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Articles by Lee Bates
Truth in the message is important
"Open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou has for me..." These words open the hymn: Open My Eyes That I May See, lyrics and tune written by Clara H. Scott in 1895. As a lifelong church musician, I've played, sung, and conducted choirs for decades. Leading congregational hymns from the organ bench is an uplifting experience. Clara Scott's hymn concludes with the lyric; "Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine." Lee R. Bates is a retired educator and life-long musician.
Ellensburg lacked U.S. flags on Juneteeth
Recently the streets of downtown Ellensburg were lined with American flags, as is usually done for national holidays and days of patriotic recognition. We saw the red, white, and blue, for both Memorial Day and most recently on Flag Day. While downtown on Saturday, June 18th, for the Saturday Market, I noticed the flags were no longer displayed. I found that odd since "Juneteenth" was to occur the following Day (Sunday) The nation's first official recognition of Juneteenth was Monday June 20th.
District following 'rich' staffing model for building administration
I sent the following to the ESD Board of Directors. I found the presentation at the April 6 board meeting, by Kim Snider, to be well done and helpful. As stated by Ms. Snider in the presentation, enrollment is an important driver for the budget. Money from the state is given to the district based on FTE, or "full-time equivalent" students.
Librarians are needed now more than ever
(The following is a message I sent to Ellensburg School District Superintendent Haberer and all ESD Board members.) "Misinformation" abounds throughout our world. We literally see the results of what happens when citizens do not have the ability, the skills, or the desire to be informed. Critical thinking is lacking.
Stop signs should be removed from Palouse to Cascades Trail
If you are a Palouse to Cascades Trail user, I urge you to contact the Washington State Parks Director, or perhaps members of the Ellensburg City Council. The phone numbers and email addresses for both administrative governmental agencies may be obtained by doing a Google search. I recently obtained a memo (below) I would like to share with readers of the Daily Record.
Guest column: What, why and how of belief
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Letter: Excited that Republican governors now embracing freedom of choice
To the Editor, Three cheers for Governors Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Ron DeSantis of Florida. Both have declared objections to masking and vaccination mandates intended to protect residents of their respective states. Other Republican governors and high-office holders embrace similar positions. This is great news! Apparently, we finally have Republicans who believe in personal liberty, and freedom of choice in decision making with respect to one’s personal health and well-being.
Letter: Article reflected a refreshing take on diversity
To the Editor: Kudos to the Daily Record, and staff writer Rodney Harwood for the front-page article, “A Way of Life … Diversity is what makes life interesting to Jerrol’s owner Rolf Williams.” How refreshing, in this day of violent acts toward our fellow citizens, to read about a man like Rolf Williams. He clearly recognizes our sameness rather than our differences.
Letter: Turning to music can bring joy in these difficult times
To the Editor: Moments ago, I finished reading the letter submissions for the Saturday Jan. 9th edition of the Daily Record. I also read the op-ed piece authored by the three County Commissioners and County Health Officer, Mark Larson. I am often perplexed and frankly bewildered when I read some of the opinions and thoughts of others, especially during these tumultuous times in our national life. I was prepared to write a letter myself in rebuttal to some of the opinions expressed.
Letter: Not all lives have been treated equally
To the Editor: My father took his Kirkland Little League team to Richland for a tournament in 1955. It was a hot summer day, so the boys went for a swim in the pool. Soon, the owner/manager of the motel approached my Dad and said, “Mr. Bates, that ‘colored boy’ will have to get out.” Eleven-year-old Willie happened to be the lone person of color on the team.
Guest column: Jesus emphasized importance of truth
“Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me…” these words open the hymn; Open My Eyes, That I May See, lyrics and tune written by Clara H. Scott in 1895. A lifelong church musician, I’ve played, sung and conducted choirs for decades. Leading congregational hymns from the organ bench is an uplifting experience.
Letter: Appreciate the courage being shown by Ellensburg City Council
To the Editor: Some recent contributors to the opinion section have voiced objection to the city’s decision to paint the statement: BLACK LIVES MATTER, on Fifth Avenue between Sprague and Anderson. The authors of the letters described such painting as “street graffiti.” Their mutual demeaning characterization of the proposed message clearly illustrates why the words do need to be placed on a public street in our community. Indeed, racism is alive and well in Ellensburg and throughout our land.
Letter: God save the Queen, and the rest of us as well
Dear Editor, The Queen of England delivered an inspiring Easter address to Her people. Elizabeth II said more in her short three minutes speech about the COVID-19 pandemic than Donald Trump has uttered in his over three years in office. Her words were cogent, inspirational, optimistic, grammatically flawless and dignified. It got me to thinking. The president of the United States serves a dual role; one as head of state and the other as the head of the executive branch of the federal government.
