Letters to the Editor Week of Sept. 25

Are We Willing to Change?

In the 2004 movie, “The Village,” the monsters outside of the village are referred to as “those we do not speak of.” The monsters are in fact people in costumes with intent to keep people, based on fear, motivated to never leave the village. In the wake of the assassination of right-wing commenter and provocateur Charlie Kirk, I am reminded again that there are things and people which “we do not speak of” for some of the same reasons.

We have an epidemic in this country of men who engage in political violence. Most recently, Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a man who appears to be a follower of a right-wing movement.

In June of 2025, Minnesota state representatives and their families were murder and/or injured by a man, on the same night. Also in 2025, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shaprio’s home was set on fire; the culprit was a man. In 2024, then Presidential Candidate Donald Trump was shot by a man. There are plenty of other examples.

In less than 20 years, the rapid adoption of smart phones and social media has allowed social media companies to group, collate and distribute specific content to users. At the same time, we have become increasingly distant and lack meaningful interaction with each other.

Science tells us that the best way to radicalize a person is to isolate and indoctrinate.

Social media and online platforms have made it far easier to do just that. Being part of a diverse group of people with a variety of different life experiences naturally creates tolerance for people different than yourself. Social media does not naturally develop the social skills or empathy needed to be a valued part of a healthy community.

Isolation has spilled out of online platforms and into everyday life. Advertisers use sex to sell, dating and relationships have turned into online marketplaces with apps that allow you to pick people like a product. Meaningful connections with others is now a marketing catch phrase, not a realistic outcome. Our entertainment is filled with examples of violence and cruelty being used as dramatic devices to rapidly solve problems before the commercial break.

We have turned people into products, products into commodities, commodities into caricatures, and caricatures into people who are very much alone. In our pockets we have a device that allows access to all of the human knowledge available and to connect to almost any other person, and yet we are all more isolated and alone.

We created this and we allowed it to flourish in the name of profit and progress. The wealthy have absolutely profited but have we progressed? Without community, those who are suffering are increasingly isolated and alone. There is a pattern of disaffected men who are increasingly susceptible to isolation, sometimes leading to violence.

Those we do not speak of are us. We are the monsters keeping the isolated and suffering in the village. We are the only ones who can change it. Are we willing?

—Jason J. Herring

Celebrating National Public Lands Day

America’s 640 million acres of federal public lands are a world-class wonder that belong to us all. Across the country, awe-inspiring landscapes ensure clean air and water, provide habitat for unique wildlife and vegetation, and offer endless adventure opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Here in Bend, easy access to thousands of acres of public lands is part of our lifestyle and this community’s culture and allure.

Earlier this year, we faced the unimaginable reality that vast swaths of our federal public lands could be sold off. While the public outcry may have staved off the sale of millions of acres of federal lands for the time being, we can no longer take it for granted that our public lands will always remain, well, public.

Today our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, monuments and more remain at risk. We must continue this fight until we have a promise that America’s public lands will never again face the potential for broad-scale sale, transfer or privatization.

REI Co-op has long advocated for a life outdoors for all people based on broadly held values, not partisanship or politics. We believe a shared love of the outdoors brings people together. In honor of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10am-4pm, REI Co-op in Bend will host a special event in the store to celebrate everything our public lands have to offer. Hear directly from the government agencies and nonprofits that are on the front lines of managing and protecting these spaces. Learn more about responsible recreation, stewardship and supporting the native flora and fauna in this magnificent place we call home.

We are pleased to welcome: Discover Your Forest, Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), Central Oregon Land Watch, Think Wild, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and REI’s Cooperative Action Network.

In addition, there will be a kids’ activity center and a raffle with prizes. REI, through its Cooperative Action Network, continues to engage in critical land protection campaigns and advocacy to ensure our public parks and lands stay in public hands. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 27! Learn more about REI’s No Sell-Off initiative. Or visit: REI.com/no-selloff.

—Dave Manchester, REI Store Manager

This article appears in the Source September 25, 2025.