December 2023Editor,It appears the republicans are not smart enough to handle Democracy and Reality. This is a problem for all of us. Democracy and the rule of law has made us great for years and republicans have been attacking these ideas for years. Gerrymandering, insufficient ballot drops, removing voters from voting rolls, claiming victory, misinformation, terrorizing voting officials. It is stunning. Do we want a tyrant? I don't! That's what we'll get if Trumpsters don't realize they've been suckered. Granted our government is rigged, but it is rigged by those folks with all the money. Rigged by guys that were given huge tax benefits by Reagan, Bush, and Trump. Those guys want more. When was the last time you hired a lobbyist to favor your ideas? Sincerely, Don McKechnie Sierraville, Sparks, Earth Dear Mr. Rosewood, Your recent bellicose letter disparages a fellow community member who is incredibly kind hearted, hardworking, and generous. He gave years of his life to the diligent caregiving of his elderly mother without complaint and with great tenderness in the last years of her life despite battling complex health issues and a lack of support himself. He is unfailingly generous to friends, animals and strangers alike. He contributes many good deeds to the elderly and infirm in our community, donating many hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars of home maintenance and repair services each year. He sir, is a diamond in the rough. I understand the concern about how he manages his property, but your public denigration speaks far more of your character than that of our wonderful neighbor. We, the younger generation of Calpine residents, seek to foster a community in which a concern about the condition of a resident's property is met with compassion and offers of neighborly assistance and support, in recognition of our shared humanity and devotion to community. Sincerely, Serenity Enriquez We live in the same neighborhood as our friend Colin in Calpine. He has helped us many times over the years to keep snow off our roof and our driveway during the winter. He's a genius at fixing our electronics, and he is a handyman capable of handling any other issues and problems that we've had. In this season of giving and caring, we applaud our friend Colin. Daniel J. Moore, Calpine Neighbors Janice! My first-born son, Mickael Clemann, and, I were both simultaneously deployed to the Iraq War in 2007, during the surge. I remember calling your dad around the spring of 2001. I had put my son in flight school and he was the first ROTC cadet in the history of Durant High School to receive his pilot's wings. My son was a pilot when he graduated from high school. Your dad printed a picture of my son in the Sierra Booster. Your dad was fighting the FAA for age discrimination as he was "too old to fly a plane." I was fighting the FAA for age discrimination as they said my son was "too young" to fly a plane. When I was fighting the FAA to allow my son to solo and receive his private pilot's license, he was a sophomore in high school, 15 years old and in the 10th grade. He was not 16 years and too young to get his driver's license. With your dad's advice, I won and my son had his solo flight. Thank you to your dad for his help, advice, and support. My son received a Congressional nomination to the Air Force Academy from Polk County Congressman, Adam Putnam. His 2nd nomination came from his dad's former boss, General Norman Schwartzkopf, USMC, Ret. His dad was one of General Schwartzkopf's Air Force Airborne Communicators during the Persian Gulf War. Mickael was born on December 25, 1982 at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He chose to enter this world during the worst blizzard in over 20 years at Omaha, NE. The mayor closed the city during that winter. My son joined the Marines; flew on those dual prop Marine helicopters, and made his mama proud. My son's son Daniel Clemann, was born in a Naval Hospital. Daniel has recently completed Marine Boot Camp training at San Diego. He has started his own military career serving our country as a United States Marine. Grandma Kim is so very proud of her grandson. Kim DeBerg, Reno, NV Dear Mr. Grinch, Just a gentle reminder that even the Grinchiest of hearts still have hope for growing hearts that are two sizes too small, if it's not too late. Blessings on those who serve this neighborhood unnoticed by some. We see and appreciate you very much! Waiting on a miracle, Alyssa Deacon Universal Fractals By Arielle Hardy When I look at animals, Deep in their eyes, I see the whole universe, In plain disguise. The eminent Love, That shines from within, The true source resonance, Infinitely; age-old friend. How many lives? In what form of space? Are we all one and the same? In that transcended place? Will we ever understand? The real truth be told? Will we ever remember? Will the veil unfold? Signs from the universe, In every moment, Embracing the all, And all its components. Can we look beyond the veil, As well as within, See the reflection of ourselves, In everyone and everything? Let us love ourselves completely, As well as all the rest, Because we are all one, No one better than the rest. Cherish every moment, The very best you can, Love yourself completely, Be your own best friend. The animals they speak, Through subtle signs I know, But always listen closely, Their message may deeply flow. Submitted: 12/27/23 Article By: Sierra Booster |