Letter: The warnings about Donald Trump have proven to be accurate
If you value these stories, please consider subscribing. Subscribe To the Editor: Hillary warned us about Donald Trump. During the 2016 presidential campaign she told us he lives in an alternative reality, is chaotic, impulsive and ill-suited for the presidency. Holy moly, she wasn’t a-whistling Dixie! Lee R. Bates Ellensburg
Letter: The warnings about Donald Trump have proven to be accurate
To the Editor: Hillary warned us about Donald Trump. During the 2016 presidential campaign she told us he lives in an alternative reality, is chaotic, impulsive and ill-suited for the presidency. Holy moly, she wasn’t a-whistling Dixie! Lee R. Bates Ellensburg
Letter: Donald Trump continues to set new lows for behavior as president
To the Editor: I learned this (Sunday) morning that Donald Trump has again hopped on the Twitter bandwagon with yet another outlandish accusation that undoubtedly one-third of our nation’s citizens will gobble up like candy to a kid. Donald Trump re-tweeted that Hillary Clinton and former President Barrack Obama are behind the mysterious alleged suicide of Jeffrey Epstein. My God! How far our nation has declined in just under three years.
Local pilot learned passion for flying at an early age
In 1999 in Ellensburg, Bob Hood received piloting lessons from the local Experimental Aviation Association chapter by doing touch and goes in the Piper Tri Pacer. Then, EAA Chapter 492 in Ellensburg sent Bob to EAA Camp in 2000. Bob then after high school trained to be an airline pilot in the Big Bend Community College Aviation Program in Moses Lake, from 2004 to 2006.
Letter: Recommended reading heading up to July 4
Recommended reading heading up to July 4 To the Editor: We’re fast approaching the 243rd anniversary of our independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain. I recommend that prior to diving into the beer, hot dogs and burgers on July 4, that all Americans take a moment to read the Preamble to our nation’s Declaration of Independence. I further suggest reading at least the opening paragraph to the United States Constitution and if time allows, its first Ten Amendments (Bill of Rights).
Letter: Trump pushing nation toward 'a house divided'
President Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand." He did everything in his power as president to maintain a unified nation. In less than two years, Donald Trump has done everything in his power to divide us. Sadly, he’s been successful.Vladimir Putin owns Donald Trump. Trump and K Street lobbyists own the entirety of Congress. The Senate now owns the Supreme Court.A house divided indeed. The citizenry, as a whole, is not well served in any way shape or form.
Letter: Traditional Republicans need to speak out against Trump policies
So now Donald Trump wants to spend $12 billion of our tax dollars to bail out farmers who are losing income from the President’s self-imposed trade tariffs. It seems to me that elections have consequences. Trump’s idiotic tariff policies are hurting farmers. Ironically, polls indicate that the majority of people in the farming industry voted for Donald Trump. At some point the concept of thinking critically and cause-effect need to take precedence over taking sides as in a sporting event.
Letter: Thank you to those speaking out against family separation
Regarding, "Protesting U.S. actions at border," the photo on page A3 of the June 15 edition of the Daily Record, God bless Jenel Chang and Kai Shoemaker and all others who demonstrated against the family separations at our nation's southern border. Kudos to Ellensburg Invisible for organizing the event. It's comforting to know that a heart still beats in our nation's dying soul.
Guest column: Voters need to return to the polls
Nathan died in 1958 but his quote was prophetic. Statistically speaking, less than one in three eligible (31 percent) voters cast a ballot in Kittitas County’s April special election on whether or not to approve a port district. So essentially those two-thirds of eligible voters who did not cast a ballot allowed others to speak for them. Collectively, we’ve confused the advantage or benefit of privilege with one of responsibility and duty when it comes to voting.
Letter: Trump missed chance at a fitting theme song
Donald Trump missed an opportunity during the 2016 campaign. Presidential campaigns often use catchy tunes to promote the candidate.FDR had “Happy Days Are Here Again,” Truman used “I’m Just Wild About Harry." Kennedy strategists modified lyrics from Sinatra’s hit, “High Hopes." The Fleetwood Mac hit “Don’t Stop” thrilled Clinton supporters following his 1992 election. Too late now but Trump could have used the mid-century torch song, “Stormy Weather.”
