Letters To The Editor

FORESTS

Editorial lays blame in wrong place

In his editorial of August 3, “Take advice from Mother Nature,” John Webster says “Forest managers treat trees like wheat, growing vast, even-aged expanses of the same species, dense-packed in thickets perfect for disease and fire.” That’s a good description of lodgepole pine, the dominant species in the mountainous Inland Empire, but the forest managers didn’t create those thickets, nature did. In fact, the political and religious groups who call themselves environmentalists kept forest managers from doing something about the situation.

After a fire, lodgepole pine grows up in dense, even-age stands. At age 80-100, it starts dying and the cycle of fire and even-aged stands continues.

The only way to break the cycle is to remove the lodgepole and replant with other species. The Forest Service tried to do that, but was blocked by lawsuits, appeals, and political pressure from self-styled environmentalist groups.

These groups claim to believe in what amounts to faith healing - that if left alone nature will arrive at a harmonious balance - despite overwhelming evidence that it isn’t true. But for most members, that’s simply an excuse to eliminate forest management, which they find unsightly. They figure that if it burns, it burns. They’ll just go somewhere else for their hikes or camping.

We know who is to blame for the fires, and it isn’t just the Forest Service. Mari Lynne Spokane

LAW AND JUSTICE

Environmentalists jailed for beliefs

Jennifer Prichard and Peggy Sue McRae are serving 90-day sentences for participating in road blockades in protest of the Cove-Mallard timber sales. Another activist, Erik Ryberg, did 60 days, allegedly for interfering with a law enforcement vehicle that was trespassing on private land. Other Cove-Mallard activists were recently cited on federal charges, though many have already served sentences handed down by the state for the same action.

While I agree that many of these people did violate laws, I contend that the severity of the sentences indicates that these people are being imprisoned for their political beliefs, not the actual crime for which they were charged.

As proof I cite the lenient sentences given to violent criminals convicted of attacking environmental activists, or people they believed to be environmental activists.

Donald Allen Cooper did 32 days for savagely attacking activist Steve Paulsen last summer. Paulsen sustained a broken rib, among other injures. A pubescent gang of Kooskia thugs attacked a middle-aged couple on vacation from Oregon whom they believed were Earth Firsters. The attack scared the hell out of the people and did considerable damage to their vehicle. The attackers were sentenced to a weekend of house arrest.

Activists jailed for their roles in Cove-Mallard actions are political prisoners in the truest sense of the term. The steady flow of ALF activists into and out of jail, without being so much as charged with a crime, is blatant evidence that our government is still in the business of jailing people for their political beliefs. Wade Gruhl Moscow, Idaho

Legalizing drugs is bad idea

Does it come to anyone’s surprise that soon after our surgeon general advocates the legalization of drugs, her own son is convicted of selling crack cocaine?

While our society has made strong advances toward educating the public on the dangers of drugs, along comes some blind scribes who want to legitimize drug use. Why not? They can afford to build high walls around their ivory towers, flee from the effects of their foolish ideas on the rest of us.

Many years ago I asked someone in the Air Force about the availability of marijuana in Okinawa, where he was stationed. He said there wasn’t any because “a joint gets you a year in a Japanese jail.”

It has been the liberalization of drug laws that has gotten many of our city streets to the point of anarchy. And now, to borrow an old Pete Seeger line, “We’re knee-deep in the Big Muddy, the big fool(s) say to push on.” Stephen P. Combs Spokane

Drug court is a great idea

Of all the local news that I missed while on vacation, none seemed more important than the July 4 report concerning local efforts to establish a “drug court.”

The proposed drug court’s straightforward “tough love” is exactly what is needed to deal effectively with what is rapidly becoming the No. 1 threat to our society.

I commend Judge Richard White and Sheriff Larry Erickson for spearheading local efforts to establish a Spokane Drug Court. I urge community leaders to endorse this innovative program and provide the resources necessary to support this vital part of our community’s war on drugs. John T. Powers Jr. Spokane

SPOKANE MATTERS

Police department `out of control’

The Spokane Police Department is out of control. It has compounded a serious problem (that of the Gypsy lawsuit) by taking on the deep pockets of CBS. How? It initiated yet another ill-advised search and seizure. I live in the City of Spokane and have little to say about its flaws, but this latest action could be indicative of what Chief Terry Mangan holds in store for the county. His protege, Mark Sterk, is his choice to be sheriff of Spokane County.

