Editorial: Citizen checkpoints

By Paul Butler
    Late in September I was driving on the North Cascades Highway back to the valley when I encountered a situation I had never seen nor heard of before. In the middle of the 30 mph section in Newhalem, nearly a dozen Border Patrol agents and a golden retriever formed an “interior” roadblock for vehicles headed west. Apparently this was a “tactical traffic checkpoint” that the Border Patrol has used, controversially, at several locations: Newhalem, the Anacortes ferry terminal and on the Olympic Peninsula.
    Recently, some statistics were released from the agency regarding the effectiveness of 53 of these type of roadblocks at these three locations: Since early this year, 24,524 vehicles with 41,912 passengers were checked, resulting in 81 undocumented immigrants busted and 19 people taken into custody for state crimes. Though I cannot say with authority whether these results constitute an acceptable degree of efficacy, the numbers seem pretty weak for what must have been a considerable amount of time and taxpayer money. The necessity of these roadblocks, regardless of their effectiveness, seems even weaker, if not outrageous, if one considers the infringement on one’s rights. Currently, the American Civil Liberties Union is considering filing a lawsuit to stop these roadblocks, which are happening in areas that the organization calls “a Constitution-free zone,” which is a bit overstated, but serves the point.
    These non-border checkpoints are nothing new in other border states, especially in the Southwest. After September 11, Congress allowed the Department of Homeland Security to run these internal checkpoints. Border Patrol chief John Bates asserts the U.S. Supreme Court has deemed these checkpoints within 100 miles of the border constitutional. “We run these checkpoints to have an impact on the organizations that bring in narcotics, undocumented immigrants or who potentially could bring terrorists or weapons of mass destruction into the U.S.,” Bates said. Apparently the way it works is, after being stopped, passengers are asked what country they are from and to show identification. Most are waved on, but if an agent becomes suspicious of illegal activity, a person may be detained.
    Undocumented immigrants, terrorist activity, and illegal narcotics – it is a large net they are casting at these administrative checkpoints, as they are also called. With a downturn in the economy, perhaps the authorities will soon check if you have adequately paid your taxes. After all, they have you stopped there, and you shouldn’t mind, unless you are doing something illegal – right?
    Is it necessary for the Border Patrol to stop people already well inside the country? The answer is no. Their job is to patrol the border, not the interior of the country. The new administration should stop this practice immediately as well as others that the current imperial presidency has allowed to be imposed that continue to erode our liberties. More attention should be concentrated on the effectiveness of protecting our country’s security where it matters the most: at the actual borderline.
 

Letters to the editor

Reach out
Editor,
    It’s such a tragedy that seven people have taken their lives in the Methow this last year. It’s been on my mind a great deal. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
    If you’re thinking about suicide, you’re not alone. Please don’t give up. Having these thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is asking for help.
    Our beautiful community is full of resources and compassionate, caring people. There are many of us who want to help.
    Write down and have on hand the names and numbers that you can call of a church, doctor, family member, friend, neighbor, the 24-hour crisis line (509-826-6191) or 911. Keep reaching out and you’ll find that rock you need to lean on. Once you do, you’ll realize that you’re not alone and that life is so worth living. 
    You’re worth it and so are the people who love you.
Jan Miller
Winthrop

Two tons of goodwill
Editor,
    The 10th annual Cove food drive was a huge success – the best ever. When the food bags were collected and the postal bins were emptied, we had received more than 4,000 pounds (two tons) of food. Bags of canned goods and supportive donations came from Mazama all the way to Methow.
    Thank you to all of the caring people in the Methow Valley who continue to make this food bank productive. A special thanks goes to the U.S. Postal Service workers and rural carriers, who collected the bags of food and to Mrs. Wilson’s classes at Liberty Bell High School for folding and stuffing the 3,200 envelopes.
    Also, we want to thank Little Star School for their donations from the Halloween Carnival and thanks to Rita Pampanin for her ideas and hard work with the Halloween “Fun-raiser” held at the local grange.
Glenn Schmekel
Director
The Cove
Twisp

