Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 18, 2014

B4

OPINION

Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 18, 2014 


Mountain 
Views

News

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR

Susan Henderson

CITY EDITOR

Dean Lee 

EAST VALLEY EDITOR

Joan Schmidt

BUSINESS EDITOR

LaQuetta Shamblee

PRODUCTION

Richard Garcia

SALES

Patricia Colonello

626-355-2737 

626-818-2698

WEBMASTER

John Aveny 

CONTRIBUTORS

CoCo Lasalle

Chris Leclerc

Bob Eklund

Howard Hays

Paul Carpenter

Kim Clymer-Kelley

Christopher Nyerges

Peter Dills 

Dr. Tina Paul

Rich Johnson

Merri Jill Finstrom

Lori Koop

Rev. James Snyder

Tina Paul

Mary Carney

Katie Hopkins

Deanne Davis

Despina Arouzman

Greg Welborn

Renee Quenell

Ben Show

Sean Kayden

Marc Garlett

IT’S HARD BEING A GENTLEMAN 
IN TODAY’S WORLD

RICH Johnson


IS YOUR TONGUE SLIPPING

 What is a slip of the tongue? Well, if you must know I’ll tell 
you. A slip of the tongue is, “an accidental and usually trivial 
mistake in speaking”. Ever do that? As you can imagine I 
have and not all that infrequently.

 The memorable slips of the tongue are typically those 
captured in perpetuity by famous people with microphones 
and cameras staring them down. Let’s revisit a couple of 
those memorable slips.

 Here’s one that might have ended awry. President Reagan was about to give a 
radio address in 1984. He was asked to give the sound engineers a microphone 
test and improvised the following, “My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you 
I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five 
minutes.” What was the outcome of that slip? Well, we managed to avoid World 
War III. I think we would have remembered that. And, within ten years the Soviet 
Union was gone. Maybe it was a secret message from Reagan to Gorbachev.

 Vice President Al Gore commented in 1999: “During my service in the United 
States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the internet.”

 During the Democratic National Convention Antiwar Riots in 1968 Chicago 
Mayor Daley was quoted as commenting publicly, “The police are not here to create 
disorder, they’re here to preserve disorder.”

 Of course, many of us have heard of the “Freudian Slip.” Named after 
Sigmund Freud who first described this type of behavior in his 1901 book, “The 
Psychopathology of Everyday Life.” He described the “slips” as trivial, bizarre, or 
nonsensical errors and slips…” (Sounds like a typical column by me). 

 Because I want to give you all the information you can use, Freud himself referred 
to these slips with the snappy German word, “Fehlleistungen” Your homework 
assignment: look “Fehlleistungen” up in your German dictionary. 

 Somebody has described Freudian Slips as when your brain hates you. The most 
appropriate Freudian slip? “When you think of one word but say a mother”.

Spoonerisms

 Named after William A. Spooner, a spoonerism is, “A transposition of sounds 
(often the initial consonants) in two or more words, such as “shoving leopard” in 
place of “loving shepherd.”” Spoonerisms are a form of slips of the tongue (or tips 
of the slung): Here are some fun spoonerisms:

Wave the sails (Save the whales)

Sad Ballad (bad salad)

Nicking your pose (picking your nose)

A half-warmed fish (a half-formed wish)

A blushing crow (a crushing blow)

This is the pun fart (this is the fun part)

Cattle ships and bruisers (battle ships and cruisers)

You hissed my mystery lecture (you missed my history lecture)

 Shameless plug time: My heralded rock and roll band, JJ Jukebox, is performing 
Saturday, November 8th at the Peppertree Grill, 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra 
Madre, CA, (626) 355-8444. Branding our concert as the “In Bed by Ten” tour 
we will be playing from 6:30 – 8:30. We are close to selling out, so please make 
reservations if you want to join us for golden oldies from the 1960s and the 1970s. 
There is no separate cover charge, but please come and enjoy a great meal and a 
delightful show at a great restaurant. Well, come for the great meal anyway.

Dr. James L. Snyder

The week was going quite well until I ran into Ms. PC. I know a thing or two 
about language and words, but I still am flabbergasted when it comes to the 
latest PC. I think somebody ought to do a weekly update on this aspect for us 
who are not up to date.

 I do not make any apologies, but I am from the generation that believes in being a gentleman. I know 
that does not fit well into today’s society, but I am rather hesitant to change this aspect of my life. My father 
and even my grandfather instilled in me that I needed to be a gentleman at all times. It has been rough 
down through the years, but I have tried to maintain my gentleman’s status through life.

 Then I ran into Ms. PC. I am not quite sure where these people come from but I know where I would 
like to send them; as far from me as possible!