Letter: These are interesting times to be an American
Vladimir Putin and his Russian oligarch friends "bot" the 2016 presidential election. The Chinese own the majority of our almost $20 trillion-and-growing national debt. The current president of the United States is more concerned with NFL players who kneel during the playing of the national anthem than he is with epidemic mass shootings. The National Rifle Association essentially owns members of Congress.What a great time to be an American!
Letter: Looking to Sen. Warnick for explanation of her vote
This letter was sent to state Sen. Judy Warnick:I follow the voting record of my representatives from the 13th Legislative District. I am concerned that you recently voted NO on SB 5766, a bill that would protect children, whom identify as transgender, from bullying in our public schools. I’d appreciate it if you would please explain your logic for voting no on a bill that would protect any child from bullying in our public schools.
Letter: Appreciate the local religion columns published in paper
His message demonstrated a vulnerability and willingness to share his own faith journey. His insight into the Gospel’s lessons of compassion, love and acceptance for all of God’s wonderful creation illustrates deep spiritual understanding. Dan Arnold "gets it." Thank you, Dan, sincerely. I always learn from the insights, experiences and beliefs of others willing to share with the community. I was especially touched by the article in the Aug. 26 weekend edition.
Letter: Trump is inspiring sequel to a 1960s film
A movie titled, “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming,” was released in 1966.
Letter: Not willing to let stupidity, ignorance go unchallenged
I am 67-year-old retired teacher from the Seattle area now living in Ellensburg. I read a quote from an NBC News source today that Scott Pruitt denies that there is any or at best, minimal relationship between man-made carbon emissions and the current phenomena of climate change that is harming our planet. I am appalled. After reading the article, I felt compelled to voice my opinion on such a ludicrous claim, especially in light of today’s scientific evidence to the contrary.
Letter: Return of KKK literature is not surprising
I’m writing this letter on the day our nation celebrates MLK Jr.’s birthday. Ironically, on the same day, the Daily Record ran a story on yet another distribution of KKK literature in various parts of town, including CWU. It does not surprise me that such hate and vitriol is increasing in our community and others around the USA.
Letter: Found use of phrase 'these people' disparaging
Whenever a group of people is referred to as “these people,” it is disparaging and derogatory. We may or may not know "these people," but they are human beings, all having life reasons for residing where they do. Words matter. Having read a Thumbs Down over the weekend regarding a potential housing project to be located “Adjacent to one of the most ‘affluent’ neighborhoods in Ellensburg,” I found the writer’s pejorative use of the term “these people” as offensive. Words are important.
First encounter with politics in the church
I turned 11 years old on Nov. 8, 1960, the same day as the presidential election of John Kennedy over Richard Nixon. It was the first election I remember paying attention to as, for the time, it had some controversies; an incumbent vice-president running against a young senator who happened to be the son of a devout Roman Catholic family. That was a big deal in 1960.
Letter: Appreciate Gaudino's support for diversity in community
I commend Central Washington University President James Gaudino for his thoughtful recent Daily Record guest column concerning the need for tolerance and appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity in this community. His mention of the distribution of the pro-Nazi fliers being distributed on campus and in nearby residential areas clearly points out that there is a problem with acceptance of differences in Ellensburg.
Letter: Appreciate response of city council members
Former U.S. House Speaker Tip O'Neil once said, "All politics is local." The Speaker was so right.I recently contacted three of our city council members with a concern I had regarding the placement of political signage on city public right of way. Regardless of political party affiliation, I thought it inappropriate, if not illegal, to allow political signs on publicly owned property.
Letter: What happened to the Republican Party?
I want my fellow citizens of the 8th Congressional District to be critical thinkers, to be aware of more than pop culture political sound bites and empty minded bumper sticker slogans. I believe the overwhelming majority of Kittitas County residents, Washingtonians and all Americans value our national parks, national monuments and public lands. I recently sent the following message to Congressman Dave Reichert.A letter sent to Rep.
Trying not to dwell on the minutia
As I was growing up my father frequently would say, “If it were a snake t’wd a bit you.” Another expression to drive home a similar point, he’d also refer to some folks as not being able to “see the forest for the trees.”These colloquialisms are used commonly, maybe not so much in modern vernacular, but the meaning remains the same.
Letter: Question on Shady Acres is a moral obligation
I appreciated reading the Daily Record’s front page coverage of the recent prayer vigil at Shady Acres mobile park. Pastor Jen Stuart of the United Methodist Church and others of faith led by example in demonstrating compassion and empathy for our neighbors. This is what people of faith are called to do.Showing compassion, care and concern for others is truly living the golden rule.
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