Goodbye to Editor Joe Irwin

“Vaya con dios” to a kindred spirit

A farewell to Joe Irwin, former editor of the North Kitsap Herald:

You are leaving us now. After making this community your home for almost 10 years, you are moving on.

I remember, vividly, our first meeting. You had attended, as a new reporter for the Herald, a Poulsbo City Council meeting where, as we said “Hello,” kindred spirits recognized one another and our friendship began. Through all your years as a reporter and through your final years as editor of this newspaper, we have remained friends. I want to thank you for a job well done.

Were you always objective? Of course not. Were you always interesting? Take a bow.

Now, as you and Carolyn and Finn begin a new chapter in your lives, I wish for all of you the very best life has to offer. Vaya con dios, my friend. You will not soon be forgotten.

With sincere affection.

P.S. had I stayed true to my Scandinavian heritage, I’d have said, “Adjø” (goodbye).

MURIEL WILLIAMS

Poulsbo

Poulsbo chamber

Thanks for support of donation drive

Throughout the holiday season this year, the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce has had the privilege of being a drop-off location for gently used articles of clothing, baby necessities, personal care items, cleaning supplies and toys for YWCA needy families, and in particular Eli’s House here in Poulsbo.

The support from our members, the citizens of Poulsbo and those in the surrounding area was overwhelming. The YWCA was not able to even process each item before Christmas and is currently working to get the surplus out to those they serve in need.

Due to space limitations for the YWCA, at this time the chamber will no longer be accepting donations. However, we suggest that donations might be given to our local Fishline. Please call first at (360) 779-5190 to check times and be sure they can accommodate your wonderful donations.

Again, a THANK YOU goes out to all of you who so generously donated to a fantastic cause.

ADELE T. HEINRICH

Executive Director

Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce

In support of Ron Paul

Bankrupt nation needs “true change”

 I support Congressman Ron Paul for President because only he will bring the “true change” crucial to our bankrupt nation.

While the U.S. drowns in a sea of debt caused by the Federal Reserve constantly printing and devaluing paper money which has no collateral backing, every family now owes the national debt $455,000. More insanity: while parents work two or more jobs for their families, the U.S. is borrowing $20 million per hour from foreign nations, giving our money to illegal aliens, and purchasing political influence from other nations. Ron Paul is the only candidate addressing this “monopoly money” of the Federal Reserve, which is neither federal nor a reserve.

Ron Paul advocates an orderly phase-in restoration to the limited powers expressly enumerated by the Constitution. According to the 9th and 10th amendments, other rights are reserved for states or people. This would prevent continued congressional votes on over 3,000 pages of budgetary items being passed without reading the legislation. We cannot afford the tyranny of unconstitutional bureaucratic salaries and pensions stealing our liberties. If it isn’t constitutional, Congressman Paul votes no. 

He says we do not need 700 bases in foreign nations, some dating back to World War II. Regarding 9-11, Ron Paul correctly voted against the Iraq War, which has driven 4 million Iraqis from their homeland while opening Iraq’s door to Al Qaida. Ron Paul did, however, support the use of force in Afghanistan, where Bin Laden and Al Qaida were located. He authored legislation that authorized the president to use appropriate force against those terrorists truly responsible for the atrocities.

Dr. Paul has delivered over 4,000 babies, never once considering an abortion. His legislative record proves his pro-life position.

I encourage everyone to read the platforms of all the candidates. If they promise to “improve or reorganize” any function, such as education, not authorized by the Constitution, they have no intention of honoring their oath to defend the Constitution and cannot be trusted with our liberties. They have forgotten we are distinct from other nations in that our liberties and rights are endowed by The Creator to be protected by government.

Other nations presume government bestows rights. Without that distinction, elected officials see no need to keep our nation sovereign. They then make treaties and agreements to our detriment. This philosophy has led to those agreements that have shipped American jobs overseas.

Ron Paul demonstrates his statesmanship, and dedication to the United States. He refuses the lucrative pension, takes no taxpayer junkets, and even returns part of his office budget. His candidacy has excited people of all ages and previous political parties. It is a desire to restore our nation’s foundation, a movement that cannot be stopped, because it extends beyond a single candidate. Ron Paul’s Christianity is evidenced in his life, and he has my support.

CHRIS SHARDELMAN

Poulsbo