Letters to the editor

Shopping in a cemetery – really? That’s pretty low

We lost a family member a while ago, buried her at Chief Tecopa Cemetery and we decorated her grave with a solar light amongst other items that she loved. We periodically check to make sure Mother Nature hasn’t destroyed anything and replace it if needed.

Recently my son checked and found someone had taken the solar light. While replacing it, he noticed a woman with a grocery bag, picking up items and then putting it in her SUV.

Pretty sad state when you can’t even have those items that meant so much to her without having them stolen. How terribly low can you go? I’m a firm believer in karma and hope that if it was this woman, or any man for that matter, that they suffer the hurt they have put on our family, maybe a little worse.

Just wanted to let those who have loved ones at Chief Tecopa Cemetery know what is going on when no one is around. Apparently people can’t find these items in a store so they shop at a cemetery?

Just be aware of your surroundings when visiting your loved ones.

Jim Cornell

Implementing term limits in politics is good for America

We can only guess at the changes that will follow the race for the White House. If people actually get the government they deserve, what will that mean for our future? Raucous spectacles frequently accompany Trump campaign rallies. And according to media accounts, protestors, even those who silently hold signs, have been verbally or physically intimidated by Trump supporters. Is this merely over-the-top zealotry or has it more to do with widespread anger against the federal government in general and Congress in particular? Maybe the scene would be different if years ago term limits had replaced tenure in Washington. Think about it. Given a time frame in which to achieve various objectives, incumbents might focus longer on their primary responsibilities, accomplish more and have less opportunity to get cozy with lobbyists. We want to believe that newly-elected members of the House and Senate arrive at the Capitol inspired and ready to serve the nation to the best of their ability.

However, we also know that idealism can be subverted. Examine the record and you will learn that among our political elite some have fallen from grace under the influence of perks, prestige and the power of office. Our representatives defend their longevity in at least two ways. For one thing, they try to convince the electorate of their value to the country. Secondly, they say much time is needed to acquaint newer members with the complexities of government and the processes of governing. I will concede that few geniuses hold a seat on the Hill, but quick studies should be a reasonable expectation.

George Washington anticipated the potential for corruption among politicians who remain in office longer than necessary. Our first commander-in-chief set the example by limiting his presidency to eight years, a standard that continues to this day. Serving your community, your state or the nation is and ought to be considered an honorable way to make a living. But in my opinion there should be no such thing in America as a decades-long career in elective office. Those currently roaming the halls of Congress have no incentive to change the status quo, therefore any effort to do so must come from without. Whoever devises a strategy for implementing term limits will do the United States a huge favor and earn their place in history.

Ralph Bazan