In response to, "I for one believe we should be allowed to kill wolves," (12/20)
In response to Melissa Hogan's request for why it's good to reintroduce wolves, my best answer is to view the short (5 minute) film, "How wolves change rivers." It shows the remarkably extensive positive effects of wolves in the environment. She objects that these "Canadian" wolves are an "invasive species." Sometimes "invasive" is a matter of degree. All the wolves in North America were an interconnected species. It's just the ones here in Oregon have been replaced, by natural dissemination, filling a void left by foolish extermination. Like so often, peoples' response to a narrow problem of wolf predation was a short-sighted solution that ignored many negative results of their elimination. As to an invasive species that has been extremely destructive, that would be nearly every human in North America. But we make allowances for that. That the deer and elk populations may have declined some, whatever the wolves' responsibility, they are taking the sick and weak. It's human hunters that violate healthy selection by killing the best, thus weakening the population. The wolves belong here. They make the world a better place. I'm not advocating ignoring the conflicts. Cattle ranchers' issues should be addressed fairly. But all sides need to make accommodations to achieve the best long-term outcome.
— David Horn
In response to, "Stuff We Learned from Jim in 2017," (1/4)
Agree about the cats being outside and thanks! I've seen at least 5 roadkill cats this month and it's so depressing.
— Kristy Kwan, via facebook.com
Such a special and inspiring human being. Love you, Jim! And I've shared your columns on feeding deer far and wide!
— Lisa Bagwell, via facebook.com
In response to, "Another One Bites the Dust: Summit Saloon Closes," (1/2, at bendsource.com)
Where will I drop it like it's hawt? I'll never wake up with sore quads in Bend again!!
— Shayna Kendrick, via facebook.com
RIP to drunken debauchery and bustin moves... pour one out for the home scummit!
— Curtis Deer, via facebook.com
As Ian (McIntosh) noted this morning ... "a popular downtown Bend restaurant for the past decade." I'm not sure I've ever consumed food there...
— Jackie Stewart, via facebook.com
So much fun when they first opened... loved all them reggae nights with my rasta sister.
— Kim Frickey, via facebook.com
This was one of the first places we went to in Bend. Great Happy Hour.
— Arlene Hendrix, via facebook.com
In response to, "Bicyclist Killed in Collision," (1/4)
A life lost, family devastated, another life in ruins...
— Judy Ann Lear, via facebook.com
Dr. Stone's family was rather large. Large practice and a significant clinic with a whole bunch of support staff. One life isn't worth more than another—they are all priceless—but the impact of this crash has huge ripples throughout Bend.
— Jim Roberts, via facebook.com
Related
The Emperor
Will the Congressional Republicans and the Cabinet ever admit what we all know: THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES.
— Jim Sterling
Letter of the Week:
Jim: Your letter is perhaps one of the most succinct we've received yet, but really, there's no need to say much more. Come on in for your gift card to Palate!
— Nicole Vulcan, Editor