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Letters
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- Written by: Dennis Rollins
I thank Randy Ridgel for his letter referencing the “constitutional meritocracy” as it caused me to reread the U.S. Constitution. I had not read this document in many years.
In reading the Constitution I could find no reference to the “constitutional meritocracy” he cites as justification for his personal beliefs.
I was also unable to imagine how he might have even interpreted it to say that.
Dennis Rollins lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Randy Ridgel
From liberal responses to my criticisms of President Obama, I am, it seems, “old,” “fat,” “ugly” and “racist.”
I plead guilty to all but racist; I would object just as much if a blonde Swede was wrecking my country.
In his recent State of the Union address, Obama repetitively used the word “fair.” Fair, to him, means taking money from those who earned it and giving it to those who didn’t. He’s already blown $5 trillion rewarding failure.
The Constitution wasn’t written to promote his idea of fairness, but a meritocracy. At the top would be the smartest and hardest-working, like Henry Ford and Steve Jobs, who would be enriched and empowered by producing the most value for all.
Next were those who did most of the work – the middle class –who were allowed to keep most that they earned. Risk takers could succeed or fail; lazy bums failed.
The folly of treating poor work “fairly” has since been shown by the tragedy of our public schools where excellent teachers are rewarded no more than poor ones with tenure.
Finally, compassionate family charity and Christian offerings, instead of bored bureaucrats and government fraud, cared for the poor and disabled. The law and the Second Amendment provided protection against crooks and dangerous people. But anyone, top to bottom, could rise as high as brains, courage, inspiration, and work would take them.
Unfortunately a constitutional mistake allowed the fairness of slavery. Slaves’ prospects were all equal – just as Obama seems to seek for most of us now.
But slavery was repealed by the Civil War and our constitutional meritocracy then grew into the richest, most powerful and generous country in the world.
However, always looming in the gray distance was de Tocqueville’s curse: “Democracy can’t work … people will vote themselves a piece of the treasury.”
Under Obama, de Tocqueville’s curse is coming true; America is broke.
Randy Ridgel lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
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- Written by: Peter McGee
The Rotary Club of Middletown’s 20th Annual Crab Feast and Auctions was once again a rousing successful, fabulous, fun fundraiser.
It takes over a hundred folk to put on this event: donors, sponsors, friends, Interactors and Rotarians in addition to the attendees. We truly live in a great community where people are so generous and supportive.
Special thanks to our King Crab sponsors: Calpine Corp., Langtry Estate & Vineyards, Reynolds Systems, St. Helena Hospital, Clearlake and Sutter Lakeside Hospital.
And a click of the claws to our other sponsors: Clover Lake Dairy, Fox Marble & Granite, The Hoberg Family, Morgan Lane Real Estate, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Rich Thomas), Westamerica and Tri-Counties Banks and the Perkins-Whitney Family.
Rick Hamilton’s RAH Signs showed off our sponsors, and David Neft set up our sound system and offered himself as an auction item.
Multiple clicks of the claws to our official photographer Sharon Dawson of The Dawson Studios in Middletown; and to Tri-Counties Bank for the credit card terminal, to Hardester’s Market for the grand Grand Door Prize, and to Karen Jones and her Floral Design Class at Middletown High School for the themed floral centerpieces.
Special recognition goes to Karen Turcotte of EcoArts of Lake County for the ever-growing decorations, her auction donation and her two long days of working with a smile and a song.
The high school worker bees of the Interact Club at Middletown High School deserved their well-earned tips. They all worked hard, worked smart and gave great customer service. Each year they choose how the funds will be distributed among various community projects both local and global.
Funding also goes to help students attend the annual Interact retreat/camp and to help individual students wishing to do an foreign exchange program.
For event photos, go to www.thedawsonstudios.com.
There will be a link for you to download your favorites for free. There also are some photos on our Facebook page, Rotary Club of Middletown CA.
We would also like to thank our local media for their coverage: Middletown’s finest newspaper, the Times Star, and the Record-Bee, the Clearlake Observer and Lake County News online. Getting the word out with their coverage helps so much and is appreciated.
So thanks to all who participated and supported the effort. The good you did helps us do good throughout the year supporting local and international projects and programs.
Peter McGee is 2011-12 president of the Rotary Club of Middletown, Calif.
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- Written by: Ginny Ingersoll
Today, we give heartfelt thanks to Clare Stenge and the Lakeport Women’s Civic Club for their recent food donation to St. John’s Food Pantry.
Their contribution helps St. John’s focus on families and the welfare of local children.
Our food pantry stocks nutritional high-protein food that is low in fat and sugar. We offer easy recipes to help families cook their own meals. Rice, tomato sauce, salsa and canned garbanzo, kidney and black beans are needed, along with oatmeal and applesauce. Onions, garlic, apples, and carrots are also requested.
Food donations are welcome at St. John’s during times coinciding with the church’s Basement Boutique Thrift Store open hours, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1190 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport.
To deliver food at other times, please contact me at 707-245-3147 or Barbara Knight at 707-263-7802.
Again, the food donation from Lakeport Women’s Civic Club is much appreciated.
Ginny Ingersoll is manager of the St. John’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry in Lakeport, Calif.