginning Jan 30 1-4pm in the basement at White Clover Grange. Please bring 1/2 yard of white or cream small print and 1/2 yard of red small print, thread, sewing machine, pincushion, scissors, rotary cutter, mat and ruler, and iron if you have one. Don’t have all the tools? We will share. The goal of the first class is to create half square triangles that can be stitched together to form a variety of patterns.
This class is free to attend.

Needle Felting with Glenna Gray

This three-hour workshop will introduce you to the basics of needle felting, Felting is a fun and creative way to create anything from sculptural and fantastic, to wearables, to embellishments. It is relaxing, creative and a lovely cross between clay and paint.
We will meet at White Clover Grange on February 27, 2025 from 1-4. Bring water to drink, all other materials will be supplied.
Glenna Gray has been felting for five years, taking classes as far away as Scotland. She hopes to inspire you to enjoy this ancient skill as much as she has.
This class has a 6-student minimum and a 12-student maximum and is suitable for students 14 years old and up. The fee for this class one day class is $40 which includes all tools and materials. Payment in full is required before class date. Please contact Cindy Erickson at: cindy.obtd@gmail.com for payment options.
We are considering also having a monthly Saturday event for those who work during the week or would like to bring their children to create with. If you have interest in this or know someone who would, please let me know so that I can get it on the calendar.
Have something you’d like to teach? We’d love to have you! Let’s talk!
Have art or craft supplies collecting dust in the back of your closet that you’d like to donate, share, or trade? Bring them with you! Let’s make something beautiful with them!
Please consider making a donation to the White Clover Grange building maintenance fund. Our old gal is showing her age (103!) and we work hard to keep her in tip-top shape. Thank you!
Also, please bring a can or two of food for the Food Bank. We will have collection bins set up at the doors.
And last but not least, please tell your friends and neighbors! This could be a wonderful way for all of us to build community.

Thanks,
Cindy

Here’s a link to their website, pdamerica.org/pda-news/

These are monster zooms with about 500 attendees from across the nation. The first part is usually a nationally prominent person like Ro Khanna or Nadine Smith who speaks for about half an hour and then it’s open to questions and comments. Time limits are strictly enforced for the questions and comments so you might not get a chance to speak. They are run very well.

I like it because you can catch up on emails, write, read the news, play solitaire, or whatever at the same time the zoom is running.

Seeing so many like-minded people from all over the country gathered together is comforting.

Maybe there can be an option to have a Political category since she insists on it so much? And then the option to block notifications from certain categories?

Alright. Feel free to send me hate mail now.

Thank you SO much to the volunteers making this project happen. And thank you (THANK YOU!) to our supporters whose contributions make all this possible. We look forward to welcoming you soon in our new and improved space!

So out of curiosity I checked all the Oregon Counties and this is what I found: There are 36 counties in Oregon. Trump won in 25 counties. Which leaves 11 counties where Harris won.

If you look at a picture of a map of the US, it is pretty much all red. Who knew? Starting with the 2000 United States presidential election, the terms “red state” and “blue state” have referred to US states whose voters vote predominantly for one party.

Republican Trump won in 25 Democrat Oregon counties.
Hmmmmmm – YET, When Governor Kotek says she is going to protect us from Trumps policies, (and there are MORE NEW TAXES on the way this legislative session for this ) she is only representing 11 counties !! ) She has become the governor of 11 counties!! Inclusiveness is a word loved by the blue party, I guess that doesn’t INCLUDE Republicans, or independent voters!! I think the 11 counties should be the ones taxed, don’t you? SERIOUSLY

2025: In the latest Morning Consult poll, Kotek is one of only three governors with an approval rating below 50%.
Well, it is self explanatory!

i am writing to let you all know that Pam Stevenson is a hairdresser who will COME TO YOUR HOUSE to cut your hair! her charge is very reasonable. plus, the convenience of being at home!

she is adept with curly or straight, thick or thin hair.

she also does perms and hair coloring.

her phone# is 503-801-6684.

i feel confident that you will be happy with your haircut.