 I was about to enter a store and as I opened the door, I noticed a lady behind me. This is where my 
gentleman DNA kicks in. I opened the door, turned to the lady behind me, and said, “After you, Ms.” As 
I said it, I smiled and nodded my head.

 “That is,” she said in a very angry voice, “the most sexist thing I have seen all week. How dare you?”

 Not only was I blindsided by these remarks, but I was dumbfounded.

 “Excuse me, ma’am,” I said as apologetically as possible.

 “There you go again,” she glared, “with more of your sexist comments.”

 Not knowing what she was talking about I just looked at her while holding the door for her.

 “I suppose you think you are better than me,” she queried. “Where you get the idea that you are better 
than I because you are a man I will never know.”

 “I am just holding the door open for you, ma’am,” I explained.

 “There you are again thinking you are better than I am because I am a woman. Where have you been 
all your life? Don’t you know that men and women are exactly the same?”

 Now I was confused. I did not know who I was talking to or rather I should say, who was talking to me. 
I did not understand what she was saying. I was just trying to be a gentleman.

 I thought I would try to explain it to her. Mistake!

 “Ma’am,” I began, and then she interrupted me.

 “Don’t you dare call me ma’am again. I am nobody’s ma’am!”

 Now I did not know what to do. Should I walk into the store and shut the door behind me? Or, should 
I just shut the door and walk away? At this point, no matter what I did would have been wrong.

 “I am just trying to be a gentleman. That’s all. I don’t mean any disrespect.”

 I thought it would at least ease the tension in this situation, but I was mistaken.

 “That is the problem with people like you. You want me to believe that you are a gentleman and I don’t 
believe it. This world does not need any gentlemen I will tell you that right here and now.”

 To say I was a little irritated is to grossly understate the situation. Then I noticed something on the door. 
On the inside of the door was a lock so the door could be locked from the inside. I do not know what come 
over me, but I am not responsible for the irritation level I was at at the time.

 I turned away from the lady, walked into the store, pulled the door shut behind me, flipped the lock and 
walked away. Out of the corner of my eye I could see that this woman had stepped up to the door and was 
rapping on the door, all the time her mouth was going a mile a minute. Thankfully, I could not hear a word 
she was saying. Since she does not need a gentleman, she did not need me.

 For a brief moment, I felt a little guilty about my shenanigans. I have never done anything that 
outrageous before in my life. Sometimes a gentleman needs to show a lady that being a gentleman is a 
good thing.

 I will continue to be a gentleman and I hope this little incident is a rare exception. Today people make 
it rather hard for other people to exercise politeness. In our politically correct society nobody knows what 
is good or what is bad.

 The aforementioned lady, and I know she would not want me to call her a lady, and for all practical 
purposes she was not, has no idea the difference between a man and a woman. Evidently, she has never 
been married.

 If men and women are exactly the same without any difference, why then, are there men and women? 
Those who do not believe that there is any difference have been sold a bill of goods by some slick shyster 
who is making them look foolish.

 The Bible says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in 
you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

 My standard of behavior is not set by the people around me, but by the Word of God that is within me. 
Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, PO Box 831313, Ocala, FL 34483. He lives 
with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 1-866-552-2543 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. 
His website is www.jamessnyderministries.com.

Mountain Views News 
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 LEFT TURN/RIGHT TURN 

GREG Welborn

EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Hayes Won’t Be Seeing It for the next few weeks. 
However, I am sure when he gets back he’ll be seeing plenty! Good Luck Howard, 
hurry back! SH”


EBOLA FACTS AND FANTASIES

Americans are becoming increasingly fearful of Ebola. Sadly, much 
of that fear is based on misunderstanding. To deal successfully with 
this deadly disease, we need to understand where there is real danger 
and where there is not, so that we can affectively demand that our 
elected leaders contribute to the fight rather than hinder it.

 There can be no legitimate denial of that fact that Ebola is a nasty 
little virus with upwards of a 70% mortality rate, but it can also be 
treated. The difference between successful and unsuccessful treatment – between life and 
death – depends on the stage at which the virus is spotted in the patient AND the ability of 
the healthcare system to actually administer the treatment we do have. There is no vaccine 
“cure”, but there are drugs and treatments which can sufficiently aid the patient’s immune 
system so that it can successfully fight off the virus.

 Dr. Kent Brantley and aid-worker, Nancy Writebol, are examples of success. NBC’s Ft. 
Worth affiliate reported on October 7th that both had contracted the disease, obtained 
treatment quickly and have been cured. Thomas Duncan is an example of failure. Mr. 
Duncan went to a Dallas hospital with Ebola symptoms, informed the intake nurse that 
he had been in West Africa, but was sent home. He later returned to the hospital and 
subsequently died.

