DISCLAIMER / WARNING: The opinions or comments expressed are NOT those of the Central Oregon Dental Society, Oregon Dental Association, American Dental Association or any of the Advertisers or Business Partners. Editorials or commentaries are OPINIONS ONLY and are simply meant to encourage discussion or dialogue. Readers are welcome and encouraged to contribute editorials or comments for possible inclusion in future issues.
WARNING: Everything on this page is either for entertainment purposes or to stimulate conversation or debate. It’s personal, opinion based, has a conservative slant and is not meant to offend or upset … only to stimulate discussion or entertain. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
COMMENTARY
GUEST COMMENTARY: Dr. John Pavilcek
First, I would like to say thank you to Mehdi for all his time in organizing the news and commenting on his thoughts. And yes, I agree with his comments and am disappointed that he has decided to terminate this section of our newsletter. There are those of us that love his comments and analysis.
Secondly, I am an 82 retired dentist that has practiced chairside for 42+ years. When younger (20 to 40 years old) I was a democrat. Back them the democratic party was a democratic party—Today it is a socialist democratic party!!! Their primary concern today is freebies and more freebees. I worked 6 to 6 ½ days a week—dentistry and real estate. Why should I have to give my hard-earned money to those who are lucky if they work 32 hours per week. I am not talking about disabled people—that’s understandable. If you are in love with the social democratic party, move to New York and see how long you last there. Won’t get into all of Mandami’s stupid socialist agenda—would take 10 pages.
Third—everything evolves around WORK—Work is the stable datum and if you want to get ahead (on your own) it takes more than 40 hours per week. Do you want to retire with extra cash and not rely on social security? Because I have worked hard, why should I have to give my hard-earned money to those that I consider lazy or not financially smart when it comes to money and don’t plan ahead. Those of you that are social democrats, better re-think your thoughts and goals. Maybe you should move to California—look at all the people moving out of California and TO central Oregon—why?? Or as I said previously—move to New York where they want to take property away from white people!! Just remember, WORK is the stable datum—not church, schools, family.
Fourth—if all you listen to and watch is CNN, then occasionally watch FOX news to get the other side of it. Broaden your thoughts and hear both sides. That’s what I do—I watch both channels.
Fifth, media—newspapers, TV, computers—here again get the other side. My suggestion is subscribing to the Epic Times—make an effort to hear the other side. Quit reading the Bulletin.
Sixth—Social democrats—You can’t talk to the social democrats about politics—they are immediately yelling in your face –never let you make your response to the subject being discussed—refuse to listen to the other side.
Finally, I want to thank Mehdi again—hopefully he will continue and those of you that don’t like it—don’t read it!! But again, if you do read it, at least you will be learning the other side.
Thank you for your time. No need for rebuttals—as I said I am 82!!
John Pavlicek, DMD
COMMENTARY
My Favorite Person of the Month – January 2026
I had just parked my car at the High School parking lot, when I saw the big, gorgeous truck slowly pull in and park in the spot across from my parking spot. My son had a game in the gym in twenty minutes, so I had a few moments to glance at my phone for texts and emails before going into the gym.
The door of the big truck slowly opened and the grandma of one of my son’s teammates slowly got out of the driver’s seat with a Tupperware full of homemade cookies in her hands. This particular grandma is every kid on the team’s favorite grandma, because she brings fresh, homemade cookies to every game for the kids to enjoy after their game. There are usually extra cookies after the kids have taken their cookies and most of the parents also get a cookie. She always comes to the game with a Tupperware full of cookies and leaves with an empty container. A smile swept across my face as I saw her lock her truck and walk carefully into the gym with her batch of cookies.
Five minutes later, I was in the gym and since we still had some time before the game, I went up to this particular grandma’s son, who of course is a fellow parent on the team and jokingly told him that I was jealous of his mom’s truck and couldn’t believe she drove around in such a cool and giant truck. He of course chuckled and acknowledged that his mom was pretty blessed and still pretty cool.
He then said something that doubled my admiration and respect for his mom. He said, “The truck is only half the story. She’s also got a 9-mm in that truck along with a Concealed Weapon permit!”
I nodded and my smile got even bigger. I loved it! It completely took me for a twist that we have senior citizens in our town who not only bake cookies for their grandkids and their teammates; but also drive around town in big trucks and tote along a 9-mm with them for protection. I hope I can be that cool when I’m 75.
Central Oregon Dental News 