Letters To The Editor
PEOPLE IN SOCIETY
Regulation not the answer
Concerning “Public schools are no place for Christian crusades,” (Our Generation, March 22): Philosophically speaking, by excluding religious practices in schools, one begins to endorse precepts of atheism. Having done such, this persuasion would need to be eliminated by allowing religious expression - a merrygo-round of futility.
To me, the primary objective for schools of higher learning is to educate individuals by equipping them with skills; working, coping, social and thinking. Grade schools are extensions of parents, protecting and educating kids. By college, many have become responsible for themselves, not making schools responsible for their needs.
If someone gets cornered by crusading Christians, it is a learning experience. Appealing to the school to make it stop doesn’t stop the next salesman - be it dope, Amway or Hare Krishna. Learn to say no! If someone doesn’t respect a no from me, they are not the quality of person I desire to associate with.
If one is convinced or bludgeoned into believing other people’s beliefs, then they haven’t learned to be responsible for themselves or think for themselves. If we just parrot the thoughts of others, what value was our education?
Look at the alternative. There are individuals who seek attention. In my generation it was through cars, smoking and sports. In another generation it is drugs, dress or talk. Now we’ve added religion, DARE and abstinence.
Let’s keep the options open, especially those that can create learning and social change. Ron Erickson Spokane
Confrontation, violence not best
I never dreamed I would agree with anyone involved in the abortion industry, but I find my beliefs echoing Sandra Meichers’ (“Good sense, decency prevailed,” Letters, March 14).
There should not be violence at abortion clinics. Not here, not anywhere.
First, picketing and threatening clinics has done nothing to decrease the number of abortions performed, which is what we as Christians pray for. Instead, it only casts a shadow over our beliefs and distances us from those who need to hear the word of God.
By the time women walk past our picket lines, they’re already pregnant, so let’s start there. Statistics prove that low self-esteem and sexual promiscuity go hand in hand. Opening our churches, homes and arms to young people and teaching them that love and sex aren’t the same thing will prevent more teen pregnancies. It’s ok to say no, but if they don’t, let’s educate them with information on birth control.
God gave us free will. We aren’t responsible for the choices of others. So do what you can, then walk away and pray a lot. Giving it to God will do a lot more than any picket sign ever has. Michael Davey Alegria Spokane
We ignore wages of sin
Why are the media and the general public canonizing Greg Louganis for shameful behavior that resulted in his contracting, and possibly spreading, the AIDS virus? Are we to believe that if you are a well-known homosexual athlete and get AIDS as a result of your homosexuality, you suddenly become worthy of sainthood?
And what about Magic Johnson? His infidelity to his wife resulted in his HIV status, yet somehow he became even more of a celebrity.
Both of these men profited financially from their illness through books and interviews, yet did either of them publicly apologize for the risk they have put others at, let alone for the behavior that led to their contracting HIV to start with?
It seems so twisted that famous homosexual or unfaithful athletes are put on a pedestal because they got AIDS, while an ordinary mortal who develops lung cancer or emphysema from smoking is looked upon as some sort of low life who is worthy only of constant harassment for his behavior. I’ve yet to hear words of sympathy or lofty adulation for the hacking, coughing cigarette smoker who is just as doomed to die and is just as miserable as any AIDS victim.
Most cases of AIDS or lung cancer are preventable through abstinence - AIDS through abstinence from immoral sex or illegal drug use, and lung cancer through abstinence from smoking - so I certainly don’t understand the difference in the level of sympathy accorded.
Maybe someone can enlighten me. Edward B. Hanson Spokane
Act of kindness appreciated
When bombarded by stories of violent, unruly young people day after day, we sometimes forget there are still many decent wonderful young adults in the Spokane area.
My 76-year-old mother was visiting from Nebraska and had taken a walk to shop near our home on the South Hill. When returning, she was caught in a downpour accompanied by high winds. Two young girls - between 18 and 20 years old - passed her in the opposite direction, turned around, pulled up beside her and offered her a ride home. When she hesitated, one said, “Don’t be afraid; it’s safe. We just want to help.” They drove my mother home and went on their way with a thank you.
As fairly new residents in Spokane, we were once again reminded why we enjoy living here. Steve Parker Spokane
IN THE PUBLIC EYE
Governor set sorry example
Well, Mike, you’ve done it again. Not only have you violated the dignity of female employees, you’ve skyrocketed the role model “exemplification” of the state’s highest elected office, adding more fuel to the ever growing popular belief that some politicians are nothing more than self-centered, insensitive individuals who get a power rush by demeaning those around them.
