Letters To The Editor

Rebuttal for Nethercutt

I’ve observed the Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project from its inception and I take issue with much of Congressman George R. Nethercutt’s guest column of Feb. 4, 1996.

Nethercutt was disappointed with Rich Landers’ column “Congress poses a serious threat to wildlife areas” (Jan. 18). Before he accuses others of “distortion of the facts,” he should get the facts straight himself.

“… it is not authorized by law.” The Project WAS authorized by the Executive Branch of Government within authorization funds previously granted by Congress. It is also authorized under National Forest Management Act funding.

Nethercutt states he seeks “any and all science which may help solve some of the resources problems which face our area” and yet he rejects one of the most extensive and up-to-date scientific projects ever to take place in this country. “Shouldn’t the public be fully informed about the findings thus far?” Of course, and had he bothered to check, he would have known the public has had access to any and all information produced. Public meetings, attended by nearly 100 people, were regularly scheduled. Nethercutt chose to leave the impression the agency was NOT open in the process. ‘Tain’t true!

Project team leaders volunteered on several occasions to meet with Nethercutt and his staff to provide drafts. Their offers were refused. When offered interim reports, Nethercutt wanted “final” reports by specified dates.

Good science doesn’t take place overnight, nor only long enough to bake a loaf of bread. Our congressman may not want to remove the bread from the oven before it’s baked, but he really should be certain it’s bread!

Please, Mr. Nethercutt, diseased and dying trees are not always kindling - they can provide food, shelter and nutrients for a whole host of living organisms and, yes they should stay where they are! Shirley Muse Walla Walla

Legislation has been pursued

In regard to the article on Bob West, the wrestling referee (who was head-butted in a match in Colville), this is the type of incident we tried hard to get legislation on one year ago.

There is no protection for officials of minor sports. We are assaulted, confronted and demeaned on many occasions. We continue to take the risk because we believe youth sports are a healthy alternative to youngsters finding a less constructive path to follow.

We will help any and all who are willing to provide any making of laws to protect these people who diligently serve. Steve Stevens, supervisor of officials PNW Amateur Hockey Association Assault of officials a problem

Maybe it should be called “Butthead in Colville.”

This is a national story and being addressed in many officiating publications. I feel strongly that youth participating in athletic contests must take responsibility for this type of action. (The Spokesman-Review) did a good job of touching the surface of a problem that has developed in the last few years.

Several states have assault laws on the books. My recollection is that, in Washington state, the bill was dropped in committee.

It is too bad an obvious infraction (on video) is necessary to raise the issue again. Bob Glaza Veradale

NFL TV ban in state proposed

The proposed move of the Seattle NFL team is just another sad statement to the greed and pride of the owners. Having come from Minnesota, I know the pain that comes from losing a major sports franchise due to the arrogance of the owners.

The owners have to be made to understand it is the fan that is financing their extravagant behavior. To do this, the fan must hit the owners where it hurts the most, in the pocketbook.

I propose that if the Seahawks move to California, Washington ban any pro football broadcast in the state. I realize we may be a smallish market, but it would cost the owners TV revenue when their next football contract is negotiated.

Besides, maybe other markets would join us if the threat is made by the owners in their cities. Rick Gigstad Spokane

Seattle should bid good riddance

Why all this moaning and groaning about losing the Seahawks to California? The entire professional athletic program stinks like a room full of Lutefisk. John Nordstrom is beefing about the move, why? If he is so concerned, why did he sell the team? The answer is simple. When it turned out to be a money loser and they could no longer afford to have the store subsidize the team, they had to junk it.

Ken Behring no doubt thought he could make a bundle also and soon found out he would lose his shirt unless someone came to the rescue. The money these people deal in is kind of hard to understand. Behring can agree to pay Chris Warren, a running back, $5 million a year, but does not have money for a place for him to play. He could put $3 million of that amount for a stadium and $2 million for Warren and the player would still be overpaid. Maybe Seattle is lucky to get someone to take the team away. It will be a constant expense and to keep the Mariners is probably all they can afford.

It is difficult to understand how anyone would want to own a professional team of any kind. To have to deal with the athletes and their inflated value of their services is something most normal people would not relish. The owners bellyache about the skyrocketing salaries, yet they are the ones responsible for it getting out of line. All they have to do is set a limit and stick with it.

If the present practice of such inflated salaries continues, it may all blow up, which might be a good thing and then we could start over and establish a sound base. If the professional sports people don’t clean up their own mess, their industry will soon be a thing of the past. Cities, states or private business will not continue to support this industry for million-dollar facilities for their operation while they can afford to pay athletes such outlandish salaries.