om peace namaste

lucy brook

us06web.zoom.us/j/88905106346?pwd=TEaw5qfSN2X5UoxBHgZSF7UsqwMugD.1

Jim Heffernan
codger817@gmail.com

January 2025
We want to wish all residents, community members, and readers a happy and great start to the new year! We also want to thank all of you who participate in and serve the City in any and all capacities, both formally and informally. Formally, our Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair were re-elected; we had re-appointments to Planning Commission; and are currently in a selection process for our Budget Committee, appointments to occur at our Regular Session in February. We also had one new appointment to Planning Commission, Brad Berman. He introduced himself at this month’s Planning Commission meeting. You can watch here: ci.manzanita.or.us/pc-meeting-1-13-25.
Brad is a third generation Oregonian, native Portlander, and has been a homeowner in Manzanita for 13 years. Professionally, he’s worked for Nike in global roles, but also in architecture, and commercial real estate development the last seven years, with varying project-types such as mixed use, and a significant amount of housing as of late. He will be a great asset to Planning Commission and the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Ordinance Update project! Welcome, Commissioner Berman!
We also had a Work Session focused on short-term rentals (STRs) during which the STR Committee presented. You can watch here: ci.manzanita.or.us/city-council-work-session-1-15-25/. The City has heard from residents and community members in a variety of ways regarding STRs, such as through the STR Committee, the 2023 Livability survey, and complaints filed with our Code Enforcement Officer.
The City is trying to make a decision about STR policies, to create more livability for those in Manzanita through policies which constrain STR growth and potentially lessen noise and congestion (i.e., parking and traffic) which may arise from renters; while also wanting to provide adequate services to the City, which are funded in large part by our transient lodging tax (TLT) revenue, as opposed to property taxes which many other cities depend on. Due to certain Oregon measures (specifically Measures 5 and 50), Manzanita derives very little from property taxes and, therefore, must fund service-provision through different means.
We would love to receive input from our community members on this issue. Please reach out to our Council members here: citycouncil@ci.manzanita.or.us. There will be additional opportunities for the community to weigh-in on this issue at public hearings when and if any new policies are considered by City Council, so stay tuned.
Thank you so much to everyone who completed our second survey related to the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Ordinance Update. We garnered 76 responses which is huge for a city of our size! We also still have a few 20-mile-per-hour yard signs available for free at City Hall. Come by and pick one up if you would like to show your support for Twenty is Plenty! Lastly, the City has hired a contractor to complete some needed maintenance and repairs to the park. Parts are on order and as soon as we receive them our contractor will begin the repairs. Access to the play structure will remain closed until the repairs are complete. We are moving as quickly as we can to reopen the structure as soon as possible! Thank you for your patience during this time.
We’re off to a great 2025 thanks to all of you who serve and support our City!

High Tide now has openings for your home or vacation rental.
I have been in business here for 10 wonderful years helping with your cleaning needs. I have many years of experience with both private homes and vacation rentals making sure everything is clean and running smoothly.
Please call me at 503-717-2585 if I can help you with cleaning needs, vacation rental or your home.

Thank you,
Shawn

You can watch here: ci.manzanita.or.us/pc-meeting-1-13-25.

Brad is a third generation Oregonian, native Portlander, and has been a homeowner in Manzanita for 13 years. Professionally, he’s worked for Nike in global roles, but also in architecture, and commercial real estate development the last seven years, with varying project-types such as mixed use, and a significant amount of housing as of late. He will be a great asset to Planning Commission and the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Ordinance Update project! Welcome, Commissioner Berman!
We also had a Work Session focused on short-term rentals (STRs) during which the STR Committee presented.

You can watch here: ci.manzanita.or.us/city-council-work-session-1-15-25/.

The City has heard from residents and community members in a variety of ways regarding STRs, such as through the STR Committee, the 2023 Livability survey, and complaints filed with our Code Enforcement Officer.

The City is trying to make a decision about STR policies, to create more livability for those in Manzanita through policies which constrain STR growth and potentially lessen noise and congestion (i.e., parking and traffic) which may arise from renters; while also wanting to provide adequate services to the City, which are funded in large part by our transient lodging tax (TLT) revenue, as opposed to property taxes which many other cities depend on. Due to certain Oregon measures (specifically Measures 5 and 50), Manzanita derives very little from property taxes and, therefore, must fund service-provision through different means.
We would love to receive input from our community members on this issue. Please reach out to our Council members here: citycouncil@ci.manzanita.or.us.

There will be additional opportunities for the community to weigh-in on this issue at public hearings when and if any new policies are considered by City Council, so stay tuned.

Thank you so much to everyone who completed our second survey related to the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Ordinance Update. We garnered 76 responses which is huge for a city of our size!

We also still have a few 20-mile-per-hour yard signs available for free at City Hall. Come by and pick one up if you would like to show your support for Twenty is Plenty!

Lastly, the City has hired a contractor to complete some needed maintenance and repairs to the park. Parts are on order and as soon as we receive them our contractor will begin the repairs. Access to the play structure will remain closed until the repairs are complete. We are moving as quickly as we can to reopen the structure as soon as possible! Thank you for your patience during this time.

We’re off to a great 2025 thanks to all of you who serve and support our City!