The following reads like a lurid romance novel: “Held her close and touched her buttocks;” “running his hands down her leg” “touched her neck, the side of her breasts and her buttocks.” Wake up, folks, these are the actions of your governor. These actions are aimed at employees, not consenting adults.
This issue goes way beyond inappropriate touching. The silent message the governor is sending bosses and supervisors is that it’s OK to treat your female employees like they are nothing but breasts, buttocks and long, shapely legs. Never mind human rights and that women are living, feeling, breathing human beings.
If you don’t like it, Ms. employee -the message continues- then I’ll get angry and intimidate you with my wrath, adding mental harassment to your workplace woes. Quit if you want, stay if you want, Ms. employee. It doesn’t matter because I am the boss and will find another victim to mentally harass who can’t afford to quit her job.
So, Mike, keep your hands to yourself or spread your gregarious way-to-go teamwork expressions by groping the breasts, buttocks and legs of your male employees, too. Robert Wilkinson Spokane
IN WASHINGTON STATE
Legislators stick it to teachers
My face has become a bit numb over the years from the slaps provided by the state Legislature, but it’s still stinging from the latest Republican House budget proposal.
The House provides a paltry $100 flat increase for the first year and nothing the next. Included in the package is a reduction of $32 from our health care package. After a wage freeze for the last two and a half years and this proposed $68 net increase for the next two years, this budget is a slap in the face to every hard-working teacher in the state. Is it possible the House thinks every teacher has been immune to inflation over the past two years or will be over the next?
Among many other hurtful proposals included in the House budget is an ill-conceived idea to link school funding to student attendance instead of enrollment. The potential cost of this measure has yet to be determined but it will surely hurt only those who do attend rather than those who do not. This idea underscores the absurdity of non-educators making educational policy.
I wonder if Kaiser, IBM, Boeing or any other business would turn policy making for their company over to publicly elected officials? That is what is happening in this state.
The disrespect for the students and those who work tirelessly to prepare them for the future is distressing. Marty Robinette Spokane
Put kids ahead of tax incentives
As a lifelong resident of Washington state, I take great pride in the state’s beauty.
As I’ve grown older, raised a family and met new people, I have also been impressed by how this great state of ours has done its best to shield residents from the strain of recession. Hearing stories from friends and family about how other states were failing to care for the oppressed in their communities only furthered my pride in Washington state.
A few months ago, I got the message from the federal level that many programs that supply a safety net for the oppressed in our own community are in jeopardy. What I didn’t prepare myself for was what our own House of Representatives had brewing behind closed doors.
Every one of the proposed cuts, except maybe one, is directed at the children of our community - abused children, economically disadvantaged children and countless unborn children. All this for a tax incentive?
It’s not a matter of balancing the budget, not even because of a block grant having been spread so thin that these programs just fall by the wayside. It’s just for incentive.
I’m not looking to a politician to restore my sense of pride. I am looking to the citizens of Spokane to send that message right back where it came from. We will not sacrifice our children for the benefit of a tax incentive.
Call, write or make a bumper sticker, but don’t sit back and take this kind of misuse of government. Patty Dimico Spokane
HELPING WITH LUNCH
Day care funding modest, necessary
After reading recent letters about proposed cuts for licensed day care, I wish to clarify a few points.
The proposed federal legislation is complicated. The block grant that day cares share with WIC, summer food, homeless preschool and special milk represents a huge cut. In the grant, 80 percent goes directly to WIC. Remaining programs fight for reduced and limited funds.
Twenty percent in the block grant left to cover these programs is allowed to float to other block grants. Technically, no child in day care would receive subsidy.
There is a myth in our society that women work just to fulfill a career desire. All the married mothers using my day care work to supplement their husband’s income, to pay the mortgage and to for quality health care coverage. Single mothers work just to make ends meet.
The existing system guarantees children get USDA approved, nutritional meals. Funding is minimal and usually doesn’t cover the meals’ cost.
The bottom line is, children deserve the best start. Parents’ income does not guarantee these children will receive the nutrients they need.
Subsidized farmers do not have means testing. Tobacco companies will receive $5.6 billion to subsidize their advertising this year. We spend $225 billion on corporate welfare a year. Republicans want to repeal the minimum corporate tax. In the early ‘80s, AT&T paid no tax.
