Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Monorail has much to recommend it

I’ve read with interest the recent articles on the Lincoln Street Bridge project. As a former businessman and lifelong resident of Spokane, it occurred to me that a monorail system would be a wonderful and sensible way to bring much-needed business to downtown.

The system could run from the Arena, over the falls and into the heart of the city. It would be a big asset to Riverfront Park. It would ease the traffic and lessen air pollution in that area. A monorail could make it more convenient for business meetings, conventions, tourists and the citizens of Spokane. This may be just a crazy thought, but I feel that in the long, run a monorail would prove more profitable than a bridge. Harold R. Nieschulz Spokane

Who is really playing off fear?

It was interesting to read an article implying and indeed decrying how fear and hatred supposedly caused people to overreact to the American Communist Party (glossing over, of course, the reasons why some concern and response was justified). I then read editor Chris Peck’s column (Perspective, Jan. 18), in which he uses the term “civic terrorist.”

In the very next sentence he mentions our newly and duly elected mayor, John Talbott.

Because Talbott disagrees with Peck on the manner and means by which this community pursues its growth and development, is it to be suggested that he is a terrorist?

How does one “conduct a conversation” with someone who uses so threatening and malignant a term as terrorist so flippantly? Just who is “a creature of fear” and who is “playing off that fear,” Talbott or Peck? I would laugh at Peck’s hyperbolic histrionics but they frighten me. Susan Van Engelen Spokane

Peck right to cite the fearful, be hopeful

I hope editor Chris Peck’s excellent editorial, “Fear shouldn’t shape future of Spokane” was widely read.

I share his optimism about the future of Spokane. On the other hand, I also have encountered the fear of many citizens who are afraid to take a chance. It’s difficult for me to understand people who are unable to comprehend the necessity of having a vital downtown area.

I hope that those close to Mayor John Talbott will help him see that his role now is to lead, not to dismantle what the previous mayor and council did. We need positive leadership and everyone’s commitment to move forward toward making our city an even better place to live. Beverly A. Burger Spokane

City shouldn’t back private deal

Re: editor Chris Peck’s editorial (Jan. 18).

Peck just doesn’t get it. He designated John Talbott as the leader of citizens who are afraid of change. Apparently, he sees anyone who questions the loan as being too little educated and suspicious that someone else is doing better.

Talbott was voted in and Geraghty was voted out because the citizens have become educated. No longer do well-entrenched good ol’ boys have the run of City Hall. The people want answers and won’t give in to having their taxes or revenues used to pay for private projects. Let’s have all the loan terms and conditions out in public view.

The paper continuously refers to David Sabey in a negative manner. Here is a man, or company, who invested billions in a mall without government guarantees. Sabey wants a level playing field. Why don’t the Cowleses?

If the development project is so sound, why involve the city in guaranteeing a portion of the loan? The citizens of Spokane want a nice downtown, as this is their city. What they don’t want is being duped into backing a private commercial development with government guarantees. For the sake of the newspaper and City Hall, I hope they “get it” about what’s going on. Nick G. Lorentz Spokane

Giving made Christmas inspiring

I want to thank everyone who gave to the Tree of Sharing, the Christmas Bureau, Adopt-a-Family and the many other fine programs Spokane has each Christmas. I also thank all the staff members and volunteers who helped out. Our community is the greatest, and we should all be proud.

I am especially moved by students who sleep outside to draw attention to the homeless, the annual Coats for Kids drive, all the food bank drives and the Toys for Tots drive. There are also the energy assistance programs for low-income people, programs for the elderly and the developmentally disabled. Our city is the greatest.

My children and I received Christmas dinners and two gifts, and I am exceedingly grateful.

Next year, I plan to volunteer, whether or not I personally need help. I want to be a part of such a Christmas spirit. Barbara Norton Spokane

New finish line disappointing

Re: New Bloomsday finish line. It just seems to take away the downtown picnic-in-the-park atmosphere we once had. Too bad. Jim W. Blaine Spokane

LAW AND JUSTICE

McKey asked for his comeuppance

I read with interest “Rare works lost in customs battle” (Jan. 18), regarding Jack McKey and the confiscation by Canadian authorities of not only his works but all the other collateral he possessed.

While I admire McKey for his pursuit of knowledge about Native American cultures and his ability to recreate their tools, I’m very concerned about the attitude around what he did, especially as expressed by Sen. Larry Craig’s office, “He made a mistake.”

