Letters To The Editor

Past heroes not judged by lifestyles

When I was 16, baseball was the national treasure. Then heroes tended to be larger than life and beyond reach: JFK, Marilyn, The Duke, or rock n’ roll. That was 1961. Much has changed since then, as many of our icons have died from the stress of trying to be too perfect in a molded society.

In this New Apologist Age, we’re supposed to discard such heros as Mantle or (Jerry) Garcia because they enjoyed a much too independent lifestyle - one beyond our common reach (isn’t that what makes them stars?). The current national penchant for self-moralizing has made us boring and predictable.

Today, when sports egos and owners turn their backs (and in some cases their fingers) against the fans, one can only reminisce about when sports were played for the game, not the greed; and, when individuals were judged by the importance of their deeds, and not their lifestyles.

During a year when I made a vow not to attend, watch or read about baseball, I can still proudly stand and raise a cheer for Mickey … it was great knowing you! Mike Archer Spokane

Landers misses mark

Regarding Rich Landers’ slightly slanted article on Thursday, Aug. 17 (“Political wackos show true colors in hunting debate”): Your personal true colors were very apparent. You wrote of a judge who ruled on a case which involved a not-so-“bright” hunter. This judge made the only ruling he could have. Unless, Mr. Landers, you believe that the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission should have the power to enact and enforce whatever laws they please. You see, I think the legislative branch of our state government might be a better place to go about enacting our state laws.

One of the greatest things about we, as you put it, “right-wing wackos,” is that we believe in personal responsibility. If a survey were taken of all the hunters in this state, liberal and conservative alike, I think you would find a greater percentage of us wackos wearing the orange clothing. I just don’t think that a lot of tax money needs to be spent for me to be prudent.

Mr. Landers, you write of the tragic deaths that occurred last fall in North Idaho. Sir, if you really do feel so strong about this issue, then do something constructive about it. You need to help the state author this law, get the support you need and take it to our legislature (that’s the group of elected officials you referred to as wimps). Just don’t use the media to cry about the big mean conservatives. After all, most of us are much like yourself, with a different outlook on politics and government control. James B. Trull Spokane

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