Letters To The Editor

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Don’t dodge EPA findings

Re: “Mayor opposes EPA pollution study,” (March 4).

The mayor of Couer d’Alene seems to be terribly concerned about the city’s image. I wonder what message is being sent when the city seems to be more interested in attracting tourists than in the health and welfare of its denizens.

The mayor reminds me of a sick man who is afraid to go the doctor because he is afraid of the diagnosis. If the lake deserves a clean bill of health, wonderful! If not, fix it.

Mike F. Rodden Priest River

Media have odd way of applauding

Editorial writer D.F. Oliveria has a short memory. I refer to his comment that “we (the media) do our best to expose them (white supremacists) and to applaud local human rights activists.”

The last major “local human rights activity” in Coeur d’Alene was a meeting at the Coeur d’Alene Inn. Over 350 people came to this event to hear local people speak and to proclaim that all people are welcome to live in and visit North Idaho.

Richard Butler, of course, rallied his troops (all nine of them, including children) outside and staged an “arrest” for the media. Given the imbalance - 350 people for an event that was hardly advertised vs. nine people after Butler sounded the alarm - how did the media “applaud local human rights activities?”

The “Good Paper” ran a front page, full-color photo of Butler being arrested with a headline that read, “Aryans protest CdA summit against racism.”

Is the media solely to blame for our area’s image? Of course not. State and local politicians, as well as local people, could and should be more vocal in denouncing racism and the media could portray a more balanced picture about just how insignificant this movement is in our community. It does none of us any good for any one faction to be claiming innocence, while pointing a finger at others. We should all share the blame and the responsibility for fixing the problem. Tom J. Richards Coeur d’Alene

Do close those forest roads

Re: “County turns to old law to preserve forest roads,” (Feb. 24).

I was a homeowner in Idaho for seven years and am very familiar with the beautiful Spokane River. I support the closure of the roads within the forests. Patricia L. Seaman Sacramento, Calif.

Chenoweth favors special interests

It may be rare for members of Congress to lobby or put pressure on state legislatures. But in Helen Chenoweth’s case, it isn’t surprising. Especially as it concerns abortion, and Chenoweth wants to show her religious colors.

I think she needs to butt out of legislative affairs and begin to think in terms of representing all citizens of Idaho - not its special interest lobbyists.

Otherwise she, like the members of Idaho Legislature she has been pressuring, can find their terms limited at the voting booth. Chenoweth claimed to be running for a limited government and be a true representative of the people. So far, she hasn’t kept her word. Joan E. Harman Coeur d’Alene

Photo lent welcome balance to news

I truly enjoyed the front page photo of Alexander Long (Feb. 26). It was his fifth birthday and he was saying a special prayer as he kneeled backwards in the church pew. It was such a refreshing change from the usual news of late - rape, murder and someone stealing the statue of the Bloomsday runner.

Thank you for printing Alexander’s birthday photo. It helps us to realize there are many, simple, special events going on in our lives. Gene M. Baker Tekoa, Wash.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Christian beliefs deserve no precedence

Re: “Post Falls parents push creationism,” (Feb. 22). OK, so Christian scientists create this elaborate theory of how “god” created the universe. Then I, as an atheist, start teaching my views, which set “god” as a power hungry guy similar to Hitler.

If you can do that in schools in your area, I can do it in mine. You teach yours in science, I’ll teach mine in history. The reason we do not teach religion in schools is because people have different religious beliefs.

I know if anyone started to teach my atheist kids religion, I would go in and start bashing legs. How would you like it if I went in and taught your kids devil worship?

That is the same to you as if someone went to my kids and started implanting the “god loves you” statement in their heads. Robert F. Windemuller Colorado Springs

Evolution is also a religion

Re: “Post Falls parents push creationism.” Darwinism, or evolution, is being taught as fact, not a theory. It is just as much a “religion” as Christianity. Therefore, creationism should be taught also.

The student should be given both sides of the issues if he is to be able to decide what he believes. If he has been taught evolution, as it is presented in every documentary on the Discovery Channel, PBS, etc., he has missed hearing another idea, one that takes less imagination and creativity, granted, but another side of the issue.

I believe our children need to have all the facts. Shirley V. Hethorn Oldtown, Idaho

Mention creationism, don’t teach it

Re: “Post Falls parents push creationism.” Of course creationism should be mentioned in social studies class as something that a lot of people believe, but as far as teaching it as part of a science or history curriculum, it is clearly the wrong thing to do. What’s more, it will put the students at a severe disadvantage to the majority of kids who are taught hard science. Dennis R. Higgins Kent, Wash.

