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Civility ... or the lack of it

March 8, 2011

There are those who, at times, because of their political beliefs, think that it is OK to ignore the civility that we owe one another just because they disagree with the other. Liberal/Progressives are really great at this. The Liberal / Progressive mind cannot accept the fact that you do not agree with them, therefore, there must be something wrong with you. Never mind the fact that, when confronted with logic, the L/P mind cannot reason with any kind of clarity, nor short of shouting you down, develop a clear reason for what they do, beyond, "There ought to be a law," or, "It just feels right."

Buckle Up!

Editor,

Self preservation is programed into each of us. As I drive around Shoshone county I continue to be surprised at how few people wear passenger restraints. You know "seat belts." Even more disturbing is seeing unrestrained children standing up and jumping around in the cars or trucks.

Though I risk getting my nose bent, I will sometimes ask people why they don't buckle up or have the kids strapped in. This is, to some folks, a trigger for an outburst of anger, a hand gesture, or an Idaho statement on independence and not letting government dictate what they were going to do.

Responsibility to our pets

Editor,

Spring is just around the corner. With spring comes an increase in new kittens and puppies. What can be a welcome event in some homes means trouble for most families. Unfortunately too many pet owners do not spay and neuter their critters. So with each spring and summer our community gets overrun with abandoned and mistreated cats and dogs.

There are not enough people or funds available to take in the strays. There is no cat shelter or system in Shoshone county that can manage the big crop of critters. We then see kittens and pups abandoned in every gulch around our towns.

Some people feel that dumping the excess population of animals at the edge of wild lands solves their problem. Well, it might solve their personal issues, but it certainly isn't doing the domestic animals, wild animals and birds any favors. Well, maybe our coyotes, wolves and cougars enjoy the snacks. Now the predators have found a newer and reliable food source. By bringing predators closer to town, we have encouraged them to start feeding on the pets that are not strays. This loop we created by failing to spay and neuter means we are not only endangering our pets, but can increase the risk of people and predators coming face to face.

We have an nice walking path from Mullan to the edge of Washington state. It is quite common to see sign of all the apex predators within our small towns. Most of the time we don't get to see them, and it can be fun to see a bear next to the county shop in Osburn. Bears are mostly omnivores and can get along without chomping on fluffy. But the other critters love the well fed house cats and the dumped strays.

Let's remind ourselves and neighbors to keep an eye out for strays and for pet dumpers. It might be nice to send a donation to Shoshone Pet Rescue and the Shoshone Humane Society.

Don Dineen

OsburnEditor,

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