Don't Meld Church and State

For over 200 years Americans have enjoyed religious freedom. Churches and religious groups have prospered without government control. This amendment would change this by permitting religious observances in public schools and all public places. Another key provision of HJR 78 says "The government shall not.... deny equal access to a benefit on account of religion." Constitutional scholars say that this would permit tax money to be given to religious schools, churches and other institutions in the same manner that "benefits" are given to other individuals, businesses, corporations or groups. Why should we go back to colonial days when there were established churches and when individuals were persecuted and imprisoned because of their religious beliefs?

Cut the Chopper Noise

I know it's important that we remove every possible tree from the beautiful mountains that surround us - I mean, what are trees for, anyway? But 7am - 8pm on both Saturday and Sunday is a bit much, and convinced me not to return to this "wilderness" "recreation" area.

In this election year, let's all the candidates tough questions. When are we going to stop the incredibly destructive practice of clear-cutting our beautiful forests? How about a 100 percent ban on clear-cutting Forest Service land in Washington State? I'm looking forward to the day I can return to this pristine spot and enjoy it without having to talk over logging helicopters.