With interest do I follow the controversy over the development of wind farms to produce clean energy.? We the people are at a crossroads to make some somber decisions. If we do not want any more windmills (noisy, ruining the view, kill birds) we might give up our vast stuff that needs electricity and live the low energy footprint of the Amish. If we think we cannot live the simple life, we need to be aware that using oil, gas, nuclear power and coal is polluting our world and demands more future wars, more sacrifices of our military to control the energy supply. To the families in Lowville, N.Y., who are disgusted with their wind farm ("Cutting wind," Aug. 17), I rather would hear windmills than the roar of snowmobiles and such. Full story » Comments (56)

To all Americans who love their country and believe in our Constitution and Bill of Rights: Remember it’s always been understood that the First, Second and Fourth Amendments are pre-existing rights. With the 2008 presidential election soon to be here, I urge all registered voters to vote and all unregistered voters to please register and vote. Full story » Comments (205)

We’ve implored policymakers to stop finger pointing and work collaboratively on energy. Republicans now blame Democrats for high gasoline prices (actually caused by high demand and peaking oil and gas supplies). Don’t fall for it! The Bush/Cheney oilmen saw it coming long ago and responded with secret energy plans favoring U.S. oil companies and military control of Middle East oil supplies, undermining the U.S. economy and our standing in the world. Full story » Comments (76)

Joe Bahlke comparing the Russian invasion of Georgia with the American-led coalition's occupation of Iraq ("50-Word Dash," Wednesday) is a wonderful example of what I call "liberal logic." Little details seem to escape them. Full story » Comments (70)

It would seem that the South City Park is on the fast track to becoming the location for the new police station. As a resident of over 50 years I, along with countless others, have enjoyed the little park in question. It doesn't get a lot of use, we're told, and has a reputation as a hangout for transients. That may be, but as Redding searches for an identity, it could do a lot worse than leaving the park as it is. Full story » Comments (131)

It took some teeth pulling but your editor finally let the cat out of the bag regarding the wildfire forum he chided Democratic legislators for not attending. It was put on by Dr. Sam (Aanestad, that is), who is part of the budget problem we are facing at the state level. Same Dr. Sam who wanted to outlaw all police pursuits a few years back. A true friend of law enforcement. Full story » Comments (126)

We need more oil, people say. And guess what, we have a lot of oil. We have so much oil that a Department of Energy Web site shows that in May 2008 a total of 55,972,000 barrels of petroleum were exported. As a matter of fact, we have so much oil that between 2000 and May 2008, the U.S. exported 3,556,683,000 barrels of petroleum to over 120 countries. We are currently exporting even more oil that we were in the past. And yes, we import a lot of oil too. Full story » Comments (281)

The Bureau of Land Management is a multiple-use agency entrusted with the management of some 65,000 acres in Shasta County. I know of no other agency that has done as much for the shooting community in our region. As a previous BLM law enforcement ranger, I enjoy an occasional opportunity to target practice and shoot clays. My son and daughter also enjoy shooting. (I haven't gotten my wife to join in yet, but she doesn't mind watching.) When I shoot, I use the BLM's Iron Mountain Road parking areas. Full story » Comments (4)

Dr. Kent Brusett is my 79-year-old mother’s surgeon, and he has been nothing but gracious and empathetic towards a feisty older lady who at times thinks she knows more than her doctors. Full story » Comments (12)

Less than a month ago, a man walked into a Unitarian Church in Tennessee and shot nine people with a shotgun, killing two them. Police found a letter in the murderer's car expressing his "hatred of the liberal movement." Full story » Comments (189)

I live in the Garden Tract, and within several blocks of my home are a school, businesses, a hospital, medical clinics, the Highway 44 construction, Park Marina Drive, and the Convention Center. We deal with noise day and night from the Caltrans construction project, lifesaving medical helicopters, and rodeo events, to name a few. We are an urban neighborhood and we understand and deal with lots of noise and people on a regular basis. Full story » Comments (113)

When Carolyn Hemelt began her Monday letter by describing "a hero and a future president," I almost thought she was writing about John Kerry, the distinguished veteran who was the victim of Republican lies in 2004. Hemelt's premise is that John McCain's distinguished record unquestionably makes him "an outstanding president ... (who) will keep our country safe." Full story » Comments (115)

While I like to read the letters to the editor in your newspaper, I seldom see praise for our Redding City Council members. One man has stood out to me as a true representative for the people of Redding. This man is Patrick Jones. Full story » Comments (70)

I totally agree with last Thursday's editorial, "Junkyard sale gave everybody a shot at salvage." If monthly auctions are a hassle with no profit, let other businesses or individuals such as thrift shop owners or restoration centers. Or if they advertise, somebody will respond. Whichever the way is, dumping items in good condition is nothing but a shame. Today, we should do something to avoid letting good or valuable items go to waste. Full story » Comments (73)

For anyone who has the September issue of Vanity Fair, turn to an unnumbered page that is two pages beyond page 179. There one finds a two-page ad for the clothing company Nautica. It is a beautiful picture of three men running across the Sundial Bridge, together with the spires reaching into an incredible blue sky. The bottom is captioned with "Calatrava Sundial Bridge." The only thing that could make it better is the words "in Redding, California." Full story » Comments (48)