Dating reply
In response to Bill Kettenhofen”s letter in the Jan. 28 Record-Bee I would like to inform Bill that he needs to do some of his research outside of AiG (AnswersinGenesis.com). Dr. Mason writes for AiG as well as Andrew A. Snelling, PhD, who produced a paper concerning, ”Cause of Anomalous Potassium-Argon “Ages” for Recent Andesite Flows at Mt. Ngauruhoe, New Zealand”. Dr. Snelling is well aware that K-Ar dating is not usable for the formation dating of lava flows as he comments that, ”variations in excess 40Ar* content” in magma distort the results. Reviewing his results shows that half of the tests showed recent dates and additional tests with Ar-Ar should have been done. This test showed accurate dates on flows in the Pompeii eruption in 79 AD. As to Dr. Mason”s statement that radiometric dating shows the wrong age for rocks of known date I would like to point out these scientists” “STATEMENT OF FAITH”:
“The account of origins presented in Genesis is a simple but factual presentation of actual events and therefore provides a reliable framework for scientific research into the question of the origin and history of life, mankind, the Earth and the universe.” (copied from http://creation.com/what-we-believe).
With this statement how can they come to any other conclusion than a young earth dating and anything that conflicts must be anomalous or wrong? And when Dr. Mason does see carbon 14 reading over 6000 years old (we have readings over 50,000 years old) he states that carbon 14 levels at creation were zero and time would be needed see an increase. So, dating problem solved for a young earth. This is not science.
And, yes Bill, I am aware of Dr. Snelling”s reasearch in New Zealand. He was featured in one of my previous letters.
Kevin Bracken, Kelseyville
Save the bank
In April, West America Bank in Upper Lake plans to close its doors. This closure will be a blow to Upper Lake in particular and to all the communities on the North Shore. It is a key part of Lake County”s fledging infrastructure, and its loss will be felt widely.
West America is the only bank on this side of the lake, and if this closure goes through, individuals and business holders could be forced to drive long distances for banking services or simply do without.
It”s closure will also result in many job losses, losses our community simply cannot afford. Some of these employees have worked for West America for nearly twenty years, and they are an integral part of our community. Jobs of this caliber are rare in Upper Lake, and many of these employees will likely struggle to find similar work if the bank goes through with its plan.
The bank itself occupies a prominent location on Main Street, and its vacancy will be an eyesore that could bring down property values and undermine the restoration efforts this community has worked so hard to implement. Our County has spent millions of dollars in rehabilitation funds to upgrade Upper Lake”s sidewalks, street lights, and curb appeal, and a huge vacant building will seriously deter from those efforts.
Federal law requires that banks consult with community leaders when branches are targeted for closure. I hope the Board of Supervisors, the Chamber of Commerce, the North Shore Business Association, prominent account holders, and others voice their opinion that this branch should not be closed. Our community is dependent on this location, and West America should consider instead closing one of its other ninety branches if cost saving measures are required at this time.
If you agree with my opinion, I urge you to take action immediately, contact your supervisor, and implore the bank not to close.
Nancy Brier, Upper Lake
