Letters To The Editor
SMOKING
Ban protects workers, children
Congratulations to the Spokane County Health Board for voting to ban smoking in all Spokane restaurants.
Tobacco smoke is a class A carcinogen which means it’s known to cause cancer in humans. The board has obviously recognized their responsibility to protect restaurant employees who don’t smoke from having to work in a smoke-filled environment.
The ban will also protect our children from being exposed to smoke when they visit restaurants. Those of us who are non-smoking adults will be forever grateful to be able to visit the restaurant of our choice without worrying about how much nicotine, tar ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic and hundreds of other deadly substances are entering our lungs.
Of course, we will no longer have to suffer itchy, watery eyes and clothes that reek of smoke. Trish Seghers, president Tobacco Free Washington, Spokane
We can make our own decisions
A number of years ago, I reached the decision to patronize only those restaurants that provided smoke-free dining areas. As an adult, I was able to make this earth-shaking decision all by myself without the government relieving me of that responsibility, by forcing all restaurant owners to comply with my wishes.
Please allow me, and thousands of other adults in the county, to continue to make our own decisions concerning our personal business and welfare, without the helping hand of a governmental “big brother.” J.F. Bender Spokane
AROUND SPOKANE
Hasson just can’t be trusted
Concerning County Commissioner Steve Hasson’s plan on possible closure of the courthouse, he’s a “contract for America” wannabe. I feel that if I hired him to rake my leaves I would have to keep checking to see that he didn’t sneak away. Even after he was done I would have to go back and redo the job. Mark J. Miller Spokane
To all those who complained
To people who complain about the cost of a spay/ neuter clinic for the city: What do you think it costs to dispose of all the unwanted animals every year? Plenty, I bet.
To people who complain about the STA Plaza: If the transit company had built an ugly utilitarian building, people would have complained about that, too. Instead, Spokane now has a city bus plaza to be proud of. Plus a railroad inter-city bus station, with service to the airport, which many larger cities would envy.
The federal government spends billions every year to keep highways in condition so automobiles can drive on them, but God forbid they should spend any money for other forms of transportation, even though our streets are choked with cars and we’re gasping for breath in the fumes. Dorothy Carter Spokane
GOVERNMENT
Take the sensible approach
It seems to me, and a lot of other Americans, the only reason most people go to Washington is to get rich personally, not to represent the people who sent them there.
No one wants the budget balanced more than I do - but I want it balanced in a sensible way - not a political one.
If Congress would concentrate on eliminating the fraud in Medicare and the projects exposed by “The Fleecing of America,” as well as others not yet revealed, they would save more money than all the cuts they propose in their program. It is the waste, the greed, and the “pork barrel” politics that have upset the American people.
Under their program they are doing nothing to help the average American. They only reward the guilty and punish the innocent.
If more people would write them they might listen. Well - maybe. M.W. Bradshaw Coeur d’Alene
Hunting restrictions absurd
When government no longer serves its people, the people should demand a new government.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, I took a ride to the Kootenai Refuge for the purpose of duck hunting. To my amazement, there was a sign in the parking lot which read, “No Hunting Due To Lack Of Funds.”
I was furious. How dare they stop the public from using public lands which don’t require any assistance? Have they tried to stop usage of the federal highways? No.
I had to make my statement, so I proceeded out to the marsh with my shotgun and dogs, rationalizing on the walk out what the consequences of my actions could be. After standing out there for a while, with my dogs whining because they couldn’t understand why I wasn’t shooting at the ducks they knew were in range, I fired my protest shot against the stupidity of the actions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
After a short while, I decided to inquire, at the wildlife headquarters at the refuge, as to who issued this absurd order. On the way back, I spotted the federal game warden trying to sneak up on me. He was about 10 feet away from me crouched and walking along a ditch. I yelled “boo” and scared the hell out of him.
No ticket was issued and I obtained the necessary information. Later that night I faxed about 30 U.S. senators and congressmen, requesting they have a federal court injunction issued against this stupidity. Ed Worzala Sandpoint
Republicans trying to fix the mess
After reading John Webster’s Nov. 13 editorial concerning the Republican budget plan, I now fully understand why many people call this newspaper “The Socialist Review.”
The Republic budget plan does not make deep spending cuts. It does contain smaller spending increases than Democrats have projected. I don’t believe the Republican budget plan goes far enough, though it is a good start. We simply don’t have the money to spend on wasteful government programs anymore. Many of these programs can be run more efficiently at the state or local level.
The tax cuts proposed by the Republicans are hardly obscene. Reductions in the Earned Income Tax Credit do not amount to tax increases on the poor because nearly everyone who qualifies for it will also qualify for the $500-per-child tax credit. The proposed cut in the capital gains tax rate would spur sorely needed investment, and three-quarters of those who would benefit are middleclass investors.
The definition of irresponsibility when it comes to government spending is our $4 trillion national debt. It is the epitome of arrogance for liberals to suggest otherwise, especially when one also considers how they have eroded our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms over the last 40 years.
The Republican Congress is trying to fix the mess that liberals have created. Meanwhile, the Democrats and the media are spreading the biggest lie in American history. It is crucial that the Republicans ignore their whining. Our financial solvency and our freedom are at stake. Patrick M. Braden Coeur d’Alene
Faith in government faltering
BINGO!
Frank Bartel got a “Blackout Bingo” with his column “Politicians who preach sacrifice spare themselves” (Nov.19). This isn’t a new phenomenon, but never in my six-plus decades have I seen the likes of today’s politicians, bought and paid for by the rich and powerful.