Here are some quotes I think we all can live by.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only Light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only Love can do that.” Martin Luther King
“Love is all we need.” The Beatles
“Only Love can conquer hate.” Marvin Gaye
“When the Power of Love overcomes the love of power we will have peace.” Jimi Hendrix

So ANY WAY that all of us can add our bit of love to the world is to me a radical and powerful act. Let’s all be kind and do what we can to help each other. Keep the faith, stay strong and don’t let the haters win by giving up or reacting to them with hate.
Some specific ideas:
Regularly check on a neighbor who lives alone.
Help a struggling parent in line at the grocery store.
Give someone an authentic complement.
Hold your judgmental thoughts about someone.
Call a friend you haven’t talked with lately.
Reach out an olive branch to someone you have had conflict with.
Walk a friend or neighbor’s dog.
Host an informal get together with your neighbors to get to know each other better.
If you encounter hate speech from someone on line comment that you are sending them love.
Pay it forward.
Make someone laugh.
Take a walk in nature and send thanks for the beauty around us.
Pray in whatever forms calls to you. I pray that Love and Democracy will prevail and I imagine a hedge of angels surrounding Donald Trump preventing him from doing harm and giving him a “love transfusion”.

From Lane deMoll: Back in November after the election Brene Brown said somewhere that we all need to be taking micro-doses of hope. I realized that I could make an Essence of Hope. So I went out (as Pluto moved into Aquarius) and collected all the flowers that were blooming in my garden at the time, let them blend in spring water in the sun, and then added it to the last of my pear brandy. Now here it is – available in small bottles free or by donation. Or maybe it will help you keep moving forward that you just know it exists. Hang in there! lane@lanedemoll.com

All of us carry burdens—of daily life, of old hurts and pains. Do whatever you can do to lighten someone’s load. And accept help to lighten yours.

There are lots of organizations out there fighting for justice. Here is a link to an Indivisible.org article I received today.
indivisibleteam.medium.com/courage-is-contagious-its-time-to-fight-back-2610a18f94fc

Here are some ways to help locally.
Last November, everyone in Tillamook County received a copy of the 2024-25 Tillamook County Giving Guide. It’s not too late to use that as a resource for how to help local organizations doing good in our community.
Check out the link at the Tillamook County Pioneer
www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Giving-Guide-2024-25-Final-for-Web.pdf
It’s also on the bbq website Local Resources page. Also on that page are links to Tillamook County Organizations Directories—both alphabetized and categorized that give descriptions of most of the organizations listed.
www.northcoastbbq.com/local-resources/

Little Coasties is a daycare program for 2 and 3 year olds in North County. They have an opportunity to open a second location but need financial help getting into the property. Check out their story in the Pioneer.
www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/little-coasties-school-fills-need-for-child-care-in-nehalem-opportunity-to-open-second-location-with-community-support/

Another Pioneer article noted the opening of a Tillamook office for Consejo Hispano
www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/consejo-hispano-dear-community-tillamook-office-now-open/

Rainy Day Village helps people who are aging stay in their homes.
www.rainydayvillage.org/

These are just a few of the many resources we have in our community. Give where you can and what makes sense to you! Small acts of love and kindness add up. What if the hundredth monkey tale is true that a new behavior or idea can spread rapidly through a population once a critical number of people adopt it? Maybe your act of kindness or love is the critical one!

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”
Mahatma Gandhi
“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
People show you who they are by their actions and by the words they choose. Pretend someone doesn’t mean what they say or what they do and live to find out otherwise. As long as the words and actions are pointed at other people, you’ll be fine. Pretend that the handful of millionaires and billionaires who are in power aren’t using their power to benefit themselves while maintaining control of the world’s resources. They accrue their wealth by standing on the backs of those who are without wealth, without power and without a voice. And we let them do it because we bought the lie they sold us—that our differences are something to be feared and hated.
Sometimes we ignore the differences between us because we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. We are fearful and suspicious of differences when we don’t know people who aren’t like us. We allow those differences to separate us from each other and we lose a powerful force for change. Community.
As William Stafford wrote in his poem, A Ritual to Read to Each Other:
“If you don’t know the kind of person I am
and I don’t know the kind of person you are
a pattern that others made may prevail in the world
and following the wrong god home we may miss our star….
For it is important that awake people be awake,
or a breaking line may discourage them back to sleep;
the signals we give — yes or no, or maybe —
should be clear: the darkness around us is deep.”
On this MLK day I want to paraphrase director David Lynch, let’s keep our eyes on the donut, kids not on the hole.

Posting on behalf of Kim Rosenberg
loretta.kim.rosenberg@gmail.com