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What I wrote to my congresswoman and senators yesterday:

I stand in opposition to the illegal attack and occupation of Venezuela, and the kidnapping of the country’s president, all without congressional approval.

I strongly urge you, as my elected official, to condemn this unprecedented aggression and violation of the United States’ Constitution as well as the illegal invasion of a sovereign nation.

The president has sent our troops into harm’s way to benefit himself and all his cronies who donated millions to his campaign. This invasion has nothing whatsoever to do with protecting democracy or our economy. It’s not even an invasion related to drug trafficking. It’s an attack to seize control of the mineral and energy wealth, specifically the rich oil fields of Venezuela.

Trump has made promises to oil corporations like Chevron, Exxon and billionaire oil tycoons like Tim Dunn who contributed to his campaign. He has been bought, compromised and is in turn compromising our country. This unwarranted action is a clear threat to our national security.

Do not be silent! This invasion, kidnapping, and coup was not approved by Congress and should be unilaterally condemned.

As my elected leader, I’m calling on you to stand strong in this moment and speak up. We must fight back together.

A Google search reveals the difference. ” Speed bumps are sharp 3-6 inches high, 1-2 feet wide and force speeds of 2-10 mph, typically used in parking lots. Speed humps are gentle, 3-4 inches high, 12-14 feet long, and encourage 10-20 mph, ideal for residential roads. Bumps are abrupt for maximum slowdown; humps allow traffic flow”. Simply stated, you don’t use speed bumps on public streets.

Councilor Hart’s response was speed bumps and humps are interchangeable terms, the Council doesn’t get involved in these details, it has no interest in clarifying the City Manager’s comments and if I need more information, make a public records request.

Hart’s response was similar in tone when he explained why the Council didn’t get involved in considering how to find a way to fund and approve the low bid for the Classic Street project in May with available General Fund TLT revenue. Again, the response was Council just doesn’t get involved in these project details.

The Council’s lack of interest in the details of this project is proving to be both expensive and inconvenient for residents. Had the project been approved for construction and fully funded with available TLT dollars in May, all of the design and pedestrian safety features recommended by the City’s engineering consultants would have been built and the project would have been completed in November. The Council has yet to explain the inconvenient detail of spending almost $470,000 for legal and design recommendations and then failing to even investigate the available financial means to deliver the best long term solution to remedy the City’s past short sighted development attempts involving Classic Street.

Hart’s explanations of the Council’s lack of involvement in the details of this project will become even more problematic as completion deadlines are missed and costs escalate. Citizens should expect to hear all manner of excuses as the project moves forward such as the Council’s limitations in administrative matters, the legal expenses to defend allegations of irregular bidding practices by the City are not subject to public disclosure, wet weather construction challenges etc.

Perhaps a better line of questions to Councilor Hart would be who is making the decisions on these important details and who will be taking the responsibility for the consequences that result from those decisions.

Randy Kugler

Community Voices:

Let me continue here with comments made at last Saturday’s protest in Nehalem. These are thoughts from the people who joined us, reflecting not only on this protest, but also on their experiences at many previous protests. The perspectives shared may or may not reflect insight of each individual protester. They do provide thoughts into the motivations and feelings of individuals who have consistently participated in these gatherings.

-Take Climate Change seriously-no fossil fuels. Red States will feel the effects of climate change more than Blue States. I could go on.

-Heartened by love and generosity of this community in these horrific times.

-Love of Community.

-Peace

-The people rise up and stand up for the poor, minorities, women, and children.

-I want more people to realize what is at stake for all of us and to get involved and vote for democracy.

-Our Country means everyone’s Country. The only people who can say they are not an immigrant are American Indians-and we stole their land.

-Them is us.

-We are all from immigrant families, today or 4 generations ago. Our country was built on the concept of acceptance. We cannot be taken in by sidelining one group and creating an “other” to bully-Acceptance not separation.

-Hopefully Trump will be 6’ under before end of 2026.

-Looking forward to more people recognizing the danger our country is in and responding, standing up, writing letters, making phone calls, encouraging others to voice their concerns. No more bombing, deporting, lies, turning the DOJ and other departments into misinformation to the public. Hoping for some truth, empathy, peace and love.

-Love our planet, our home, compassion for each other, share our gifts, create, iterate, Breathe.

-Looking forward to a much safter 2026.

-Divorce thinking from hope-we need hope.

-Love is needed-community is love.

-Defiance until death.

-May we find our way back to the US of A.

-Tobian Reed, the Secretary of State for Oregon, is being sued by the Department of Justice as he is refusing to allow access to Oregon’s Voter Registration list. The DOJ is wanting access to sensitive personal data. Do we have Reed’s back?

-As we enter the New Year, it is important to pause and reconsider the concept of “hate speech.” Reflecting on its role in society, it becomes apparent that hate speech has not served a positive purpose in our past, does not benefit our present, and will not advance our future. The dictionary defines “hate” as a verb meaning to detest, loathe, abhor, or abominate—each word signaling a violent or extreme dislike. Hate is often associated with a deep, personal feeling fueled by enmity or malice.

This leads us to question: Where do we learn to hate? Is hate something we are taught as children, or does it develop during adulthood? At what point can we consciously choose to check in and halt the spread of hate within ourselves and our communities? Ultimately, when we examine the word closely, “hate” is just a four-letter word, yet it carries significant weight and impact. Let us take this opportunity to challenge the presence of hate speech in our lives and strive for a more compassionate and understanding society.

Again, I hope to see you at our first PROTEST in the 2026 NEW YEAR, January 3, noon to 2 PM. Weather does not look good, but dress in layers, wear your rain gear, gloves, hats, boots, double socks, and scarfs will get you through it. Conversations along the line will warm your heart.
Best,
Patty