Letters To The Editor

BELIEFS

Creationism is pure myth

Creation “science” is a religious belief, while science merely seeks truth. Thus creationism claims to identify a predetermined version of Earth history, while science’s objective is to explain the formation of what actually exists.

Biblical literalists say Noah’s flood was a single, universal, one-year event. That requires blatant denial of natural law, absurd “would have” qualifications and obviously impossible physical processes.

An eloquent local example is the Channeled Scablands, a spectacularly eroded area of about 3,000 square miles in Eastern and Central Washington. Nine hundred-foot canyons, 400-foot dry falls, giant ripple marks and hundreds of other features testify to catastrophic erosion and deposition on a scale visible even from outer space.

More than 13,000 years ago, a series of ice-dammed lakes were emptied to cause these greatest floods in the geologic record. Adjacent areas are still covered by as much as 200 feet of unconsolidated soil.

It is physically impossible for a 4,500-year-old, universal flood to have left no physical evidence anywhere, while preserving the physical features of an infinitely smaller event that is nearly three times older.

This is just one of thousands of examples of creationism’s Earth “history” proved false by the real world. Yet creationism’s followers have been so thoroughly brainwashed, they even believe science is pseudo-religious fraud. That would be amusing if it were not such a tragic denial of God’s creations. Paul L. Weis Spokane

Evolution theory going nowhere

Contrary to Wayne Barnhart’s assertions (“Dogma can’t do the work of facts,” July 26), the belief that the universe came into being by random chance and has evolved to its present state is a theory and nothing more.

The only fact of macro evolution is that it has evolved in the minds of many neo-evolutionists from the theory that it is to a dogmatic perception of reality. But Charles Darwin’s model of evolution is one of historical reconstruction that is impossible to verify by experiment or direct observation.

Efforts to cite such examples as Zeuglodon, an early whale, and Mesonyx, a wolf-like creature, as connecting links between land and marine mammals are inventions of evolutionists desperate for transitional forms that still leave very large and obvious gaps in the fossil records.

Professor Watson, one of the leading evolutionists of the 20th century, said, “We believe in evolution, not because it has been proved, or is even provable, or can even be established by logical argument, but because the only other alternative is special creation, which is clearly unthinkable.”

The question of evolution is causing more controversy and argument today than at any time since the great debate in the 19th century. Rather than being a proven and established axiom, as more scientific evidence comes to light, evolution is becoming, for an increasing number of scientists, a theory in crisis. Wayne Lawson Spokane

So-called science flimsy stuff

For Wayne E. Barnhart to speak of the ignorance of religious fundamentalists (“Dogma can’t do the work of facts,” Letters, July 26) is to display his own ignorance.

I assume Barnhart is relatively young. Otherwise, he would remember being told “scientific facts” throughout his life only to have those facts changed by new revelations that turn the previous facts on their head. Scientists have always ignored great amounts of evidence that don’t fit their particular vision.

The fossil record is becoming thinner by the day as more and more fossils are either found to be frauds or were completely misinterpreted from the beginning. Anyone with the smallest amount of unbiased common sense will recognize that to base even a theory on the fossil record is a stretch that is unworthy of science. Even Charles Darwin recognized that if his theory of gradual evolution were true, the fossil record would be extremely rich. It is not.

Barnhart’s statement that the “fundamental principles of evolution can be reproduced in any decently equipped lab” is erroneous. You can read daily of the failures of such efforts, i.e. the years-long experiment with fruit flies that has produced nothing but monsters that cannot even survive on their own.

I fail to see that the people who disagree with Barnhart are a danger to society. Just because some scientist or teacher said it is so doesn’t quite make it so, and because some people may be labeled “religious fundamentalists” doesn’t mean they are ignorant robots. R.G. Larson Spokane

Beware of what you swallow whole

Over the past few months there have been several Roundtable letters about creationism and evolution. Writers of these letters presented facts based on Biblical interpretation or scientific findings to support their beliefs.

