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Submitted By: capekiwanda@protonmail.com – Click to email about this post

Who Benefits From a Divided America?
For many years, I have tried to understand the conflicts in the Middle East by listening to as many voices as possible. I have spoken with Israelis, Palestinians in Gaza, anti-war activists, journalists, Syrians, Iranians, and people from across the political spectrum in the United States and abroad. I have studied the history of the region before the creation of the State of Israel and followed the conflicts that have unfolded since. I have relatives who lived in Israel, others who lived in Tehran during the era of the Shah, and family connections that extend to Syria, Turkey, Russia, Mexico, South America, mainland China, and Australia.

Because of those experiences, I have become increasingly skeptical of simple narratives and political talking points. One of the most troubling aspects of American political discourse today is how quickly people are pushed into opposing camps. Nearly every issue is framed as a battle between left and right, Democrat and Republican, pro-Trump and anti-Trump. Meanwhile, larger questions often go unasked.

Who benefits from keeping Americans divided?

What policies advance while citizens are distracted by endless partisan conflict?

For years, I have contacted elected officials regarding U.S. military interventions, endless wars, and the trillions of dollars that Pentagon auditors have struggled to fully account for and secret CIA Black OPS programs. I have attended protests and spoken out against foreign policies that have contributed to instability and suffering around the world.

I often wonder what happened to the anti-war movement. Many Americans who passionately opposed military interventions during the Bush years seemed far less vocal when similar policies continued under subsequent administrations. Political loyalty often appeared to replace principle. Opposition to war sometimes seemed dependent on which party occupied the White House rather than on the human consequences of those policies.

The same pattern can be seen in discussions about Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Lebanon, Gaza, and other conflicts. Civilian suffering should matter regardless of who is responsible. Human rights should not become important only when they align with a preferred political narrative.

Questions about foreign aid, government accountability, corruption, weapons transfers, and intelligence operations are often dismissed rather than debated openly. At the same time, much of our political discourse revolves around the latest controversy involving President Trump. One result of Trump’s continued rhetoric and ad absurdum is that more people on both sides of the political spectrum no longer support the sphere of influence by Israel and AIPAC.

Whether one supports Trump or opposes him, it is worth asking whether the constant focus on his personality has distracted the public from broader questions about war, government transparency, civil liberties, economic stability, and institutional accountability.

I observed a similar dynamic during the COVID era. Reasonable people can disagree about the effectiveness of particular public health measures. However, that period demonstrated how quickly fear can shape public behavior and how difficult it can be to have open discussions during times of crisis. It also revealed how willing many people are to defer their judgment to authorities rather than critically evaluate competing viewpoints and policies including our elected officials.

The same concerns about transparency, accountability, and public participation that exist at the national level also exist closer to home. That is why I am concerned about the lack of civic engagement in our own community.

How many residents regularly follow county government?

How many are paying attention to the current district attorney issue?

How many attend public meetings, submit testimony, or communicate with elected officials?

How many understand the decisions being made that directly affect their daily lives?

The recent commissioner election demonstrated how divided and disengaged our county has become. More than half of registered voters did not participate. Numerous write-in votes were cast, and many non-affiliated voters chose not to participate in the commissioner race at all. Those numbers do not reflect a healthy and engaged community. They suggest frustration, disconnection, and declining trust in local government.

Trust cannot be rebuilt through campaign slogans or public relations statements. It requires transparency, accessibility, accountability, and genuine engagement. For years, residents have requested evening county meetings so working families can participate. Yet little progress has been made.

Recently, I contacted officials in another Oregon county and learned that they successfully conduct regular evening meetings that attract participation from working residents and rural communities. I gave contact information for the commissioner I spoke with to the county who told me she would help in whatever way she could. Will they act on it? This county also employs a public information officer who provides regular updates and communications to the public and plans to do town halls again.

These are not revolutionary ideas. They are practical steps designed to improve transparency and public trust. Our commissioners should actively seek opportunities to engage residents through evening meetings, town halls, community meet-and-greets throughout the county, regular public updates, and meaningful responses to citizen concerns. Government should not wait for residents to come forward; it should make every effort to reach out to the people it serves.

When concerns go unanswered, frustration grows. When citizens feel ignored, participation declines. When participation declines, trust erodes. The result is the cycle we see today: increasing division, decreasing civic involvement, and growing dissatisfaction with public institutions.

Breaking that cycle requires leadership. It requires elected officials who are willing to listen, communicate openly, and demonstrate that public input matters. Most importantly, it requires citizens who are willing to become engaged rather than remain spectators.