Who do Republicans care about? If you want to pay for tobacco advertising and not 44 cents towards a nutritious meal for a child in day care, you elected the right people. Shannon Selland Spokane
Lunch aid critic has it all wrong
As a licensed day care provider in the state of Washington, I must respond to Jim White’s letter (“Help needy, not freeloaders”) of March 24.
The fact is that all licensed providers have the option to join the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
This program ensures that all children in day care
receive nutritious meals and snacks while in care. The money for this program goes to the provider, to help defer the cost of meals already served. The amounts are small: 50 cents per child per day for snacks and $1.50 per child per day for meals. Menus are submitted one month after they are served and must meet strict guidelines.
The income of the child’s parents is not an issue. The amount received helps provide fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and milk for all the children in care, not for “greens fees,” as he would have you believe.
Without this program, every child in day care suffers. All their parents are taxpayers! Jayne Pederson Spokane
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Hopeful signs in other Washington
The Nov. 8 revolution continues.
Good ideas, from Republicans and Democrats alike, suppressed for so many years by the old bulls of past Congresses, are now finally being debated on the floors of the House and Senate and working their way into law, with one-third of Congressional Democrats generally joining the Republicans.
To stem the tidal waves of red ink that threaten the nation’s future, entire marginal departments and agencies must be a abolished.
Reps. Rob Andrews and Bill Zeliff plan to reintroduce their A to Z bill, to allow every member to propose cutting any federal program and to get a debate and a vote on each proposal.
Even the simplest proposal must work its way through multiple committees and get leadership approval before a final vote.
In 1993-94 we saw the sorry spectacle of 535 men and women, each making $130,000 per year, taking two full years to update a law as simple as the nanny tax, which required quarterly reporting to IRS when baby sitters and household helpers earned $50 over three months. When several of President Clinton’s nominees were derailed early in 1993 for violating this law, bills were introduced to modernize it. Congress finally, at the end of 1994, changed the $50 quarterly to $1,000 annually.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich plans a monthly “corrections day” to change or repeal laws and regulations - “dumb things the federal government does” - like the nanny tax. Another excellent idea from Speaker Gingrich. We need this at every level of government. Don Peters Spokane
Let rich liberals fund arts
How too, too quaint of overpaid millionaires of the likes of Garth Brooks, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Tony Randall to fly to Washington to tell Congress how vitally necessary it is that hard-pressed taxpayers - other people - continue to fund “the arts” with borrowed federal dollars.
Those rich liberal Democrats, and dozens of others similarly endowed, should consider becoming true voluntary patrons of the arts. With their own personal wealth, without even breaking a sweat, they could finance all the pornographic, obscene, anti-Christian, homoerotic stage performers and graphic displays they consider necessary to “keep the arts alive,” as Garth puts it.
Citizens who object to being compelled by their government to pay for “art” that they consider morally reprehensible and socially destructive could then be relieved of at least that category of government-initiated insult.
Moreover, completely overlooked during all the recent hand-wringing over the fate of the National Endowment for the Arts is the fundamental fact that the federal government has no authority under the U.S. Constitution to commandeer private property and spend it for such a purpose. Leonard C. Johnson Troy, Idaho
Retain Davis-Bacon protection
Our legislators will soon vote on a bill to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act of S141 and HR500.
The Davis-Bacon Act, also known as the prevailing wage law, preserves local area wages and labor standards in the process of letting contracts for federal construction work.
Many of our legislators - Reps. Doc Hastings and George Nethercutt, for example - believe lowering wages will give some companies an opportunity to compete on projects they otherwise could not. Common sense tells us all companies use the same wage rate to compute their bids.
What is inflated? In the 1950s, it cost $50 for a doctor’s prenatal care and $100 for a five-day stay in the hospital. Today, the same service would cost between $10,000 and $20,000. In the ‘50s, the average home cost between $15,000 and $20,000. Today, the price has inflated to between $100,000 and $150,000.
We all experience where the inflation is when we purchase anything. In the ‘50s, one could buy a home and pay the expenses of raising a family on one paycheck. Today, it takes two paychecks to accomplish the same thing. Inflated wages?
If the Davis-Bacon Act is repealed, wages in this country will decline on a downward spiral until they reach maybe minimum wage. Middle class America will disappear and we will become a state of the rich and the poor.
Please urge your congress members to oppose the repeal of the Davis-Bacon Act. Barbara Black Pasco