Other Washington could use Scouting tenets
President Trump’s recent address to the 40,000-plus Boy Scouts at the National Jamboree in Virginia, has created heated arguments with many adults condemning the Boy Scout adult leaders for allowing President Trump to address the Scouts.
Presidents addressing the Scouts at a National Jamboree is a tradition dating back to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. All presidents since have addressed the Scouts either in person, by video or sending a representative in his place.
Whether you agree with President Trump or find fault with what he had to say, we would like to make a few comments on behalf of the two local troops, Troop 90 and Troop 1498, both of Sequim.
It doesn’t matter what Trump said or believes. What does matter is, are the Scouts of these two troops being taught the meaning of the Scout Oath and Law? These time-honored tenets of Scouting and the ideals they represent are what is important and go to help make young men into the leaders of our community and country in the years ahead.
How the young men of these two troops, under the guidance of the troop leaders, interpret these two principles is what Scouting on the Olympic Peninsula is all about.
Scouting allows young men to experience life-learning moments through trial and error. Camping, hiking, leadership and community service are some of those experiences. How they handle those experiences is determined by asking themselves did they follow the Scout Law and did they do their best according to the Scout Oath?
President Trump can make all the speeches he wants and to whomever he wants, but I can tell you the Scouts of Troop 90 and Troop 1498 know right from wrong and are prepared to deal with the political rhetoric coming from Washington, D.C.
The Scouts of Troop 90 and 1498 follow what they know to be true: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and Country, to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Rene Nadon, Scoutmaster Troop 90
Peter Craig, Scoutmaster Troop 1498
Sequim
Loving the ‘Straight Shot’
Recently, I undertook the experience of riding Clallam Transit Line 123, or “Strait Shot,” originating in Port Angeles to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal for a mini day adventure in Seattle with my best friend.
We boarded the bus in Sequim just before 8AM with our pleasant driver Dwayne outlining what to expect during the one-and-one-half-hour trip.
Although we only carried small backpacks, it was nice to see overhead luggage racks that could be utilized for suitcases and bulky items. The seats and temperature were comfortable and the scenery was great! Upon arriving conveniently close to the ferry dock, we happily noted that the ferry was ready for boarding. This coordination of transportation happens on both ends and makes for a stress-free journey.
The generous allotment of time between arrivals and departures allows for a full day of whatever activities one has in mind. For us, it was playing tourist and walking along the waterfront, through Pike Place Market, eating at a favorite restaurant, continuing on to Westlake shopping district, riding the always fun monorail to Seattle Center and finally returning to Pier 52 for the ferry returning to Bainbridge.
Jeff, our bus driver, was patiently awaiting our arrival to take us back to our hometown.
As a “super-senior” (65+) I paid $10 round trip. For my younger wife, it was only double that. Well worth it! We were back at the Sequim Transit Center by 9:30 p.m., well satisfied with our “day in the city.”
I would encourage use of this bus line both to ensure its continuance and to benefit from its low cost and convenience.
George Will
Sequim
Bridge detour needs more signage
Linda Adams is right on! (“Accidents Waiting to Happen?” Sequim Gazette, Letters to the editor, July 26, page A-11).
The detour around McDonnell Creek (McDonald) could use either more signage, more explanation or more monitoring. Our law enforcement people are already overburdened and I don’t expect to see a traffic cop at every opportunity.
As a vendor at George Washington Lavender during the festival weekend, I only had to deal with the detour for four days from setup to takedown. But my empathy remains for those who will be saddled with it for the upcoming months.
One of the apparent issues is that the merge lanes on US Highway 101 are fairly short. In normal circumstances they might be just fine, but the influx of usage during this time is going to add to the traffic there.
When making the U-turn, there isn’t much room or time to get up to speed. When it looks as though the oncoming eastbound traffic has provided the “u-turner” enough space to enter the roadway, somebody decides to change lanes as they approach the intersection! It happens all too often.
Friends have been posting reminders on Facebook about using turn signals, but in my drivers’ ed class eons ago, changing lanes near an intersection was one of those dangers we were cautioned not to do. The ever-present weavers who feel the need to pass every other driver who is going the speed limit are a constant threat.
Yes, more signage, better lane markings and more monitoring would help. But there is no substitute for common sense.
Priscilla Patterson
Sequim
Take care of your pets in this summer heat
Please leave your dog at home and don’t leave it in the car, even with the windows left slightly open. When it’s 85 degrees outside, the inside temperature of your car can soar to 102 in 10 minutes, to 120 in 30 minutes.
In taking your dog with you, you could be risking his or her life.
Pets can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade and please don’t walk them on hot asphalt that can burn sensitive paws.
If your dog is overcome with heat exhaustion, immediately cool them down with cool, not cold water and take them to your vet ASAP.
Care for your animal companions as you care for yourself on hot days!
Danette Grady
Executive Director, Peninsula Friends of Animals
End healthcare exemptions for Congress
Congress is essentially unaffected by the high cost of Obama Care exchanges because of a special exemption crafted under the Obama administration. This was done so that Congress didn’t have to vote for their own self-interest in healthcare.
This administration can withdraw this luxury and force Congress to come up with a health plan that they and all Americans can afford. It was established administratively, it can be ended the same way.
The President should announce that he is instructing Office of Personnel Management to end the exemption and subsidies for Congress. One poll found that 94 percent of voters opposed the special deal for Congress.
If the President does this, he’d have huge negotiation leverage. He would align the interests of Congress with those of the voters, forcing Congress to act. He might even get some Democratic votes.
Helga McGhee
Sequim