The future of our community will not be determined solely by what happens in Washington, D.C., Jerusalem, Tehran, Moscow, or Kyiv, or even at the state level. It will be determined by whether local citizens choose to participate in the institutions closest to them and whether those institutions are willing to earn the trust of the people they serve.

That is where real change begins.

Robin Kostrikin
Pacific City

Submitted By: Website@unitedpaws.org – Click to email about this post

Introducing Quill, United Paws’ Cat of the Week. Quill is a handsome tuxedo with a broad white stripe down his nose and matching white boots. United Paws rescued Quill, his mother, Tilly, and his two siblings, Daphne and Rose, after they had been abandoned, providing them with a safe and loving foster home. They have all thrived on the love, affection, and tasty wet food their foster provides for them every day.
If there is a string, a ball, a box, a climbing platform, an open lap, or a playmate, Quill will be there. He loves attention and playtime. When it is time to relax, he can be found snuggled up in a quiet place or hanging out with other cats, kittens and even the family dog. Quill is ready to bring hours of entertainment and joy to his very own forever family. Quill is a social butterfly and is looking for a home with other playful cats or kittens.
To learn more, please visit unitedpaws.org or email unitedpawshelp@gmail.com to schedule a Meet & Greet.

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

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for being in Nehalem for the North County Resistance Peaceful Protest on Saturday. 35 people and two dogs showed up to help us protest our current Federal Government. Lots of audience participation from all the cars going by. I would say our rate was 97% positive.

We did get a warning from our local police which was unfortunate but deserved. I am sure we all understand that as protesters we have one point of view and that is not always shared by “others”. The “others” would like us not to be in Nehalem and yes, they do keep tabs on us and our behavior. In order to be able to stay in Nehalem and protest we need to follow some rules. The one big rule is to stay out of and off of Highway 101. Along the sidewalk edge where we protest in Nehalem there is a yellow line. We can consider this line to mean “caution” and to stay on the sidewalk side of this line. In the past we have had more than one person walking on Highway 101 taking pictures of protesters and their signs. Please do not do this anymore. From now on we will have a safety person assigned to the Nehalem Protest who will ask you not to be in/on Highway 101. If you refuse to honor this request, we will call the Police and turn you in. This is for your own safety. If you want to take pictures of our protest, please do so from the sidewalk across the street. We also have people crossing the street to get coffee at the coffee hutch. I know it is a little longer walk but for safety’s sake I am asking you to please cross at the crosswalk under the blinking light. If walking this extra distance is difficult for you, we have people who will take your order, cross at the crosswalk, and hopefully bring your order back to you. We’re a pretty honest bunch. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Lots and lots of traffic this past Saturday. We hope to see you this coming Saturday, June 27, in Nehalem from noon to 2 PM. It’s a bit early for a weather report but my phone is telling me we might have just a touch of rain next Saturday. That’s what umbrellas are for.

I’ve had a request to send you some information about Tillamook Democrats and a request from them for others to join them in the June Dairy Parade. Will send them out to you tomorrow.

Thanks for coming out. Please tell your friends, neighbors, and visitors to join us this coming Saturday. I’m wondering where all our local politicians are? And yes, there will be a protest in Nehalem on July 4th, noon to 2 PM.

Best,
Patty

Submitted By: capekiwanda@protonmail.com – Click to email about this post

A day to honor our fathers.
THE OAK TREE
He doesn’t bend when winds arise, He faces storms with steady eyes. His roots run deep beneath the land, A silent strength, a guiding hand. While others sway, he stands alone— An oak tree I have always known.
His branches reach but never pull, His shade is calm, his heart is full. He lets the seasons shape his bark, But still he guards me through the dark. No matter where the years may go, He stays the same beneath the snow.
He’s weathered drought, and fire, and rain, Yet speaks no word of loss or pain. Instead he lifts me to the skies, And teaches me through lows and highs. He whispers lessons in the breeze, And roots me down in times like these.
He’s not the sun, but blocks the flame, Protecting me in life’s wild game. He’s not the moon, but lights my way, When every dream begins to stray. A presence vast, yet close and near, The tree of life I hold most dear.
I carve my name upon his side, And see his joy he cannot hide. For every mark I make on him, He glows within each growing limb. He bears the weight, he bears the scars, But still believes in who we are.
So on this day, I gift this rhyme, A little leaf from ancient time. To thank the one who watched me grow, Through summer sun and winter snow. My father, tall through storm and sea— Forever strong, my family tree.

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

I have never come across a book with its own play list.

Check out the book “The Music Shop” by Rachel Joyce

playlist is on Spotify bit.ly/TheMusicShopPlaylist

We humans have our faults AND are very creative.

love,
Barbara