The residents of Spokane County would be well advised to study the records of all the candidates and question the motives of those who sponsor them. Joanne Austin Spokane

Terry should make like Dirty Harry

I fully support Spokane Police Chief Terry Mangan’s aggressive behavior toward the 19-year-old man who flipped him off last month.

Mangan, however, should have added four more words in his verbal attack: “Make my day, punk.” Mike Forster Spokane

Make that an indefinite suspension

In regard to Police Chief Terry Mangan suspending himself, I would have really been impressed if he had fired himself. Evelyn Knight Spokane

Time out example a good one

I would like to applaud Chief Terry Mangan’s decision to place himself in “time out” for using strong language. I occasionally have to put my 2-year-old in time out for using strong language, and with stunning results.

(Dr. Terry) Brazelton will be happy to hear that, by using time out, I have stumbled onto the cutting edge of parenting. Disciplinary nirvana. After a couple months of time out, now when our daughter has a screaming fit, she admonishes herself with the words, “no screaming.” She then walks into the hall sobbing and sits down, and through her weeping tells herself “time out, time out.” She keeps herself there until she feels better.

I felt this was such an innovation in correcting aberrant behavior that we should try to bottle it and sell it. When I saw the chief of police had placed himself in time out for using strong language, I knew we were really onto something.

If consistently using time out results in the individuals becoming accountable for their own behavior, think of the possibilities! Judges, for example, could place criminals in time out rather than jail. We could be building time out boxes downtown. What a cost savings!

Dare we imagine the despondent crack dealer fed up with his ways who could someday place himself in time out and return to society two minutes later, ready to look for a job?

White collar criminals would have an even better chance to repent for their unscrupulous behavior. There’s always a hallway nearby. The power of time out should not be underestimated! If it works for the chief of police, it can work for the rest of us, too. David Driscoll Spokane

Call his parents, send him home

Only in Spokane - where else?

The chief of police screws up and gets to choose his own punishment. Some people say that Spokane is an overgrown cow town, but they’re wrong. It is like a junior high school, only in a junior high school the parents would be called. Let’s call his parents and send him home. Michaela Morgan Spokane Let’s clarify emission test rules

The emission check program in Spokane does not require motorists to pay $450 if their vehicle fails the emissions test, as articles have recently implied.

First, it’s important to remember the program applies only to 1981 and newer vehicles. Recent model year vehicles are covered for emission work by warranty.

Most importantly, when a vehicle fails, it usually costs less to repair it than the current waiver limit, which is $150. In other words, if you have to spend $150 to fix the emission system, you may receive a waiver from further requirements.

Next year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that waiver amount to increase to $450. Again, if your emission system can be repaired for $50, you will still pass the retest. If you spend $450 and it still doesn’t pass, you will receive a waiver. The waiver system is designed to protect lower-income people from the burden of higher-cost repairs. Even with the waiver system, the emission check program reduces carbon monoxide pollution by 20 percent.

In Spokane we are still exceeding the federal healthbased standard for carbon monoxide. It is true that the emission check program is changing in the next year and a half because of our stubborn carbon monoxide problem. A public workshop is planned for August 24, 7 p.m., at the Spokane Public Health Building to discuss the changes. Jani Gilbert Department of Ecology, Spokane Manns exemplify love, giving

Thank you for featuring Paul and Janet Mann and their group home on Aug. 4.

My family has known the Manns for a number of years: Janet and Paul are truly special people. It’s always an exciting day when the Manns arrive at a school event with a new baby - and many Saint George’s students have learned how to love and care for a small child by helping entertain these little ones.

The Manns have set an outstanding example of individual selflessness and have inspired admiration in those of us who know and love them. While not everyone has the financial means to do as they have done, we all have time and love to give to those in need. Laurie Longinotti Spokane

Speak up about Mount Spokane

As many of you know, the September deadline for the decision involving recreation on Mount Spokane is drawing near.

What does this mean? Some outdoor recreational activities such as Alpine skiing, nordic skiing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, picnicking or huckleberry picking may be severely restricted or eliminated.

Your public support at the final public hearing with Washington State Parks and Recreation on Aug. 9 can make a difference.

Mount Spokane State Park belongs to the people of Spokane. Don’t let the western side of Washington dictate to us how we are to enjoy it. Reba Hendrix Spokane

SMOKING

Companies employ smokescreen

Is it a surprise to anyone that the tobacco industry is suing the state of Washington and the Department of Labor and Industries over their recent decision to eliminate tobacco smoke in office workplaces? This is one more attempt to muddy the waters; one more maneuver to delay the outcome they are dreading.

