Big Horn Sheep re-introduction to the Catalina Range

In an article in today’s Arizona Daily Star Columnist Tim Steller exposes what may be the ulterior motive for placing a herd of Bighorns in the Catalina’s. That motive is hunting. This program will cost hundreds of thousands. We have read about how they plan to protect the sheep by having them wear collars and thereby find one who has died. Should the perpetrator be a mountain lion then a team will be dispatched to slay the offender. However providing hunting permits for humans to take their trophies they believe to be a great achievement. How nice for the hunters. Just think of it, no more long drives. Just kiss the wife and tell her you plan to return for lunch. My main objection to this is that the Catalina’s are surrounded by a million people. Thousands hike the myriad of great trails daily. These trails go to all areas including Pusch Ridge. Do they plan to deny access during hunting season as they have for decades lambing season? Remember they admitted banning hiking when they knew sheep were non-existent. Leave the sheep where they are now and appear to be thriving. Use the money for some other useful purpose. Jack B. Walters July 7, 2013 Letter to the editor Columnist Tim Steller exposes what may be the ulterior motive for placing a herd of Bighorns in the Catalina’s. That motive is hunting. This program will cost hundreds of thousands. They plan to protect the sheep. Should the perpetrator be a mountain lion then a team will be dispatched to slay the offender. However providing hunting permits for humans to take their trophies they believe to be a great achievement. My main objection to this is that the Catalina’s are surrounded by a million people. Thousands hike the myriad of great trails daily. These trails go to all areas including Pusch Ridge. Do they plan to deny access during hunting season as they have for decades lambing season? Remember they admitted banning hiking when they knew sheep were non-existent. Leave the sheep where they are now and appear to be thriving. Use the money for some other useful purpose. Jack B. Walters July 7, 2013

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris

This is a very well researched written account of Theodore Roosevelt’s life from inception to becoming President after the assassination of President McKinley. Mr. Morris also wrote Theodore Rex which covers his years as President and Colonel Roosevelt which covers the years after. I have read Colonel and look forward to Rex. His father was a respected and successful businessman and politician. He did pay to be relieved of becoming a soldier in the Civil War out of concern for his family. He did push for enactment of a bill for the appointment of unpaid Allotment Commissioners, who would visit all military camps to persuade soldiers to set aside pay deductions for family support. He was appointed by President Lincoln to carry out this job. He spent many days in the field and was successful. As a young boy our Theodore was sickly to the point of concern whether he might die. This continued into his teen years. His wealthy father was able to take him and the family several times to visit Europe to learn and recuperate. Teddy was a good reader and student. He did all he could to increase his physical abilities. As he grew older the change was dramatic. I can’t begin to provide an interesting summary of his life other than to say he was honest, conscientious and fearless. He never backed down regardless of risk whether facing a charging grizzly bear or himself charging up San Juan Hill leading his rough riders to victory over the Spaniards in Cuba. As the Police Commissioner of New York City he brought order to the group and eliminated corruption. Earlier as a freshman N.Y. State legislature he was able to enact reform type bills. He discovered the Black Hills of N. Dakota and became a rancher. There are numerous episodes of him pursuing outlaws or fighting gun men as well as surviving intense heat and cold. This is an 800 page biography worthy of reading. I found it at the Wilmot Public Library. I encourage you to read about one of our greatest Presidents. Jack B. Walters July 2, 2013

Documentary Film

Dirty Wars by Investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill I went to see this new film at the Loft Theatre last night. Mr. Scahill explores how our government has grown increasingly dependent on secret fighting. He traces the rise of the Joint Special Operations Command. These people are invisible operating under the direction of the White House. They, together with the ever expanding use of drones have drastically changed the rules of engagement. It would appear that no matter how many enemies are killed, more rise up to take their place, clearly a scenario without a resolution. In my opinion the only reasonable course for us to take is an orderly removal of our military from the entire Middle East. Nothing we have done nor could we do, can have any long lasting positive results. We are dealing with a culture that espouses violence as the way to resolve disagreements in their religious beliefs. Do I think we will change course, of course not. Other than myself there were two other couples in the theatre. That tells me the lack of concern of the general public. Jack B. Walters July 2, 2013