THANK YOU

Sierra Sage – It is with great appreciation that I thank the caring donors of my new Sierra Sage subscription and your excellent book. And I may say that which goes without saying, it only proves that there are people amongst us that are sincerely thoughtful – and real Americans. Many thanks for my gifts, 

- William Barwig, 

Gardnerville, NV

Some of you may recall that Mr. Barwig sent a poignant letter letting us know that he would be unable to renew his subscription to the Sage. Times are tough, as we all know. Two of our dedicated and caring readers decided that Mr. Barwig should not be without his Sierra Sage, so they took care of it. I think they both can see in Mr. Barwig’s words the value of their kindness. - LS

REMEMBERING FRIENDS

Dec issue Vol 17 Issue 7.  Excellent. You might enjoy Sam Harris’ book The End of Faith.  He argues for a change in the conversational rules vis-a-vis religion such that reason and evidence need to be elevated in those conversations.

- Daniel E. Hofford HHCS

www.hoofnexus.com 

• “Our gold does not chink and glitter. It gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark.” Chief Joseph

• “To practice equestrian art is to establish a conversation on a higher level with the horse; a dialogue of courtesy and finesse.”  Nuno Olivera, Reflections on Equestrian Art

• “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” Niels Bohr

• “If we wish to preserve a free society, it is essential that we recognize that the desirability of a particular object is not sufficient justification for the use of coercion.” Friedrich August von Hayek 

• “Truth is Treason in the Empire of Lies.” Ron Paul

• “Happiness is a decision you make and a commitment you keep, not something that just happens to you.” -Daniel Hofford

- Daniel Hofford (email)

You brought tears to my eyes. Be proud. I too have a friendship of fifty plus years. Calling him today. Hope I don’t lose it! Just think what the world would be like if everyone had just one friendship of this kind.

- Kyle Moore (email)

Hello Mr. Semas, Thank you for your December 2010 edition of the Sierra Sage.  Your “FRIENDSHIP” article is moving. My name is Michelle Norris.  I’ve been reading your magazine since I moved to the valley 2 years ago.  In fact, I enjoy your magazine so much I had my mother buy us both a subscription!  Next year it’s my turn to buy!

Your article reminded me of one of my favorite authors:  Kahlil Gibran.  If you have time, please read the short excerpt at this link: www.katsandogz.com/onfriends.html I’m sure you’ve read it before, but I love to re-read and thought you might also find something in here to comfort you.

There is much more to write, but alas...my boys are ready to make no-bake oatmeal cookies. This is winter break for all of us because my husband and I are both teachers. It’s great to be a teacher and a parent!  Merry Christmas. With much sincerity and admiration,

- Michelle Norris

P.S.   In my first grade class, we say and sign (asl) the Pledge of Allegiance every day as well as observe 30 seconds of silence.  My students know these moments to think or pray in their own way are rights afforded them by the Founding Fathers and all service men and women.  Thank you for serving our great country.  I believe in you both.

Hi Len, I just read your December piece on friendship and, sadly, the loss of   one of your best friends. In the struggle to define and describe friendship, to which your   article alludes, I now recall the following descriptive sentence a   very close friend once gave me:  A Friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s   heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands   will take it and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with the   breath of kindness blow the rest away.  After reading your piece, I just knew this would also fit that   friendship you described! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Len...  Later,

- Jerry Kmetz, 

Carson City, NV

Thank you Daniel, Kyle, Jerry and  Michelle. Your sentiments were echoed by many, many readers. I think this was one of the most appreciated pieces I have ever written. I expect that it was because most all of us have, or have had, a “Richard Casey” in our lives. 

While there are important “issues of the day,” with which to contend, it’s essential that we not lose touch with our humanity. That is largely the role of friends. The simple bond between two people is the connection that tells us who we are, who we want to be, and who we need to be. It is a transcendental force of human nature. I’m humbled that so many found comfort and perhaps an awakening in my words. All the best - LS

CONGRATS TO 

A FRIEND

Happy New Year Len. I have closed my on-line travel business.  Thanks for all that you do.  We continue to subscribe to Sierra Sage and love it.  Our daughter, Denise Beronio is the new President for the Sierra Nevada Republican Women’s Assoc. and a real contributor to the conservative cause.  My husband, Larry, and I are very proud of her. All the best to you and yours throughout the new year

- Judy Walsh 

(formerly Hi Sierra Travel)

Thanks Judy. I appreciate having you as a subscriber, though sorry we lost your travel business! Congrats to Denise! she is a dynamo and a solid supporter of “reason, justice and common sense,” and will do well in her new duties. - LS

STRUCK A NERVE

Sierra Sage, I thought the Sierra Sage was a publication of common sense and reason. Well, there is no common sense in buying Martha Stewart-branded clothing for dogs. There is no reason to pretend pets are family members (check with the dictionary on the definition of “family”, then check with the IRS to see if pets qualify as family members). And I have a very hard time picturing the Founding Fathers referring to themselves as “pet parents” to their dogs, cats, horses, or whatever, don’t you?  This pet elevation fad is making a mockery of America. It needs to stop, and it needs to stop NOW. If I hear the term “pet parent” or “four-legged family member” one more time, I’ll scream.  The “paw-fect holiday for pets” article was definitely out of place in your magazine.

- Andrew Becker, 

Reno, NV

Editor: I’d like to point out that the term “pet parent” is a cloying   marketing gimmick created by the pet industry to dupe owners into   buying more stuff for their animals. Don’t fall for the industry   propaganda!  The pet industry has only one thing on its mind: making money. Their   sales pitches attempt to humanize pets, turn them into children, to   sucker owners into purchasing things dogs and cats can’t even fathom,   such as holiday gifts, designer clothes, personalized bath robes, even   facials and massages. 

- Barbara Ryan (email)

Ouch - Point well taken. I have to admit, I used the piece as a filler and didn’t pay as much attention to it as I should have... Mea culpa! There were some other points which looked innocuous enough but the Martha Stewart sweater think was a bit over the top!

On the other hand... It was the holidays and I though a bit of relief from the tedium of politics might be in order. I do believe that in our more serious pieces, we live up to our motto, but there is room for some of the lighter side too. 

I have to take issue with your objection to family pets as not part of the family. I don’t believe in the tendency of some to anthropomorphize them, but dogs and cats at least, are certainly part of the family. Now snakes and turtles? Ok – ya got me there. Thanks for writing – LS