Our weakest president ever is a huge concern
As a soldier of World War II, I’ve seen my country degenerate to the point I could scarcely believe it.

I remember Franklin D. Roosevelt as commander in chief of the army that defeated Hilter.

It was an honor to serve such a commander, the only president to be elected for four terms.

When he died in his last term, he left his vice president Harry Truman as next president, a man as able to serve his country as F.D.R. himself.

I didn’t completely appreciate the degeneration of my country until the election of our present president, by far the weakest president we have ever had.

But as I prepared to blast him in print, I found myself upstaged by a critic named Terry Christianson (October 29 Anacortes American) who said it all much better than I could.
Mel Davis 
Ancient Anacortes High School teacher

Beauty remembered: Many helped with garden honoring John Childs
I sat down to write this thank you note to many individuals and companies, for their efforts to create a small garden honoring the late John Lathrop Childs.

And as I stared at my computer screen, it struck me as quite odd indeed that this installation has just now taken place. After all, aren’t gardens at their most glorious in the spring and summer?

But somehow it seems fitting that this particular garden has come to fruition just as the local gardens are about to take a rest. I can only imagine what a lovely place it will be next year, when the bloom is back on the rose.

First, a note of appreciation to the city of Anacortes, Museum Director Steve Oakley and the museum’s advisory board for allowing a small group of us to plan, and then plant, a lovely corner of the museum’s grounds. There is a graceful bench added there, too. It is a good place for reflection.

And of course, there is a small plaque thanking John for the beauty he brought to town, and sowed all over Fidalgo Island. It is fitting that this garden be at the museum, where John built a lovely garden and terrace in remembrance of his mother.

A very large measure of gratitude is in order for Geoff Hess, who took charge of the installation, and handled it all, with the help of his friend, Dave Hillman, and Dave’s friend, Mario Zamora. Also thank you to Ken Quimby, Vic Childs, and Mark Lawrence at Simply Yards.

This expression of appreciation extends to all those who donated funds to this project, and to the Anacortes Parks Foundation and David Hall for handling the finances.

And finally, thank you to those who gave materials, or priced them very specially, too: LeFeber Pavers, Frontier Industries, Sunland Bark and Top Soils, Christianson’s Nursery, and Sebo’s.
Cory Hunter
Anacortes

Police should catch, heavily fine more speeders
Speeding in Skyline is a major concern in several areas, as well as those drivers that ignore stop signs (most notably Devonshire/Yorkshire) while speeding.

The Old Downtown Commercial Avenue speed limit of 20 mph is a laugh. Almost every car speeds through that area and now that most visitors are gone, they can’t be blamed.

It is time for cameras to be installed and speeders caught and fined. And not a slap on the wrist ticket but a substancial one.
John Minott
Anacortes

Media slow to investigate financial crimes
Two young reporters uncovered a bungled burglary of the national Democratic headquarters in 1972. Their ensuing story and news of the Watergate crime raced like wildfire across the nation and eventually resulted in the impeachment of a U.S. president in 1973.

Now fast forward to 2008. The “Fannie/Freddiegate” crimes are of monstrous proportion wiping out millions of individual life savings and triggering a global financial meltdown that continues to spread. These crimes make Watergate look like a misdemeanor.

Yet there has been no media demanding a thorough investigation in the name of justice. What’s different? The crimes are far more complex and devastating than Watergate, yet the American public hears very little of these crimes anymore. Rather, the news media seems to be fixated on efforts to solve the current financial crisis instead of investigating the cause and demanding prosecution and punishment of those involved which just might prevent a recurrence of such crimes.

The millions of victims deserve answers and justice. But I’m afraid “Fannie/Freddiegate” will be swept aside in the hunt for a financial crisis cure and the media romance with the historic election of a new president.

The one faint glimmer of hope is that October congressional hearings postponed until after the presidential election will resume and launch a full investigation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac crimes. But unfortunately many of those involved in Fannie/Freddiegate are also elected and appointed government officials who have increased power resulting from gains made by Democrats in both congressional houses as well as securing the chief executive office. This firmly places them in position to stall and block any efforts for intense and extensive investigations that would result in prosecution and severe punishment of the guilty.

Only a demanding media seriously devoted to serving the public interest can ensure justice for these hideous crimes. But I fear the bulk of this country’s media no longer serves the public interest, and the criminals will be allowed to propagate and infest the highest offices of our government. The resulting corrupt and heavy-handed power of the radical left has been demonstrated numerous times this year, and it threatens the basic freedoms of the United States of America. Apparently modern crime does pay.

I feel like I’m losing my country, and I’m powerless to come to her aid. It’s a very sick feeling. 
Nick Haren
Anacortes

Funding helps NAMI work on mental health
On behalf of NAMI Skagit members, I thank Skagit County Human Services Mental Health Advisory Board members for the 2009 grant to fund NAMI Skagit education and outreach programs.

The grant provides NAMI Skagit with funds to continue current educational and outreach programs along with an incentive to NAMI Skagit volunteers, who have a vested interest in seeing that all people with severe mental illness are treated fairly and with consideration. It is a pleasure to work with Skagit County Human Services Mental Health Advisory Board members toward NAMi Skagit’s mission:

• To provide support, education and advocacy for persons with mental illness, and their families within Skagit County.

• To promote better quality of care, recovery, rights and interests of people with mental illness, particularly of those who cannot speak for themselves, and to advocate for policies and practices at the local, state and national levels to accomplish these objectives.

• To provide information and education to the general community in order to reduce stigma and support the successful reintegration of recovering consumers into the community.
Alberta Finley
NAMI Skagit Education Program Funding Coordinator