 As the examples illustrate so clearly, the timeliness and quality of treatment are the key. 
Both issues are relevant when we talk about the fear that accompanies any mention of the 
disease.

 As I write these words, the likelihood that America will be inundated with an Ebola 
epidemic is extremely low – to the point where there should be no fear of the immediate 
future. As a nation, we have the treatments and we have a system which can successfully 
implement the treatments for the current number of Ebola cases, as well as for what should 
be the reasonably projected number of future Ebola cases.

 It is in this last statement where we find he kernels of what is a legitimate fear. If the 
number of Ebola cases explodes beyond the number that can be handled, there will be an 
epidemic. So while we should not fear an epidemic right now, we have ample reason to 
worry that our leaders are not taking the possibility of outbreak seriously enough. There 
is the point where we transition from irrational fear to reasonable concern, and where we 
should focus our efforts to exert pressure on the current administration to step up its game 
immediately. This is not a J.V. disease.

A good sign is that President Obama canceled a fundraising trip to hold a press conference. 
But a bad sign is his refusal to institute a travel ban and quarantine regimen on travelers 
from West Africa and the CDC’s continuing mismanagement of the situation. 

 Earlier this week, Texas health authorities announced a second nurse had contracted 
Ebola. What causes legitimate concern here is the fact the CDC gave her permission to 
travel by airplane after she told them she had been exposed and was symptomatic – another 
case where government designed protocols didn’t work. 

 Dr. Thomas Frieden, the head of the CDC was questioned in a nationally televised 
interview both about the nurse’s travel permission and about the CDC’s insistence that no 
travel ban should be placed on West Africa traffic. This was his time – and by extension 
the administration’s time – to instill confidence in Americans. If the country is prepared 
to handle Ebola, we will be O.K. But, if we are not prepared to handle this killer, then there 
will likely be thousands of deaths. 

 Sadly, Dr. Frieden did not comport himself well. He had no comforting explanation for 
why the nurse was given permission to fly with a fever. He simply said that her fever of 99.5 
degrees was below the CDC threshold of 101 degrees. Given that medical protocols were 
already found lacking and the nurse had been treating an Ebola patient, common sense 
would have suggested greater caution. We can pardon Americans for questioning whether 
the CDC really has its act together.

With regard to his absolute resistance to a travel ban, the doctor was worse than unprepared 
or incoherent, although there were elements of both in his response. When he finally spit out 
his answer, it was that banning travel from Ebola infected areas would make the situation 
in the U.S. worse. It simply defies common sense. He somehow feels that if commercial 
airlines don’t service the route, then aid workers won’t be able to get to infected West Africa. 
He does not believe that the U.S. military could take aid workers in and out. 

 It is hard to swallow that the head of the CDC is developing and implementing policy at 
this level without guidance, if not out-right direction, from the Whitehouse. It’s clear it is 
the administration which refuses to implement the common sense step of travel bans and 
quarantines, nor will they seal the U.S. border.

 Why this is extremely important was made clear by Marine Corps General John Kelly. 
He logically pointed out that if Ebola makes it to the Caribbean or to South/Central 
America’s slums (where it will breed as fast, if not faster than in West Africa), we will see an 
unprecedented wave of unchecked illegal immigration along our unsealed southern border.

 Our medical system will not be able to handle the quantity of infected people embedded 
in such an immigration wave. Our system can protect us from Ebola if it can affectively 
handle the number of infected patients. Push that number higher, and there will be a deadly 
epidemic.

 Now is not the time to panic. But now is not the time to procrastinate. Now is the time to 
adopt serious policy changes like banning travel from infected areas and sealing our border. 
Americans need not be afraid, but we do need to be concerned about what our leaders do 
– and do not do – and to insist that they step up to the common sense policies which will 
protect us all.

The author: Gregory J. Welborn is a freelance writer and has spoken to several civic and 
religious organizations on cultural and moral issues. He lives in the Los Angeles area with 
his wife and 3 children and is active in the community. He can be reached at gregwelborn2@
gma/5l.com

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 
SUPPORTS PROP 1 – THE STATE WATER BOND AND 
PROP 2 – THE RAINY DAY FUND, OPPOSES PROPS 
45 AND 46

Irwindale, CA, October 14, 2014 – The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership has taken a position 
in support of Proposition 1, the State Water Bond, and Proposition 2, the Rainy Day Fund. It has also 
decided to oppose Proposition 45, which would authorize the state health insurance commissioner 
to make discretionary rate changes, and Proposition 46, which would dramatically increase the 
amount of damages attorneys could receive in medical malpractice lawsuits. 