While some of the arguments are intriguing, the bottom line is that both creationism and evolution are still theory, based on the current definition in the most recent Webster’s dictionary. Until it is determined by fact, the same amount of faith is required to believe in either creationism or evolution.

Throughout history it has been proven that unquestioning belief has done more harm than good in the pursuit of knowledge. I implore all who hold their respective beliefs as rigid shields of truth to remember this in years to come. Jason A. Fleming Cheney

Life seen anew looks wonderful

After spending more than a week in Sacred Heart Medical Center, I arose at around 4 a.m. and watched the sun rise over the city. Spokane was truly beautiful.

Having come close to death, I realized how precious a sunrise could be. I rejoiced being here to see more.

I saw a world at work to make it a better place for all of us. Helicopters hovering, while waiting to land with their precious cargo. The hospital abuzz. A policeman at the end of a long shift guarding a person who needed medical attention. So much kindness and caring - it was as though I had stepped out of my world to see what has been under my nose the whole time.

It’s a wonderful life - not the view we are taught through some of our TV shows (a composite of the worst we could ever be) but a world of intensely caring people.

I was treated so wonderfully I cannot name all the people who helped me through my eight-day ordeal, but these are the real heroes of our city. Marlene Walters Spokane

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Organization fails in its mission

Reading Doug Clark’s July 18 column, my sadness quickly turned to disgust after realizing the Special Olympics softball team wouldn’t compete in Yakima, seemingly due to an innocent error. No second chance, no bending rules, nothing.

Volunteer coach Mike Burns says he made an honest paperwork mistake. Granted, a mistake was made somewhere, but why punish the athletes? Possibly “administrative disarray” is partly to blame but the bureaucrats won’t admit it. Officials should reacquaint themselves with their purpose: ” … to give people with developmental disabilities, through sports training and competition, the opportunity reach their potential in life.”

Those paid for their “expertise” should be ashamed. Quoting Debbie Stankovich, regional director, “I don’t want to penalize the athletes …” Well, if banning the team from playing didn’t hurt them, I’d hate to see the punishment if she did penalize them.

The athletes weren’t kept from playing in just any tournament; they were banned from playing in the tournament - the one they have practiced for for months, their only tournament of the year.

The WSO contribution flier states, “From the minute the torch is lit, to the experience of competition, our athletes glow with pride.” How tragic these athletes had no chance to glow. Instead, their hearts were broken. Tears stained their faces.

I applaud the athletes and coach for their pride and commitment. Nancy Kittilstved Spokane

Special Olympics fair, efficient

Columnist Doug Clark said the Mead Pride softball team was not allowed to enter a tournament because of a “coach’s innocent blunder” and “stubborn bureaucrats who run Special Olympics” (July 18, “Olympic-size red tape hurts special athletes”).

Spokane Parks and Recreation coaches did not have any problems entering two Unified teams in the tournament. Unlike the Mead team, our coaches turned in clearances, medical information, athlete skill assessments, rosters and practice game scores according to the timelines established by Special Olympics. This information is necessary for Special Olympics to organize the tournament, i.e. number of fields, umpires, volunteers, amount of food, proper bracketing and overall safety. All of this information is necessary for an organization to put on a professional tournament.

Our team received confirmations two weeks in advance. We knew who we were playing, where, and the time. This allowed us to send out maps to parents, set up transportation, determine the amount of travel money needed and give everyone time to plan to attend the tournament.

We really appreciate Special Olympics and all their efforts for putting on a fun, safe and professional tournament.

The softball tournament really was about softball. As a player on one of the Unified teams, I was quite proud of my double hit and my teammates, who caught fly balls, stopped fast grounders and hit home runs. We hope to see Mead at the tournament next year. Alice Busch, C.T.R.S. Spokane Parks and Recreation

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

District responses worthless, insulting

According to “Madison talks break down” (July 27), disgruntled parents had walked away from negotiations over the Madison issue. Not so!