McKey made many conscious decisions, at different times, to break federal laws. There’s little confusion about trafficking in hides and other parts of protected species. There is also no confusion about lying to border officials about whether you’re carrying firearms. Nor could there be any confusion about what he was trying to do by hiding furs above the ceiling in the motor home.

McKey consciously chose to break several laws and he is being punished as any criminal should be, to the full extent of the law. Doug Kelley Spokane

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

No future in keeping historical score

I’m tired of everyone claiming what’s theirs because of the past. If we don’t move on, there won’t be anything for the future.

I keep seeing articles about how the different Indian tribes want restrictions on waterways and lands to preserve our wildlife, yet they want to be able to hunt year-round on all lands. They also still gill-net the salmon and sell these to the “white man.” I understood that gill-netting was for consumption only. There have been seasons set for both to give reproduction a chance.

History has shown that the white race has been cruel to other races. The ignorance about one race being better than another has to end. What’s happened in the past can’t be changed. I owe you nothing and you owe me nothing. Why can’t the slate be cleaned and all of us be one?

If we want to go back to who were the original owners of everything, let’s free all the primates. Bill M. White Spokane

First, save the wayward young

Sometimes a phrase can clarify an issue the way a lightning flash can illuminate a landscape. Take the phrase by author Mordecai Richler, “Barney’s Version,” who describes some advocates of political correctness as the “save-the-whales, wipe-only-with-recycled-paper” crowd whose ideals are merely a way for them to feel virtuous without any real cost to themselves.

Spokane has real and pressing problems that almost anyone can solve. One is the plight of the teenagers, some 13 to 14 years old or even younger, who leave home to live on the streets. Three out of four leave because of problems resulting from their parents’ abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The girls usually get raped within a couple of weeks. Most youngsters survive by prostitution, stealing, selling drugs, or other criminal activity. Most are malnourished, become infected with sexually transmitted and other diseases, and addicted to drugs.

As much or even more than good food, medical care and a safe place to stay, these kids need the help and guidance of a stable, responsible adult who gives a damn whether they live or die. When the politically correct show as much concern for them as for old trees or deceased ferrets, I’ll stop believing such people are mostly self-serving, sanctimonious hypocrites. Edwin G. Davis Spokane

Freeman, his story, exceptional

I met Clarence Freeman just a few times in the early 1980s, on the streets of East Spokane near our warehouse. No one was there to introduce us or give a history of his background, but I was so struck by his attitude and accomplishments that I never forgot him.

Staff writer Jamie Tobias Neely’s article fits perfectly the person I had met and her story does not exaggerate Freeman. There are still more great stories about Freeman and his family available from the community.

Neely’s article was so much more true and refreshing than some of the mini-autobiographic moralizing I have read lately in The Spokesman-Review.

Freeman’s life continues and there will always be writers who know a good story, a true story. James C. Allen Spokane

CHILD CARE

Quality care is just that

Shame on you, Spokesman-Review, for running Opinion editor John Webster’s highly distorted, inappropriate editorial on child care. The editorial leads one to believe all child care is detrimental to the child and all parents know in their hearts that it is bad. Then, a few sentences down, it states it is justifiable for single parents to allow their children to be in child care. I am a single parent and I take offense at this bias.

I also have a child in family child care. I leave there every day knowing my child is in the hands of someone who truly loves and looks out for him. My child loves his care provider. You can see it in the hugs he gives her, his words about her and the way he enjoys going to her house.

All parents can be just as sure. All it takes is being a wise consumer. Get information on choosing quality child care from your local child care resource and referral. Call the Office of Child Care Licensing and request a copy of its requirements. People there can also tell you if there have been substantiated complaints about a provider.

Interview, and ask lots of questions. Does the provider have training? Are they committed to continuing this training? Drop in unannounced every so often. See how the provider interacts with the children and how the children respond. There are bad providers just as there are bad parents. Genevieve L. Taylor Spokane

Notions evoked many feelings - all bad

I was saddened, outraged and disheartened to see Opinion editor John Webster’s editorial about child care. Saddened by the stories from Virginia. Outraged by the slanted information regarding child care, and disheartened by another attack on my profession.