MVP Obama?
Editor,
    President-elect Obama has proved what hard work can accomplish as long as one combines it with 30 years of affirmative-action populism, at least 13 states of ACORN poll rigging, a sweetheart media, and $650 million in private campaign money one pledged to eschew but didn’t.
    I voted for the Fossil because I am one, and because I thought he’d be a little less likely to pollute the Supreme Court, but I still have this curious feeling about Obama. I think the lad doesn’t want to be known as the affirmative-action-token black president, America’s final payment for slavery, who dropped the ball. I think he genuinely wants to be a milestone bipartisan president who really does render race irrelevant in America.
    Can he do it? Not if experience is a measure, for he has never managed a business, worn a uniform, heard a shot fired, led anything, nor written any significant legislation, and he voted a meaningless “present” far more than he ever committed to anything.
    Obama also has a wildly liberal history, but I ask myself how he could possibly have risen to any prominence in South Chicago any other way, and could he be so myopic as to think he can remain that liberal and lead America successfully?
    I remember, too, that Reagan was a Democrat until he was 51.
    I listen to Obama and I can’t shake the suspicion that he’s smart enough to realize he can’t achieve what he wants as a Marxist Robin Hood. I think the radical leftist party machine and Sorosian money-baggers who installed Obama are in for a shock. I think he’s going for the MVP (most valuable president) trophy, parties be damned.
    Hunches are often about as reliable as Russian submarines, but I’m going to hold this one for a while and see what happens.
William Slusher
Okanogan

Praying for success
Editor,
    I never really expected to do much for Barak Obama in Texas but am glad to be here for the victory, to be so near that memory of my amazement when I first really noticed the separate water fountains. A few years later, the police would try to intimidate me when doing voter registration only to get my mild amusement that they didn’t know the times they were a changin’ here.
    In all these long-lost loser states we took counties and precincts and that is how this wall of stupid hate is breached – a chunk at a time. And that is what I tell my same-sex-oriented friends, that in every struggle for civil rights, peace or justice, it’s always some advance and some setback. You finally get a good hole in that wall only to look down and see some pointy-headed knuckle dragger patching it up.
    Oh, brothers and sisters, I pray you not resent those who but only need grow a bit more, and pity those who never will but rather will spend their lives fearful of ghosts, ashamed of their secrets and jealous of God’s love. See, as I do, all those children just arriving who will think nothing of it if their parents are the same gender and will know you’re joshing when you tell them of a time when the president would have had to drink from a different fountain.
    Just as President Obama will be an inspiration for all those funny-looking poor kids, know Peter Goldmark will be a good example for many a rural or small-town youngster not to be embarrassed by their smarts or shy to strive for excellence. There is no betrayal of your love of this place in your embrace of the wider world. And if you want to farm or ranch, to make it these days you gotta be like that Goldmark feller – some kind of genius with a lotta spine.
    Regardless how you voted, let us pray these good people be successful. We really need that.
David Edwards
Twisp

On the election
Editor,
    The press and news media keep emphasizing blue/red scenarios on the electorate. I would opine that we are on a continuum with no clear lines into which we are to be corralled. More and more independents are being felt in our elections. If you take all the categories around which issues swirl (economics, war, abortion, taxes, health care, education, energy, environment) and the philosophies within each of these, any number of combinations are possible which negate the blue/red model. We. The American people, it seems, not only are fiercely individualistic in our philosophies but also are downright proud of our fought-for rights to express these in myriad ways. The Republic will ignore this trend to its peril.

