APOLPGY

An apology works both ways. I won’t argue that the boarder on the ad everyone is so indignant about might be in for some criticism. The ad ran by Shirley Ring in which she said “Roger Falen cannot be trusted to tell the truth” is also. I told the truth and she has not. She said that “He tries to make people believe I will try to take their guns, and generally looks for any button he can push to divert attention from my work to support you. (For the record I support your right to own firearms and hunt)” Hunting had nothing to do with it. She voted against Senate bill 1401. The statement at the top of the bill reads “FIREARMS- Amends existing law relating to emergency powers to provide that no restrictions shall be imposed on lawful uses of forearms or ammunition during a disaster emergency.” I don’t know how that can be interpreted any other way than to say it is okay to confiscate legally owned guns and ammunition in a time of disaster. To protect yourself from looters that is when you need them the most. The vote in favor was unanimous in the Senate and only 6 against in the House.

She said at the AARP Forum that she had never voted on anything concerning the dams. She later said that she had proposed a moratorium but that it didn’t get to the floor. That part might be true. She did vote against too bill concerning the dams. They are HOUSE JOINT BILL NO. 23 and HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17. To be charitable here, I don’t think anyone can remember how the voted on every bill. She may have forgotten. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, but she could at least say that she was mistaken and that she did vote against these bills. I don’t remember how I answered every thing on a questioner either. In any case my statements were truthful and hers were not.

When her votes are only one of two or up to six against something I think it is fair to say that is quite a ways from the mainstream. That may be good or bad depending on your position on the issue. In any case it is legitimate to say that it is not in the mainstream.

I corrected statements made by others in by behalf concerning the pledge and was chastised for making the correction. Peoples memories are faulty, no fault of theirs. I was in the Army when JFK was shot. I said “Who ever shot him should be executed, but the fact that he was shot did not make him a great president.” A few days later a friend and ardent JFK fan told me that he had heard that that I said I was glad JFK was shot. No where’s close to the truth? He is till a friend with whom I communicate. In retrospect JFK was a better president than I gave him credit for at the time, but still not great. I doubt that Sue Hovey can remember accurately everything that happened five years ago. She should not be quite so quick to call people liars.

Bill London could not keep it straight in a manner of a few days. He said “Roger says Shirley attacked the pledge” I didn’t say anything of the kind. I said she voted against the pledge which she did. HOUSE BILL NO. 655

Amends existing law to provide that the United States Flag shall be displayed in every public school classroom: to provide that every public school shall offer the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem at the beginning of each school day; and to provide that no pupil who objects shall be compelled to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or in singing the national anthem. There were 3 votes against in the House, none in the Senate.

As stated in the bill no one is required to participate so their rights are not being violated. The Jehovah Witnesses do not salute the flag for religious reasons. Their rights and any one else who chooses not to do so, should be respected. To prohibit it is a violation of the rights of those who wish to do so.

For Shirley to justify her votes is fine and to be expected. To say that I can not be trusted to tell the truth is not. For another example of her stretching the truth, see her Letter to the Editor in Pat Vaughn’s behalf and Tom and Gary’s rebuttal. No fault to Pat here.

What several of you seem to be saying is that it is fine for people to lambaste me, but don’t dare critize her. I guess it depends on whose ox is being gored. I corrected a statement made about Shirley .That was not good enough for Sue Hovey. It seems that I am no good and that she will just not have it any other way.

I will apologize for repeating a false rumor that Shirley did not stand for the Pledge, but not for any thing else. I thought it was true at the time. It wasn’t. Therefore I apologize.

Shirley and others that have made miss-statements about me may wish to reconsider their comments. The election is over. Shirley won and I wish her success in working for the interests of the University and Latah County. Where is your Christian charity? Let’s try and be a little more even handed. What Sunil had to say was a fair comment.

Roger

APOLPGY

Roger Falen

2006-11-20

University of Idaho