[Vision2020] Shirley Ringo's Response

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (November 3, 2006) Moscow-Pullman Daily News -

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Letter included an outright lie 

The life of a candidate is not always easy. Despite best efforts, time for
family and friends becomes scarce. It is a lot of work. A very difficult
aspect of campaigning involves situations where an opponent is not honest,
twisting my comments and actions in an effort to win votes. This is the
downside of running for office. But as Harry Truman said, "If you can't
stand the heat stay out of the kitchen." 

On rare occasions, though, there will be an outright lie that takes my
breath away. Such was the case with a letter to the editor in the Nov. 1
Daily News. Don Meyer makes the claim that "at one local meeting she
(Shirley Ringo) refused to stand when the pledge was said." 

Long ago, my first-grade teacher made two comments that impressed me so that
I remember them today. One regarded the importance of respecting the flag.
Two of my uncles had been engaged in operations in World War II. One of them
was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Bulge. He suffered permanent
injuries as a result of a beating administered by a guard. The other,
fighting in the Pacific, struggled with emotional problems for the rest of
his life. I understand sacrifices made by military troops, and I am a
product of a generation where respect for country and flag was important. 

I am proud to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. To claim I have refused is
blatantly untrue. It makes me question why anyone would place more value on
a seat in the Legislature for himself or a political ally than maintaining
personal integrity. 

Shirley Ringo 
Moscow

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Seeya at the polls, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

-----Original Message-----

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of lfalen
Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 11:53 AM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] correcting the record

In a letter to the Editor by Phyllis Solomon that was printed in the DN and
the Argonaut and posted on vision2020 by Tom Hansen, she says I misquted or
twisted what Shirley said. She and shirley sa that what Shirley said at a
poverty forum at UI was " Sometimes when your numbers are small you have to
use legislative procedures rather than btute strengh toaccomplish your goal"
She may vary well have said this, I don't know. The quote I used was made at
the UI commons 4/25/o6. It is "When you're in a minority group, like the
Democrats, you don't have a lot of power to get things done"

In response to a letter to the Editor by Don Meyer in which he critisezed
Shirley for not suporting the pledge, Shirley last night maintaien that she
respected the pledge and had always stood for it That she has always stood
for it may be techancally correct. The event in question was the dedication
of the new Troy High School. Govenor Kirk Kemthorne gave a speach about how
Idaho was part of the suit defending the Pledge of Allegiance that was
before the Supreme Court. The whole crowd stood up and gave gave him a
standing ovation except for Shirley and some of the other speakers, who
remained seated. I don't think this shows respect for the pledge.
She has voated against the Pledge three times.
H

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