Perhaps in a future column, Mr. Bartel could write about the billions of taxpayer dollars being spent going to war, fighting for foreign governments and the billions of dollars paid as bribes, just so giant American corporations can enter their countries and exploit their natural and human resources to gather even more wealth. When is enough enough?
I’m a third-generation Republican and totally disgusted with my own party and not very excited about the other one. However, I do feel that our president is the best friend the working person has at the present time. Perhaps when our elected representatives act in the best interest of all working class Americans my faith in our federal government will begin to be restored. John E. Sherwood Post Falls
Speed limits must be kept in place
What has happened to common sense, “Critics say lifting federal speed limit is license to kill” Nov. 12?
I have a brother who is dead due in part to a vehicle going too fast. His life was cut short (at age nine) by a driver in a hurry, while he was walking across an intersection. After a speed of 65 mph is reached, you have little if any control over your vehicle.
Members of the House and Senate must retain the 65 mph speed limit for all states. If it’s repealed, legislation must be passed requiring all drivers to have a prepaid funeral plot available for each passenger in their car and insurance to cover the funeral costs.
There’s no connection between speed, reckless driving and states’ rights. David L. Haulman Harrison, Idaho
OTHER TOPICS
Bring people and talents together
In October I attended an integrated church in Denver. When church ended, many members stayed and visited, oblivious to racial heritage. Then, this week I participated in cross-training a sharp, articulate African-American co-worker. I’m pleased to have her as part of our corporate team and proud to have her as a friend.
These two experiences led to my thinking abut the history of the United States as well as her current direction. It certainly seems to me that much of the U.S. strength and beauty has come from the diversity of peoples who came to this melting pot, forging a future as Americans.
What concerns me is the increasing focus on racial division from some segments of society. We, as Americans, are truly fortunate. People from all over the globe brought their God-given talents here. They blended a multitude of ethnic backgrounds, cultural traditions, and hard work to form a distinct country. What other country has a similar tradition?
Let’s continue to bring together diverse people working for a better United States of America. Rod Schobert Hayden, Idaho
Peace process must continue
Irish Americans have been substantially influential in furthering the great developments for peace taking place in Northern Ireland today. Through the dedicated efforts of concerned Americans, President Clinton became involved in the Irish peace issue, calling for a Washington conference on economic development for Northern Ireland last May. British Parliament pledged under the terms of the Downing Street Declaration if the Irish Republican Army called off the armed struggle the Irish Sinn Fein party would be allowed to freely participate in all peace negotiations.
Over a year ago the IRA declared a ceasefire in full accordance with the British Downing Street Declaration. There has been no political violence during this time. A really tremendous historic moment is on the threshold for all people who love Ireland, her children and well-being. This is really a moment for great achievement.
I urge every concerned American to tell our president, Congress and Prime Minister John Major to continue the peace process in Northern Ireland. Each one of us is able to help further this breath of hope for greater democracy and brighten the lives of millions of people for years to come. Dennis Pasquale Spokane
Language masking a holocaust
Siegfried & Roy have nothing compared to the magical qualities of language. Words pack power and can totally transform issues like the swish of a cape.
Let me clarify with a few examples. Let’s use the words “murdering innocent children.” Wuff - now these words evoke unpleasant emotions, but no problemo - we’ll cover them with our magical scarf, whisk it away, and we have “a woman’s right to choose.” No mental anguish here.
Or, how about this slight of hand - er tongue, “baby” will be replaced with “fetus,” or a better choice … “tissue.” Yet, regardless of how often we salve our consciences with justifying terms, we can’t cover the gut-wrenching realities in this country. Over one million innocent babies lose their lives every year, made possible by the power of language.
Doubt what I’m saying is true? If you’re a woman contemplating an abortion, I issue this challenge: repeat several times, “I’m going to kill my own baby, flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone, lying helpless and defenselessly inside my body, dependent on me for life, for protection and for love.” I don’t believe you can do it.
Thirty million innocent babies have died since the 1973 free-for-all abortion law was passed. These staggering figures defy the imagination to come up with even a thread of justification. God help us to be discerners of truth, to put aside words which are lies, and turn this gigantic, evil, monstrous, dark holocaust around.
Ban partial-birth abortion. Call your senator. Mary Ellan Moe Chewelah, Wash.
Cartoonist should focus on bicycling
I was sorry to read in the Nov. 10 paper that Bill Watterson is going to pull the plug on Calvin & Hobbes.
I will truly miss the antics of that duo.
I don’t know what Watterson has in mind for the rest of his life, but I would like to suggest that he do a book of bicycling cartoons.
I’m a bicyclist and I have greatly enjoyed his infrequent bicycle-related cartoons. He appears to be a bicyclist, and understands the pleasures and frustrations of bicycling.
I believe such a book would sell, because I still have most of his bicycle cartoons hanging in my office.
Robert B. Piper Hope, Idaho
Blame parents, not shopping carts
There was another headline recently that made me tired. “Shopping carts hurt thousands of kids,” (Nov. 15 Spokesman-Review).
That’s as ridiculous as baby walkers hurting babies. Researchers think the “carts should be banned until they are redesigned for safety.” Yet, above that ridiculous statement, the article said, “Some 25,000 children a year are injured when they fall or jump from shopping carts or when the carts tip over.”
It doesn’t take much research to figure out that if the parents wouldn’t allow their kids to act like orangutans in the cart, and if the parents stayed with the cart, it wouldn’t tip over and the kids wouldn’t fall or jump out.
I have children who have made it to adulthood unscathed by walkers and shopping carts. Somehow their children have survived, so far, the walkers and carts with no surprise attack by either object.
When are people going to realize the phrase, “sense of responsibility” still exists? I suppose it’s easier to sue the manufacturer. Mary Counts Simpson Spokane