    I was amazed at the “patting-myself-on-the-back” for electing an African-American for president, completely ignoring the extraordinary abilities of the person and the fact he won the election. I see Barack Obama as an American as opposed to African-American. Even today, as I watched Meet The Press, race issues were being discussed. No wonder the news services have a lower rating than Congress. The news media will also ignore the demographic trends to its peril. (Actually, it already has as its economic suffering the last 10 years has proved.)
    Seemingly, there is a huge amount of pressure on Obama to be successful due to the historical nature of the election – more than average. But seeing how he executed his campaign, people he’s chosen as advisors and supporters, his intellectual depth and agility, Obama seems to be able to take the reins and do some great things – at least I hope so. Is that what he meant by the “message of hope?”
    I didn’t vote for him or John McCain, but I support him now and have great confidence in his abilities – more than any other president-elect in my voting lifetime. But I will rail against policies I feel are detrimental. May God go with him – he’s got a hell of a challenge facing him.
Betty Vaughn
Winthrop

Mission accomplished
Dear MVNews,
    So it goes, the 2008 season for the Methow Valley Farmers Market came to a close Oct. 25, marking the 30th year. To you, the farmers, crafters, artisans, food producers, musicians, travelers, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens: your participation, support and community spirit is what makes all the difference.
    When I see the people meeting and laughing, and all the kidding and joking that occurs on market day, a warm feeling comes over me. I think about 30 years ago when, meeting in the halls of this community center, the founders had envisioned a farmers market for the valley community.
    Yes, mission accomplished and so much more! 2008 has been a grand and glorious run, 29 weeks in all. With mostly joy and a little sadness, a tremendous and gracious thank you! Winter well. Your friend, neighbor and fellow jokester,
Willie Getz
Market master
MV Farmers Market

Yummy, yummy, yummy
Editor,
    The Winthrop Library’s bake sale at the MVSTA ski swap was a great success due to all the fabulous desserts and savory dishes people donated and the helpful volunteers who worked the event.
    So thanks to all the bakers, so generous with their time and skills, who made scrumptious pies, decadent chocolate cake, torte and brownies, yummy cookies, healthy muffins, apricot and organic scones, irresistible homemade bread and delicious breakfast burritos and hot-from-the-oven quiches, which flew off the bake sale table!
    Extra thanks to Jane McLaughlin, Dylan Wolfe and Rebecca Shoup, who cheerfully and expertly staffed the event. Thank you, thank you, all of you.
Sally Portman
Winthrop librarian

Hats off to meatcutters
Dear Editor:
    I am hoping you will print this to give accolades where they are deserved.  A new (take-over) business in Twisp (Thomson’s Meats) should be a great asset to all. It is so refreshing in this day and age of half-rate service to find a business that truly not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk.
    I know there are many mixed opinions when it comes to hunting, but I am one who came from a family tradition, of this conservation-oriented sport. For me, it has been a family experience for all. When we pack up the car to head for Twisp in October, those traveling with me include great-grandmothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, children, and even my newly arrived granddaughter. It is truly a family event for us.
    This year, after 30-plus years of cutting and processing my own game, I decided to turn the job over to Chris and Seth Thomson. I cannot say enough about what a professional job they do. I must say the sausage in particular was absolutely delectable. My hat is truly off to Thomson’s Custom Meats!
Terry Smith
Kirkland

Young riders thriving
Dear Editor,
    This fall, for five straight Wednesdays, 12 students in the Methow Valley Elementary special ed program participated in the fourth year of the Let ‘Em Ride program at Moccasin Lake Ranch.
    I have been fortunate to watch these students show their expertise in grooming and riding as well as their knowledge of horsemanship. Our last day, the students were able to show their appreciation for a newly retired horse, Poco, with an oatmeal/molasses cake topped with carrot candles that they made in class the day before.
    Sincere thanks goes to the Public School Funding Alliance, Annie B., and Moccasin Lake Ranch for continuing to support this very special opportunity. I’d also like to thank the volunteers who add so much to the students’ experience: Amaya Gracie, Deb Thorlakson, Ina Seckinger and Kathy Upper. These students are thriving with your efforts! See you in the spring!
Laura Schrager
MVE Special Ed Teacher

Mind your own pets
Dear Editor,
    This is about the animals in Horseshoe Mobile Home Park. There are cats and dogs everywhere you look here. Everyone should worry about their own instead of someone else’s. I am keeping my cats in the house now. Someone shot my cat in the foot. The person who did it, I hope you’re happy. And I know who you are.
    The Lord made the dogs and cats and when one gets hurt, shame on you. I’d better not hear anything else about mine.
Sue Hill
Twisp
 

