TehachapiNews.com

Unresolved issues from childhood can have devastating results

Austin Lewis, Contributing Writer

When most people hear about Adolf Hitler, they usually relate him to the persecution of the Holocaust. There have been several debates and theories on the reasons and ideas, which caused Hitler to become the wicked man he was. There is a possible connection between Hitler’s childhood, and the demented thinking which became evident by events such as the Holocaust. Intervention against abuse in Hitler’s childhood and adolescence possibly could prevented his devastating persecution of so many around the world.

Guest Commentary: Much ado about nothing...

Gary Wechter, Guest commentary

As a private pilot licensed in 1970 with over 3,000 hours; someone involved in Tehachapi since 1981; one who has regularly used the airport over many years and a property owner since 2002, I feel qualified to speak on the topic of a motel in Capital Hills and airport viability.

My sense is that the city of Tehachapi and its residents value the airport. They also value the long-awaited hospital and associated commercial development in Capital Hills. I believe both can survive and thrive as neighbors.

The Human Scene: Maybe we should talk about it

Jim Dinsmore, Columnist

Have you noticed that we don't really talk about the issues that divide us? Oh, there's a lot of talking going on, but it's not really a conversation about the issues. When we talk with people who agree with us, we talk about how stupid or unfair or unwise the opinions of the other side are, with maybe the casual mention of one of our "talking points" mentioned in the course of degrading the other side. Or if we see a letter in the newspaper from somebody on the other side, it sounds like it's yelling at us, and calling us names. So we write a letter to the paper which yells back, and calls the other side names. We don't get many opportunities to just sit down to talk with folks from the other side of the issue.

That's really unfortunate, because the "other side" always has something I need to hear. And I think I have something they need to hear. Usually what we call "the left" is heavily focused on fairness, individual rights, personal choice, and a more or less individualized understanding of liberty. The other side, which we usually call "the right" is more focused on traditional values, community standards, issues of sanctity and authority, and a more collective sense of liberty. Both of those value sets are important, and any society built too heavily on only one of those value sets will almost certainly be significantly dysfunctional, and become more so as it moves to either extreme.

Tehachapi will celebrate National Day of Prayer May 2

Brian Drucker, Contributing Writer

In the winter of 1777-1778, the continental army, under the command of General George Washington, was in desperate shape. They’d just lost nearly 2,500 men in two defeats to the British which left the British occupying Philadelphia, the seat of the New American Government, and Washington and his troops on the way to the blistering snows and winds of Valley Forge. 

Guest Commentary: Spring fever, you can catch it at the ballpark

Chris Haight, Guest Columnist

We went down to Orange County recently to watch my nephew's Little League baseball game. The season was only three weeks along at this point. It's so great to watch how these kids progress from season to season, and they somehow magically become better ballplayers during the off-season. Probably because they mature just a little more, their hand-eye coordination gets better, their balance gets better, they get stronger and taller and smarter.

I'm not sure when that stops happening, but it happened so long ago for me that I don't even remember it. Unlike a fine wine that gets better with age, I'm more like an aged cheese; moldy, stinky and sharp. And I don't mean sharp in a cognitive way.

Guest Commentary: More understanding of autism needed

Scott Badesch, Guest Commentary

I read with great interest Ms. Joanne Moss, guest columnist, opinion write up on special needs children need special attention. I thank Ms. Moss for presenting a discussion on special needs.

Remembering a light that went out too soon

BY BEN SMITH June 8, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: A Senate panel learned on March 20 from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs that veterans are committing suicides at a rate of more than 8,000 a year and that the VA has made progress, but is short of its own goal set last year to hire 1600 clinicians by June 30 in an effort to make more mental health counseling available for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Sadly, on the very next day, a Tehachapi man -- a veteran of the war in Afghanistan -- took his own life following an incident where authorities were called to his home in Golden Hills.

Hospital groundbreaking is a major milestone

Claudia Elliott, Editor

To say that the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District marks a major milestone with the groundbreaking for the new Tehachapi Hospital on Thursday is an understatement.

For anyone who has lived through the years of preparation, you undoubtedly know the sweat and tears it has taken to get to this point -- and if you don't, you will when you get your property bill showing a charge for paying off the bonded indebtedness.

The Human Scene: How about an official American sandwich?

Jim Dinsmore, Columnist

When Jolene and I go over to Central Coast, we often go through Maricopa.  There’s a little place there called Tina’s Diner.  We usually try to be there around noon, so we can have lunch at Tina’s.  The food is good, lots of it, great soup, and reasonably priced.  And it’s fun to talk to Tina.  

That’s my reason for stopping in Maricopa.  I won’t guarantee that’s Jolene’s reason.  There’s a fabric store/quilt shop about half a block from Tina’s, and we usually end up there.  But whatever the reason, the arrangement works well for both of us.  

Guest Commentary: Airport compatibility and seat belts

Ken Hetge, Guest Columnist

Most all auto accidents (95 percent) are caused by driver error. Nevertheless and regardless of who is at fault, the State of California requires that you always wear your seat belt. If you choose not to wear your seat belt, you get stopped by the police, you should expect to pay a $200 fine. Wearing your seat belt is the law because statistics show that you really don't know when an accident may happen and who may be at fault. Because of those unknowns, State intervention was needed to protect life and limb. Seat belts do save lives.

As stated by the city council in the Feb. 19 "Motel Appeal Hearing," "most airplane accidents are pilot error." The audience heard this statement bandied back and forth between the Mayor and three other Council members. This repeated point somehow justified their decision to deny the appeal and approve the construction of a new motel in Capital Hills.

Guest Commentary: How to master the perfect stop

Sgt. Michael Grant, Guest Columnist

This is not meant as an insult to anyone's intelligence, but based on my observations, few people know how to stop.

Stop what, you ask?