Abuse happens. It’s just as likely to occur by parents as by child care providers. Should we label all parents as bad for kids because some abuse? Washington was ranked in the top 50 states for quality child care, yet our neighbor, Idaho, was ranked one of the worst. Comparing all child care with the circumstances of Virginia is as inappropriate as doing away with Washington child care because of Idaho’s ranking.

Spokane’s Office of Child Care Policy established a group in which I am involved known as the Community Support Team. The group discusses child care settings that are not meeting licensing compliance. We look for ways to assist the provider in becoming compliant. I’ve learned that it’s not just as simple as closing a provider down. The ability to do so often falls short in the judicial process. Just as it does when trying to prosecute a parent for abuse.

We need to invest in who’s providing child care, since the reality is that parents will work. I shake my head when I hear such statements as, “We should encourage baby boomers or Workfirst recipients to provide child care.” Talk about setting children up for more of the same. Does every person have the ability to sing? Is every adult a great parent? Not just anyone can provide quality, loving care. Danyll R. Van Lierop Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Come to terms with eating preferences

Re: The recent exchange of letters involving vegetarians versus meat eaters. The only thing I hate to see butchered is the English language. I eat meat, plants and vegetables and I am an omnivore. I resent the implication that I am a carnivore. John C. Mundy Spokane

Program turns back on disadvantaged

I was disturbed to read the Jan. 11 article about the new WorkFirst program that was headlined, “Hundreds of welfare families simply gone.” What disturbed me was the lack of analysis and compassion that characterized the article.

Carl McMinimy, an administrator for the state Department of Social and Health Services, is quoted as saying that the disappearance of poor families from the communities surrounding Colville is “an indicator that WorkFirst is on the right track.”

I believe the proponents of the WorkFirst program should definitely share their definition of “the right track” with the rest of the public. If it involves pulling children away from their schools and communities because their parents are forced to search for “more fertile job markets,” I believe the public has been misled on the realities of Washington’s welfare “reform.” The very premise of a government turning its back on the disadvantaged and thereby forcing the migration of hundreds of families seems more at home in the landscapes of the Third World than in the “home of the free and the land of the brave.” Daniel J. Rinehart Spokane

Plans endanger forest reserves

The Forest Service and administration are crafting a roadless area policy to end road construction in roadless areas. This moratorium would end road building in roadless areas greater than 5,000 acres but would still allow logging.

A panel of renowned scientists recommend protecting all roadless areas over 1,000 acres. Without ending logging and road building in all roadless areas, important recreation areas, ecological strongholds for fish and wildlife habitat and water quality will continue to be at great risk.

Well-loved roadless areas in the president’s Northwest Forest Plan forests, which include western Oregon, western Washington and Northern California forests, as well as the Wenatchee National Forest and a portion of the Okanogan National Forest, are not part of the proposed road building moratorium. Neither are the vast roadless lands of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. This is outrageous!

President Roosevelt created forest reserves (national forest lands) because he felt doing so was important to protecting water quality and preserving forests for future generations. This opportunity to protect our most pristine lands for future generations must not be missed.

Don’t let the timber industry fool you. Only 5 percent of the timber sale program for fiscal year 1998-99 is planned in roadless areas. Ask Sen. Patty Murray (446-4806) and Vice President Al Gore (202-456-2326) to ensure that all our roadless lands get immediate protection from logging and roads building. Anne Martin Republic, Wash.

Skiing in heaven cartoon a good one

I disagree with Connie Anderson’s critique of Milt Priggee’s cartoon on Jan. 15 that showed Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono skiing in heaven. She called it “sick, sick, sick.” I saw it as sweetly sad and rather poignant. Depicted are two well-known men who tragically lost their lives in accidents. But now they’re in heaven, still having a good time.

Cartoons aren’t always meant to be funny. Some are intended to make one think or feel. I don’t always agree with Priggee, but this drawing was right-on. Lucille L. Hinch Spokane

Super carrier not first, oldest

A short article appeared recently that told of the arrival of the carrier U.S.S. Kitty Hawk in Bremerton. The article further stated that the Kitty Hawk was the Navy’s first and oldest “super carrier.”

That distinction belongs to the U.S.S. Forrestal (CV-59), followed by sister ships Saratoga (CV-60), Ranger (CV-61) and Independence (CV-62). The Kitty Hawk (CV-63) was, however, the first with the revised flight deck arrangement still used by all subsequent super carriers. David A. McChesney Spokane