My Turn by Alexa Whipple

Questions surround proposed Bear Creek subdivision

     Late this summer, McCormack Vineyard Partners, LLC, applied to subdivide Bear Creek Golf Course into seven lots – one 38-acre lot and six 20-acre lots. It has been approved. What does this mean for the future of the golf course? What are McCormack Vineyard’s plans?
        After a request for open dialogue regarding their plans for the property in the spring of this year, Friends of Bear Creek has not heard a word from the development group. We are very curious to know what could be in store for the valley. 
        Looking at the numbers (McCormack Vineyard paid $3.5 million for the golf course), we can extrapolate a few possible scenarios. If they sold all seven lots, they would have to ask for $500,000 for each bare lot, no roads, no power, no water, no planning, just to recoup their initial investment. That does not seem very  feasible in our current real estate market. However, the six 20-acre lots are in five-acre zoning, so each 20-acre lot could be divided again into four lots.
        If all six parcels were divided into four five-acre parcels, that would make 25 lots for sale – one 38-acre lot and 24 five-acre lots. That would bring the bare recoupment cost per parcel to a minimum of $140,000. That seems like a more likely and potentially affordable scenario in these economic times. But then you look at the map of the golf course and how it has been divided into the six 20 acre lots and it appears impossible to divide each 20 acre piece into four sellable five-acre lots without losing the golf course completely or battling the riparian buffer zones that make up a great deal of the space. It sure doesn’t seem likely that the developers would fold the golf course; it is part of the appeal of the area and it is important to the existing community. 
        So what could they be planning? Well, there is the possibility for them to apply for a Planned Development. As a planned development, a developer can acquire density bonuses of up to double the actual zoned density by meeting certain criteria such as clustering dwellings, water conservation methods, rural character in architecture, wildlife enhancement, etc. For these lots, that would mean the development density could increase from 25 to 50 homes and could include commercial development. Looking at the map, this scenario seems much more likely.  
        Besides the enormous change to the area that this kind of development would bring, there are still so many practical questions remaining unanswered like:
        1. Where is the water coming from for this development? Some homeowners in the immediate area have dug two or three wells or more in search of potable water and some are more than 200 feet deep. 
        2. What will increased traffic on Bear Creek Road and the East County Road do to our ranching/agricultural community? Several ranchers use the county road to move animals many times per year and they all have facilities on both sides of the road.
        3. Do we want large subdivisions and commercial development happening in zoned rural areas? Forty-eight more homes means many more trips to town from rural Bear Creek for essential services like fuel stations, grocery stores, doctor visits and schools.
        4. Do we want this kind of development on the edge of valuable resource lands? Wildlife habitat, timber and tourism (Pearrygin State Park, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing) are all an important part of this area’s value. 
        5. What is McCormack Vineyard Partners planning? Since they have not responded to invitations for open dialogue regarding their plans within our community, we do not know and can only speculate. 

        If McCormack Vineyard moves toward a planned development, it still is not inevitable. I encourage everyone in this community to help shape what happens and what does not happen in this community. You can do that by getting involved. We can make a difference. Here is one way:
        The decision for dividing this property is open to appeal until Dec.3. Anyone can file an appeal but it must include the following:
        1. Describe what you didn’t like regarding the proposed division.
        2. Describe how it could or would harm you or the community you live in.
        3. Explain, in your view, what should have happened instead.
        You need to send your appeal via e-mail to the following three places by 5 p.m., Dec. 3:     Perry Houston, Okanogan County planning director, phuston@co.okanogan.wa.us.
        Bud Hover, Okanogan County Commissioner, bhover@co.okanogan.wa.us.
        Jackie Bradley, clerk, Okanogan County Superior Court clerk,   jbradley@co.okanogan.wa.us.
        The more community members that speak out about such a large change of land use in a valuable rural area, the more able our community will be in guiding its growth.
        For more information on issues around Bear Creek, check out our new website: www.friendsofbearcreek.com.
        Thanks for reading and being involved.
   
     Alexa Whipple is a member of the Friends of Bear Creek and lives near the mouth of Bear Creek.