By Fred Kirby

Dear neighbor Bay Area Chamber of Commerce members; For more than 12 years I have been among Coos County residents who pray daily that the citizens will rally behind a common cause bringing people together to locate long term jobs producing industry for our area.

Isn’t it wonderful that a cause, a simple white cross that has been hidden away in plain view for 40 years, has brought us together. I pray that Ms. Brittain of Coquille and board member Ronnie Reagan Jr. (yep, son of the former prez) of the Freedom From Religion organization soon realize that the Washington Monument is an obelisk. They must be aware that the earliest of obelisks in Egypt and Greece were monuments to the sun god RA. Perhaps they are unaware that the aluminum apex of the Washington Monument has a message in Latin inscribed – Praise be to GOD. They may be unaware that there are other inscribed biblical messages from Luke and Proverbs. They will probably demand that offensive Washington Monument on public land be removed. That should unite the country in a common cause.

Now that the community is united behind something, demonstrating that all things are possible, please members, seize the moment. I don’t know the secret Chamber handshake. I disagree with your position on the need for a costly administrator in a fiscally challenged county. I am not bothered by your secret meetings in public buildings where only like thinking members are welcome. For many years I was an agent of the largest aerospace companies, creating jobs in the US and offshore and I am bothered by anything that detracts from the ability of local efforts to recruit business to the area.

I thought that I had seen everything intended to recruit business. Then I saw the new foolish, childish, amateurish, sexist, Chamber of Commerce music video with the prancing princess who I am informed is your leader, strutting around the community with a chorus line of locals following her, including our recently elected rhythmically challenged county commissioner. Not MTV quality. If it was your intent that your membership dues pay for a recruiting tool that will turn off a potential business that is searching for a home, I believe that you have succeeded. Perhaps it’s time for members to unite and give different direction to your leadership.

The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MGx.