If you think this tobacco industry lawsuit is to protect the rights of smokers, you are being misled. Their real interest is recruiting more young people to smoke because of the enormous profit. This is easy to understand when you realize it only costs 11 cents to produce a pack of cigarettes.

The Department of Labor and Industries protects workers from asbestos, a class A carcinogen. Why should L&I not develop rules to protect workers from the threat of environmental smoke - also a class A carcinogen?

The tobacco industry says there is no proof that environmental tobacco smoke kills. The truth is, numerous independent scientific studies tell us differently, beginning with the surgeon general’s 1986 report. It is estimated that 53,000 people die every year from secondhand smoke. This doesn’t include the hundreds of thousands who daily suffer increased chest infections, colds, headaches, ear infections, burning red eyes and even nausea from exposure to secondhand smoke.

The tobacco industry would like us to believe that smoke knows how to stay in the “smoking section.” This is the same industry that says nicotine is not addictive. Who is really blowing smoke? Yvonne Bucklin, regional director American Lung Association of Washington

Anti-smokers go too far

I am responding to the letter to the editor of Aug. 5 by Christine Boschert, “Ban Smoking in Restaurants.”

I have never been a smoker, but I have many friends who are smokers. The attitude of many nonsmokers “we don’t do what they do, so they are wrong and should be eliminated from our sight” has reared it’s ugly head in many minority situations in the past. I had really hoped we as a people had learned from them.

If we were to show smokers just a little compassion, they would probably not feel the need to demand the right to smoke in our presence. Most smokers I know are very considerate as far as smoking around me, and I don’t think they deserve the constant belittling they have received. I think if we ease up on them, they will repay in kind.

I applaud the businesses that have made accommodations for ALL their potential customers and will repay them by visiting those establishments whenever possible. I encourage others to do the same. Katherine Emerson Spokane

PRIGGEE

Enough of ignorance about movement

Milt Priggee’s Aug. 2 cartoon says that the Christian right is responsible for the murder of the abortion doctor in Florida. As a member of the Christian right, I most vehemently object! This brutal murder is in no way in accordance with my beliefs.

The pro-life Christians I know believe all life is sacred, and no one has the right to take a person’s life but God. The pro-life Christians I know may peacefully demonstrate and pray at an abortion office, but we would never condone violence of any kind.

To thoughtlessly lump a lunatic who calls himself a Christian with the rest of conservative Christianity is ludicrous. David Koresh and his followers called themselves Christians, but no reporter with half a brain would say the Branch Davidians are no different than other Christians.

When will the media see that the Christian right isn’t populated by screaming, hateful fanatics? Every movement has its fringe element; the pro-life movement is no exception. I ask Priggee and the rest of the media to show a more balanced view of the movement. For every lunatic who promotes violence in the cause, thousands “fight” peacefully through prayer and the law.

I wonder if Priggee even knows a member of the Christian right. If he were to meet a few of us, he would see we are just ordinary people who are passionate about leading lives in accordance with God’s spirit. Maybe it would open his eyes to what the Christian right is - and is not. Kris Rudin Spokane Cartoon was a hate crime

Milt Priggee’s cartoon of Aug. 2, condemning all Christians for the actions of one is essentially a hate crime and should be treated and prosecuted accordingly. Tom Frisque Usk, Wash.

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

Seek truth from right wing sources

Violent crime is six times more common in America today than in 1960. There are over five times more illegitimate births. The divorces rate has quadrupled and the teenage suicide rate has tripled. SAT scores have dropped 80 points. A child is three times as likely to be living in a single-parent home.

These are a few facts taken from William R. Bennett’s “Index of Leading Cultural Indicators.” They indicate something is seriously wrong with America.

These problems cannot be solved by politically correct pork barrel projects. There is a great need to rebuild our culture on the foundation of the Judeo-Christian values upon which our great country was founded and flourished for so many years. What can you do?

Start by reading Bennett’s “The Book of Virtues.” Become informed but don’t depend on network TV and newspapers to bring you the truth - in many cases, they don’t. Seek the truth from alternative sources - Rush Limbaugh, Paul Harvey, G. Gordon Liddy and others. Read the literature from The American Family Association and Focus on the Family. Then tell your legislators - local, state and federal - that you are tired of having our morals and freedoms eroded by legislation that is contrary to true American principles. Kenneth D. Rhudy Spokane