 “We strongly encourage voters to vote “Yes” on Props 1 and 2,” said Cynthia Kurtz, President and 
CEO of the Partnership. “Prop 1, the State Water Bond, will provide crucial funding for vital water 
infrastructure projects across the state. We need to improve our water supply and delivery system if 
we are to address our water needs for the future. Prop 2, the rainy day fund, will set aside a financial 
reserve that the state can use to maintain services even when state revenues decrease during an 
economic downturn.” 

 Proposition 1 – Support 

 Proposition 1 would provide $7.5 billion for critical water projects and management programs 
throughout California. It would make available grant-based funding for a number of key water 
issues for the San Gabriel Valley including clean-up funds for polluted groundwater, money for 
water storage infrastructure and additional support for recycled water programs and storm water 
capture.

 Proposition 2 – Support 

 Proposition 2, the Rainy Day Fund would set aside a small portion of state revenues as a reserve 
to continue important services during economic recessions and financial crises. It will improve the 
state’s long-term financial outlook by better managing current revenues.

 Proposition 45 – Oppose 

 Proposition 45 would require public hearings for any proposed health insurance premium rate 
increase. Once the public comment process had been completed, Prop 2 would authorize the 
state insurance commissioner to reject these rate increases and order rebates for customers and 
businesses. Prop 45 will create a dangerous precedent in state regulation and would fail to address 
the underlying causes for rate increases.

 Proposition 46 – Oppose 

 Proposition 46 will require doctors and other medical practitioners to submit to random drug 
testing. It will also increase the medical malpractice maximum payment for “pain and distress” 
from $250,000 to $1.1 million. It will open health providers to costly lawsuits, increasing the price of 
healthcare for everyone in California.

 As a reminder, the last day to register to vote in this election is October 20th and the last day to vote 
is Tuesday, Nov. 4th. Voter registration may be completed online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. Polls are 
open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

 Any registered California voter can also vote by mail. Applications for Vote-by-Mail requests are 
available on the Secretary of State’s website and should be mailed in time to arrive at your county’s 
elections office by October 28.


About the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership

 The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership is a regional, not-for-profit corporation 
supported and directed by its members and committed to the continued successful economic 
development of the San Gabriel Valley. A collaboration of businesses, local government, 
higher education institutions, and non-profits, the Partnership pursues this commitment by 
fostering the success of business, engaging in public policy, marketing the San Gabriel Valley 
and connecting people, companies, and organizations in the San Gabriel Valley. For more 
information, contact the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership at (626) 856-3400 or visit its 
web site at www.valleyconnect.com.

Mountain Views News

Mission Statement

The traditions of

community news-
papers and the 
concerns of our readers 
are this newspaper’s 
top priorities. We 
support a prosperous 
community of well-
informed citizens. 
We hold in high 
regard the values 
of the exceptional 
quality of life in our 
community, including 
the magnificence of 
our natural resources. 
Integrity will be our 
guide. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

 

 Approximately 2 years ago, the City of Sierra Madre stopped watering some of the City 
owned land, specifically the area around City Hall. They did this in order to demonstrate 
to the citizens of the City that they were serious about cutting back on water use, especially 
landscaping. Since then, the citizens have responded and followed suit, in that, not only 
does City Hall look like a blighted area but many of the properties in the City look horrible. 
Not only have the lawns died, but plants and trees. Now, if I remember my science classes, 
don’t lawns, plants and trees give off oxygen in the atmosphere which helps create a better 
environment? Talk about self imposed climate change!!!! Now, I just read that the City is 
asking for donations through a memorial brick program, to landscape the area around City 
Hall with a drought resistant garden, and that seed money is coming from the San Gabriel 
Municipal Water District. Why should I donate any money to City Hall landscaping when I 
have had to cut back 30% water usage and much of my landscaping has died, and I can’t afford 
to replace it? 

 Since the citizens of Sierra Madre have cut back on their water use substantially and their 
landscapes have been ruined by the mandates of the City, are the City and other entities 
going to donate and help restore to the citizens their landscapes to make it once again a very 
beautiful city to live in? And since the City has mandated water use cutbacks of 30% since 
July 2014, from an original 20% cutback from 2012 usage, and has implemented water rate 
increases for the next 5 years, what is this City going to look like in the near future? Hopefully, 
someone in government will come to their senses and look out for the citizens, their property 
values, their lifestyles, their love of the community, and not think about what is good for City 
Hall. PH,Sierra Madre

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com