History should not be discarded

Re: “History may be history,” (Feb. 13).

There are too many adults who are functionally illiterate. It is essential that people be exposed to the past and present as well know the world they live in, in order to participate in life in the world today. Peggy McCoy Spokane

Idaho’s in a race for last place

Re: “History may be history,” (Feb. 13). Idaho will continue to give Mississippi a run for its money for the lowest academic standards in the nation with this kind of mentality. Alan J. Kathrens Nine Mile Falls

Enough’s enough - meaning no

Whoever said what goes up must come down obviously never paid Mead School District taxes. Another school bond in about five years - wow!

I just received a humdinger of an increase, $187, in property taxes. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it does erode disposable income faster than El Nino can do to oceanside property in Los Angeles.

The levy rate went down but did the tax go down? No sir. To offset the lower rate, they raised the value of my home $13,800, thereby ensuring there will be no deduction in taxes. They get you one way or another.

We have supported the district since 1979. Our children never went to these schools, since they were out of high school when we moved here. Local school taxes since 1993 for my property have inched up an average of approximately $54 per year to the present level of $647. I others are in same dire straits.

It’s high time for the school board, administrators, et al, learn to live on less-generous handouts and budget themselves like the rest of us. Kids, being kids, will adapt to lesser programs, crowded schools and outdated computers, just as legions have done before them. My vote for this issue is no. Carlo J. Ferraro Spokane

Mead schools are a bargain

A yes vote Tuesday for the Mead School District levy and bond will continue the history of commitment district patrons have made to students. This commitment has played a significant role in providing educational excellence.

The future quality of the classroom, both educationally and physically, will continue to be a great value to students, parents and taxpayers.

My belief in this value is based on my three school-age children and prior experience with public education in Iowa. Iowans take great pride in their school systems and do produce an excellent product. However, the cost to taxpayers is great. Iowans accept that because they believe it is a priority.

Mead Schools deliver the same quality education but at tax rates substantially lower. We are experiencing an educational bargain. With the proposed facility upgrades, the bargain will be even greater.

As a Citizens Planning Committee member, I have evaluated needs and costs firsthand. I’m convinced this project is financially prudent and of utmost importance in meeting students’ present and future needs. Let’s continue to commit to this level of excellence for our children. It is a matter of priority! Richard Fink Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Uninsured and flying paraglider?

Call me cold and callous, but I have little sympathy for Jeff Ames, the world-class paraglider from Valley, Wash., who crashed in Mexico Feb 12. (Doug Clark column, Feb. 26).

It’s tough enough for most of us unadventurous folks to maintain health insurance. But lots of us do to minimize the extraordinarily high cost of health care, should we need to use the system.

Ames is surely a very tough man to survive the fall and trip to the hospital. He is also a very stupid man to engage in such a dangerous lifestyle with no health or accident insurance. Rick Harlow Cataldo, Idaho

Thanks for story about pilot brother

Re: “Pilot died doing what he loved,” (Feb. 28).

I just read your story and am very grateful. George Freije was the oldest of my nine brothers and I last saw him at my mother’s funeral in 1996. He died doing what he loved best.

Delores (Freije) McCown Grand Prairie, Texas Tragedy was close call for others Re: Pilot died doing what he loved,” (Feb. 28). This was truly a tragedy. My folks live just one block from the accident and my father was one of the first people on the scene. My mom still was sleeping in bed. While my prayers go out for those who perished, I think what could have happened if that plane landed on my parents’ home. Terry E. Berg Kent, Wash.

Don’t judge plane, pilots harshly

Re: “Two men killed in crash were respected pilots,” (Feb. 27). This wreck was, of course, a tragedy. I didn’t know either of the men, but from reports I’ve seen, they were highly respected and skilled aviators, and obviously loved by many.

It is, however, unfortunate that so much emphasis is being put on the fact that they were in an “experimental” aircraft.

People not familiar with these planes may get the wrong impression that they are cheap, poorly designed and built “jalopies,” thrown together in one’s spare time. In fact, the model of plane that crashed has been flying for years with few problems. It’s widely recognized as a beautiful example of performance and design.

Those who knew the builder attributed great skill and expertise to his assembly. Most plane crashes are attributed to pilot error. If the NTSB determines this incident was caused by pilot error, it’s not a condemnation of the men, their plane or even their flying skill. Everyone makes mistakes. Hopefully, this accident will reveal facts that may help save lives in the future.

These men left while doing something they loved. God’s comfort to their families and friends. Gerry O. Caesar Spokane