So, Seattle don’t weep anymore. Get rid of a bad deal before you lose your shirts. Just sit back and laugh at Anaheim. Their problems are just starting. George W. Johnson Spokane

Seahawks moments revisited

I enjoyed the Feb. 8 column by Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelly, listing his favorite memories about the Seattle Seahawks. Here’a few of mine. Dates? Years? Dunno, it’s all just a blur anymore. Vast majority were from pre-Bubba years (obviously).

The “fun” football of Jack Patera. Trick plays with Efren Herrera. Zorn to Largent. Dan Doornik’s quick kick and sneaking off the bench for big third-down plays. Beating the Steelers on fourth-quarter offensive and defensive goal-line stands. Dave Brown running back two interceptions for TDs in one game against K.C. Sam Merriman’s fumble recovery in Miami to put us in the AFC title game. The Broncos games when we chanted “Elllllllwaaaaaaaay” until he turned the ball over. ANYTIME we beat the Raiders, especially on Monday nights. The year we beat both Super Bowl teams.

The Wave when it couldn’t be stopped. The nationally broadcast preseason game against San Francisco when the NFL tried to penalize fan noise, every time they threw the flag, we got louder (I was hoarse for three days). The friends we made of people we sat by year after year.

Steve Largent. Breaking the consecutive reception record on a Monday night against San Diego. Getting his autograph on a Wheaties box for my son’s Christmas present. His retirement game against Washington, not a dry eye in the house.

And my all-time greatest single Seahawks moment?

Largent’s “payback” hit after an interception by the Denver DB who broke his collarbone earlier in the season, leaving the Bronco wondering what hemisphere he was in. It was right in front of our seats and I will always remember how every Seahawks player and fan stepped up to a higher level of intensity right then. We went on to win, of course. Thanks, Steve.

Thanks, Seahawks. Thanks, every player (except Bosworth). Thanks, Nordstrom. Thanks, 12th man. Flores? Behring? No thanks! Dave Walker Coeur d’Alene

NFL loses when teams move

Now I know how fans of the Cleveland Browns feel. Watching the Pro Bowl, I saw Chris Warren and Cortez Kennedy play and realized it may be their last game as Seattle Seahawks. It is a sad commentary on the state of the NFL.

Owners doing as they please, ignoring contracts; don’t they sign agreements with the cities and the league to abide by the rules?

The success of a franchise and the league itself depends upon commitments made by the owners to the players and fans and loyalty to the communities that embrace them. Fans of these two franchises were the best. The NFL loses. Tim Rash Spokane

In defense of Kevin Eastman

In response to Allan Letourneau’s letter (Jan. 26, “Eastman teaches self-destruction”).

Kevin Eastman has been WSU’s head basketball coach for only 15 months. Time has barely allowed him the opportunity to hire a staff, let alone recruit. Yet last year, Eastman was the winningest first-year coach in WSU history. The near victory against an outstanding UCLA team (and without Mark Hendrickson) was in my opinion an example of Eastman’s effectiveness as a coach.

I remember Kelvin Sampson’s early years at WSU and they were hardly winning seasons. And don’t forget Sampson took Nate Erdmann and was trying to take other underclassmen with him to Oklahoma.

Kevin Eastman’s willingness to put the academic and personal success of his players ahead of “winning” is a testimonial to his character. We at WSU have had our share of coaches who have had different ideas concerning student-athletes. And a prime example now coaches football in the professional ranks not far from here.

WSU and college basketball is fortunate to have such a man as Kevin. I have every confidence winning basketball will be a part of WSU’s future with Eastman. Russell Fahland Deer Park

Huskies of 1991 football’s best

This letter is in regard an article in the sports section regarding the 1995 Nebraska football team. It asserts that it is the greatest college football team of all time as have many others. They are in error.

The 1991 Washington Huskies were the best college team ever. I am sure every Huskies fan feels slighted when that team is not mentioned with the best, when it was the greatest.

The 1991 Washington Huskies would have beaten the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers, maybe convincingly. The 1991 Huskies offense would have definitely been able to move the ball against these Cornhuskers. For example, 21 points were scored against them by an inferior WSU offense. The 1991 Huskies defense would have stopped the running game cold. The Cornhuskers’ offense would have had no sustained drives for touchdowns and Tommy Frazier would have been running for his life when they had to pass to catch up.

Nebraska had a great team this year and deserves credit for it. But let’s give credit where credit is due also for a very, very special football team. Shawn L. DesAutel Spokane

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