Parents agreed to meet once to discuss the possibility of mediation. A mediation agreement form, which parents would be required to sign, was presented. No one signed. After regrouping with other parents and reestablishing the fact that the district had not responded in writing, as requested, concerning the incidents in the 270-page document submitted, it was agreed that mediation was premature.

Madison parents have listened to, trusted and compromised with the district for four long years, only to be told our complaints are baseless, that removal of the principal is not an option. And finally, we’re even compared to the KKK a comment for which not one school board member, not one administrator, has apologized.

What can costly mediation under the current conditions produce? A co-principal? A situation where no one’s in charge and old wounds can’t heal. That’s unacceptable.

Parents are very disturbed by the amount of money the district is willing to spend to find a face-saving solution. What a waste of education dollars, when our teachers have to pay for paper out of their own pockets and roofs can’t be fixed over our children’s heads. Parents believe that the two parties who really need to go to mediation are the principal and the district.

Madison children deserve a principal who is qualified to fulfill his or her whole job description. Anything less is unacceptable. Nancy L. McLaughlin Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Information for seniors is plentiful

I was surprised to see both a letter to the editor (July 22) and a Frank Bartel column (July 28) about a directory for seniors. Bartel says the first edition of 6,000 copies sold out, which certainly demonstrates the need for information and assistance. But for seniors who cannot afford a book, much resource information is available free.

Help is as near as your phonebook. Three of the most helpful numbers on the community services pages are Elderly Services, United Way Assistance Line and the Community Colleges Helpline.

The most comprehensive list of senior services, updated monthly, is in Senior Times, available by donation. The Times also includes an annual directory of retirement housing.

Bartel praised the senior directory as a source of advice for care givers. The American Association of Retired Persons offers a variety of free publications on care management. There’s even a guide for long distance care giving, Miles Apart and Still Caring.

AARP publications are well-researched, quite readable and available to all seniors, whether members or not. Many are distributed at free educational forums, others are sent by request.

As each of my children turn 50, they receive from me a gift membership in AARP. Modern Maturity magazine and AARP Bulletin are worth much more than the cost of membership, offering everything from pre-retirement planning advice to timely news on Medicare, Social Security and other issues that matter. Elinor Nuxoll Spokane

Seniors’ resources active, lively

I have completed my first year as head of the gerontology program at Spokane Falls Community College. This has been a year saturated with learning. I’ve visited senior service programs and listened to providers and consumers express visions and wishes for the future.

Two remarkable individuals worthy of special notice are Pat Freeman, director of the seniors program, and Peggy Gross, director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Both have put forth remarkable effort and creativity, and have brought rich, diverse resources to our community. Each has organized conferences filled with information and workshops. During one conference, we hosted 200 students from Osaka, Japan, who were studying senior health, activity and housing options in this country. These students were amazed by our resources and are making plans to further their study here.

My concern is that many members of the community remain unaware of the resources available and often stay locked into stereotypes of senior citizens and services for seniors as smelly, depressing and stagnant.

Many exciting events in Spokane surround our seniors and should be supported by the entire community. An Alzheimer’s Walk, organized by the local Alzheimer’s Association, is scheduled this fall as well as a care giver’s conference organized by the Aging and Long-Term Care Program. Please support these programs. They represent our chances for a healthy and active future. If you think things having to do with aging are drab and slow, come to one of these conferences and be exposed to a major attitude adjustment - and be prepared to laugh. Polly Paul McMahon, Ph.D. Spokane Falls Community College

Olympic event prompts concern

I enjoyed watching the Pre-Olympics, with one lousy exception - the so-called acrobatic performance of several very young gals on the 4-inch elevated beam.

They get started on this at a time when they aren’t yet ready for grade school.

Their parents apparently tell them about a wonderful future. So they fall on their butts, take head-on spills, wipe up the blood and move on. You have to be a winner; you must take it! Maybe along the path, they are bullied more than a little.

I wonder what kind of parents would send their kids through this brutal routine. Carlton Gladder Spokane