Letters To The Editor

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

Racial insensitivity flourishing

Whether or not the government should publicly apologize for slavery has been a hot topic lately.

What harm could come from giving a formal apology on slavery? None whatsoever.

House Speaker Newt Gingrich has very openly shown his ignorance by saying a formal apology isn’t necessary. Gingrich is a prime example of why race relations will continue to regress in this nation. Anybody who knows anything about politics knows that a sound attempt at public relations could only leave positive impressions at all levels. This insensitive type of behavior feeds subtle racism.

Until you have walked a mile in an African American’s shoes, how can you even begin to talk publicly about something as sensitive as slavery, as if it’s something that people can just forget? There’s a very long-term effect to slavery.

More about racial insensitivity: Recently, I was on my way to a meeting in downtown Spokane. As I stood in the quiet elevator with other business professionals, a blonde woman in her late 20s blurts out, “They really need some music on these elevators. They should start playing some Snoop Doggy Dog.”

I can only assume that because I’m black she thought Snoop Doggy Dog and I had something in common. That type of racial insensitivity absolutely appalls me and truly makes me think things aren’t getting better, that they are getting drastically worse.

Let’s hope - better yet, let’s pray - that all forms of racism are not a part of the infinity equation. Guy Thomas Spokane

Watch out for those gays

Those taxpaying gays are at it again.

First, they wanted to join the military and fight for their country. Now, they want to work hard, settle down, plan for, share with and protect their loved ones. Next, they will probably want to feed and cloth orphans. Is there no end? Leslie H. Stone Spokane

Youth’s notions to be preferred

To Ben M. Watkins (“So young to be so intolerant,” Letters, June 24): You prove no point. You don’t know if Andrew wrote the letter or not. Now who is judging?

To Dick A. Hall (“Young critic has much to learn,” June 24): Some of us could live a thousand years and not learn much. The problem with some people is, they are like ostriches and hide their head in the sand, or “speak, hear and see no evil.” Andrew is our future and is speaking out for his beliefs.

Tell it like it is, Hall. A draft dodger is a draft dodger and a druggy is a druggy. I believe Andrew has wisdom beyond his years, unlike others who speak out prematurely. Andrew will be a contributor to society, unlike those on drugs and those who choose not to fight for their country. Jim A. Flanery Spokane

LAW AND JUSTICE

Death penalty is never equitable

Recently, the U.S. Catholic bishops called for sparing the life of convicted killer Timothy McVeigh and more generally, opposed capital punishment. The federal jury, of course, decided McVeigh should be executed.

McVeigh now joins 13 other men (no women) on federal death row. The cases of the condemned are in various stages of appeal. There have been no federal executions since 1963.

Most states have some provision for the death penalty. Some, such as Texas, execute two dozen people a year. Others rarely or never execute anyone. The unequal application does not end there. You have a better chance of being executed if you are a poor male of minority race.

Earlier this month, Geronimo Pratt was released for a new trial for murder after 27 years in prison. He insists he is innocent. Perhaps a new trial will show that he is. What if he had been executed?

The United States is the only Western nation with the death penalty.

If we really want to kill everybody who kills someone else, why don’t we hang everyone who kills somebody by running a red light? That might be several executions a year, just in Spokane. And how about the gas chamber for Joe Camel and all the tobacco executives?

It is time to re-examine the death penalty. Greg J. Works Spokane

McVeigh eligible for mercy, too

One of the most heinous crimes of our times was the Oklahoma City bombing. It was mind boggling. Dastardly. Totally inhumane.

Yet, does this demand the death penalty for Timothy McVeigh? Every civilized country in the world except the United States says no. Punishment for all crimes, they say yes. But the death penalty? No!

What does this say about us Americans?

Forgiveness in any degree is difficult for most of us. Without the grace of God, it is sometimes impossible. This is true of all our relationships.

A famous marriage counselor has said that the essence of marriage is not romance but forgiveness. Could not this astute observation be extended to all of life? Could this not be a guide in our reaction to the Oklahoma bombing?

Maybe even more compelling - at least for us Christians - are the forthright words of Jesus: “If you forgive others for the wrongs they to do you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. Bit if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Mt. 6:14-15). Jesus did not add, except in the case of Timothy McVeigh.

I want to be assured of mercy and forgiveness when I come to meet my maker. I would like to believe that my fellow Americans entertain the same hope. Friar William Sisk Spokane

Abortion is just baby killing

There is no difference between women who get an abortion and the ones who put their baby in a trash can. They should all be arrested for murder.

It’s not right for one to be arrested for murder and the other to go free because that’s what the law says. In the eyes of God , it’s all murder.

We need to look at the laws of the Bible and the laws of the land. What we do now is a double standard and it is wrong. Bob F. Carter Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Paper could better cover arts

Regarding Mary K. Springer’s letter of June 20, “Library art: We can do better”:

While I disagree with her contention that the money for art could be better spent buying new books or preventing unpaid leave for library employees (problems that should be handled by the library’s operating budget), I do agree what we need to focus more on the work of local artists. I also think that this is an area where The Spokesman-Review can give a much needed boost to help out.

While the newspaper’s support of the local performing arts is to be commended, its coverage of the local visual arts seems somewhat lacking. In fact, except for the major traveling exhibitions at the Cheney-Cowles Museum, Jundt and the Chase galleries or annual events such as Artfest and Sandpoint’s Art Walk, the paper seems to ignore the local art scene altogether.

One need only look in the back of the Weekend section on Fridays to find a listing of many local galleries and shops that showcase the diverse talents of some of our many vibrant local artists.

Now is the time for The Spokesman-Review to employ a full-time art critic and publish weekly articles or reviews about some of these galleries, the artists and the visual arts scene in general. There is no need to look elsewhere for material for newspaper articles or for quality works of art. The visual arts are very much alive and well right here in Spokane. Pat J. Owens Spokane

Owners betrayed pit bull mix

Re: The June 20, article about Shawn, the pit bull mix shot by the police. I am sickened by how the dog suffered. If this dog had been under responsible ownership it would still be alive. Who is to blame, the police or owners? It’s obvious by the fact that the dog was loose. The sad part is, who ends up suffering? The dog does, all because of irresponsible owners.

Do not judge this dog’s behavior by its breed. I own a dog of the same breed and it’s not the least bit aggressive. Ann J. Hansen Spokane