South Platte Sentinel Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013 Page 6

The South Platte Sentinel is published weekly by the South Platte Sentinel Publishing Company Inc., is distributed freely throughout Logan County every Wednesday.PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Delinda M. KorreyPHOTOGRAPHER/ SPORTS EDITOR: Ken McDowellNEWS EDITOR: Forrest HershbergerADVERTISING MANAGER: Sarah MatthewsPRODUCTION ASST.: Mary K. CooperCONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Glenda Amen, Pam Bacon, Bill Benson, Bud Christian, Pastor Sean Cole, Heidi Zajic Eckland,Kenneth Frantz, Jennifer Goble, PhD, Deanna Herbert, Gayle Howell, Dr. William Fredregill, Quentin Jones, Mitchell Michieli, Nate Lauer, Erin LeBlanc, Kerri Long, Dr. Mark McDonald, Dr. Philip Pollock, Kathy Reinhardt, Patricia Roberts and Pam Werner©2013 South Platte Sentinel Publishing Comp.111 N. 2nd St., Sterling, CO 80751Phone: (970) 522-8148 FAX: (970) 522-8350E-Mail: sentinel@southplattesentinel.comWebsite: www.southplattesentinel.com

Opinion

Syria situation demands careful efforts

Editorial

By Forrest Hershberger

11-year-old takes her dog park idea to the City

There are places on this earth that have been in conflict almost since the beginning. Call it what you want: two brothers fighting over the same girl across the valley, Jacob and Esau, Isaac and Ishmael, or simply call it two histories that refuse to live under the same rules. Whatever the definition, there are parts of the Middle East that may never share the same street without looking over their shoulder. It is like a game model for the Hatfields and McCoys, except worse. Now add to that social and political unrest of this year: Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan and the list is growing. It doesn’t take a political analyst long to see that the strong-armed peacemaker will get the bloodiest when intervening in a conflict like Syria. It is not pretty. It is war. It is civil war among people with at least two different views of managing the country and its people.

Questions that must be asked - and Congress and the public insist on clear answers - need to include what are the objectives, how will we know when those objectives are accomplished, what are we willing to spend on someone else’s conflict when we can’t balance our own budget without a sequester, and what will be the fallout in the future if we do take the country to task? Somewhere in the the process Congress and President Obama need to be willing to

disclose these issues. If all the objective we carry is a military spanking of apparent use of chemical weapons, we will get as dirty as anyone else in the conflict. We need to remember the best way to cause at least temporary peace is to unite two enemies against a third. World War 2 has examples of that, countries who tolerated each other only to defeat the Nazi advancement. The problem is the new enemy is now facing two identities with bloodlust, and the lust is now on the new enemy’s blood. Republican and Democratic Congressmen have said we need to act because the president has drawn his proverbial line in the sand, and now we must stand behind it. I agree. It is an integrity issue. But the price of leadership includes acknowledging, before the fact hopefully, when it is time to plan carefully and act cautiously. What confidence do we have that

Lori Jones“In general, I’m a compromiser and I can see both sides. But over all, I am for restoring the lights, whomever has to pay for it.”

Tom Myers“It would be nice if it was a fundrais-er because it wouldn’t come out of our pockets. But if it took taxpayers’ money, I’d be willing because it’s been a staple of the community . I enjoyed it growing up and I’d like my children to enjoy it as well.”

Nate Lauer“I believe the County should pay the predominant amount of the cost, leaving a portion for those who wish to aid with fundraising.”

Neil Hassler“I’d prefer a fundraiser, but it’s important enough that if they have to, then they should use taxpayers’ money. People used to come from all over to see it. Restoring it is important.”

If the courthouse Christmas lights are restored, who should pay for it?

destroying Syria’s capability of a chemical war will not be costly for the civilian population already battered by the non-stop conflict? It has made me wonder from the start why so few countries are backing military involvement in Syria. Why wouldn’t a neighboring country want to see chemical weapons ended just to protect its own people? I’m not quick to say no because chemical suppression of a country’s own people is heartless and brutal, regardless of the country. I am encouraging Congressmen to consider how much blood may be on the U.S. hands before it is over, especially without a clear and stated objective. It is more manly and mature to move cautiously than to run into a situation like a bull in a China shop. (Forrest Hershberger is the news editor of the South Platte Sentinel.)

Jenna Barnett may be the size of a mite but she has the might of a Tiger and has taken to heart Ghandi's philosophy that "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." The 11-year-old daughter of Tiffany Mecalco has spearheaded a project to establish a dog park in Sterling. She recently made a well thought out presentation to the City of Sterling Parks, Library and Recreation Board explaining the need for an off leash training and exercise park dedicated to dogs and dog owners. Basically a dog park is a park for

dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners. The facilities are fenced, shaded and have regular maintenance and cleaning of the grounds. The concept has been included in discussions in the City's recreation master plan but seems to stay on the drawing board due to more immediate priorities and budgeting needs. However, Barnett is so enthusiastic and passionate about the pet friendly site she has gained the support of other dog lovers who met recently to discuss

dog park plans, costs of building a park, forming a 501c non-profit organization, locating business, individual and corporate sponsors and grants, and reviewing what worked and didn't work in other communities who have similar parks. While Barnett has been impressive in her efforts, she still needs more support to impress upon the City the importance of her idea. Petitions for a “Sterlng Dog Park” are available at Terry's Computer and the Bow Wow Barn for anyone interested. People can also show their support by

joining a new facebook page - Sterling Dog Park - or by attending a meeting open to the public at 3:30 pm. on Sat., Sept. 21, at the Sterling Public Libary in Centennial Square to further outline plans and discuss goals. While we can endorse the idea of a dog park on its own merits, we embrace it even more because it is being spearheaded by a young lady who has the courage to act on her idea. Eleanor Roosevelt might have been thinking of Jenna when she said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."