Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, the Associated Press reported on a study conducted by Center for Public Integrity and Fund for Independence in Journalism. It is no surprise to some that the Bush Administration lied to the world about the Iraq threat.

The study found that the Bush administration “were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses.”

The study found 935 false statements. The study also concluded that, “The cumulative effect of these false statements — amplified by thousands of news stories and broadcasts — was massive, with the (“liberal?”) media coverage creating an almost impenetrable din for several critical months in the run-up to war.”

The problem of credibility plagues us even at the local level. Advertised in the Community Ed directory, I was curious about Col. Mike Howard’s, “no affiliation with any political party,” presentation on “Iraq, the Rest of the Story.” I went to the given Web site listed and the first thing that popped up was, “Republicans Take Back Oregon,” and something about protecting your guns. There in the middle of the Web site was a photo of Col. Mike Howard.

Even though I’m not a Democrat or Republican, the false advertisement was concerning. I went to the “educational” event, to learn what the “liberal” media hadn’t told me. Other than what specifically transpired between Col. Howard and “his” men, nothing new was presented that hasn’t already been covered by the corporate media.

I was dismayed by the partisan politics, the bashing of the usual scapegoats and the realization many in the audience enthusiastically celebrate violence.

A biased event

I went down to see the “Iraq, The Rest of the Story” presentation last Saturday at the Hood River Middle School.

I listened almost in shock as Col. Howard stated that he didn’t know where the claim that we went into Iraq to search for WMD came from? I beg to inform him that this lame excuse came from his Commander in Chief and was published on the front pages of every newspaper in the country for over a year leading up to our misadventure in Iraq.

The colonel also seemed to believe the war should be allowed to go on indefinitely, apparently because he thinks it is cool to play hero and pass out candy to kids.

All and all this was the most biased and least informative presentation I expect I will ever witness on Bush’s war in Iraq.

Stick to the law

I have a handicap sticker and I take it out of the window when I am driving. I see that thousands of others do not. It says right on the sticker, “remove from window when driving.” It obstructs your view to keep it in the window and I believe it is the law that you have to take it down with up to a $250 fine.

I feel that if people do not understand what their stickers say, then they have no business driving.

Political reality

Debate continues both nationally and locally regarding global warming. Community members fire back and forth about the realities of these issues on a regular basis. Rarely does anyone on either side conclude their letter with a curriculum vitae or title suggesting their level of expertise on the subject.

It seems to me that many writers are defending their political affiliations versus science. Many top scientists, including at least one under the current administration, routinely publish articles about the data they have collected over the past two or more decades.

These articles are published in major science journals available to scientists not only in the U.S., but around the world. Personal choice permits us to refute the evidence based on things like political affiliation alone.

Many other choices exist also — conserving power by reducing hot water use and switching to low-wattage bulbs, deciding not to drive a gas guzzler, reducing needless errand runs and limiting the number of times you sit idling in coffee kiosk lines.

Sometimes it just takes common sense and a little willingness to sacrifice small things in order to make a positive change.

Who needs those highly educated scientists anyway?

Sharing in safety

The Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (CGWA) would like to respond to Dallas Fridley’s Jan 19 letter, “Strings Attached,” in which he urged the city not to accept CGWA’s $70,000 donation to the Waterfront Park.

Mr. Fridley expressed concern that accepting the donation will result in the park being overrun with windsurfers. We think we can alleviate his concerns with the following points:

First, the Waterfront Park will predominately be a family swim beach, play area and amphitheater. Access for windsurfing will be limited to the eastern third of the park. The main beach along the other two-thirds of the park will be for swimming only. There will likely be a swim rope out past the beach separating and protecting all users, as well as clear signage designating use areas.

CGWA envisions a self-enforced plan to share the area with other users, similar to what has been successfully adopted at the Event Site between windsurfers and kiters.

Second, as to the issue of free access drawing windsurfers from the Event Site to the Waterfront Park, we would like to point out that currently the Event Site draws the vast majority of windsurfers along the Hood River waterfront in spite of free river access at the Marina Park, Luhr-Jensen, Dirt Beach and the Hook. Even with these other free sites available, most of us pay to park and sail at the Event Site.

This is partly because of the desirable space, convenience and amenities at the site but the “social scene” at the site is also likely a draw.

It is CGWA’s belief that windsurfing at the Waterfront Park will regulate itself due to the limited and more distant parking, the smaller rigging space and the more restrictive access.

Because CGWA’s donation to the park comes from the mitigation settlement with BNSF Railroad, we needed to be legally certain that windsurfing access would be a recognized use at the park. It is neither our intention nor our desire that the Waterfront Park be turned into a second Event Site.

We fully support the park as planned and are excited at the opportunities that this new park will provide to the Hood River community. Our organization is committed to ensuring that the park is safe and enjoyable for all users and we are pleased to be a part of this community project.