Read And React

By Alison Krogel Shadle Park

Millions of people throughout the world love and respect Arthur Schindler. Schindler has become a hero throughout the world as a result of the thousands of innocent Jewish lives he saved during World War II. Yet, has anyone ever heard of Paul Grueninger? Few people have. However, this man accomplished nearly as much as Schindler. Grueninger used his high position to benefit a cause he believed in. The Jewish people had entered an emergency situation, and Grueninger felt that he answered to a higher authority.

Sadly enough, unlike Arthur Schindler, Mr. Grueninger died 23 years ago in disgrace and poverty. No memorials, ceremonies, statues, or movies appeared as a result of Paul Grueninger’s lifesaving efforts. Following his heroic mission, Grueninger became imprisoned and lost his job. He remained an outcast in society until his dying day. Shame and punishment became Grueninger’s only rewards.

The question remains, should a person be willing to violate a law of the state to proceed with an act that they see as a moral necessity? Through the use of his high position, Grueninger accomplished a miracle by saving more than 3,000 innocent lives. He risked his job, status and livelihood for a cause that he believed in. Few people would have been willing to take these risks. Grueninger died in disgrace and Switzerland needs to do everything in their power to clear his name and give him the thanks he deserves … even if it does come 55 years too late.

By Tawnya Cazier Lakeland

Dan O’Brien told youths at Pullman High School on Nov. 13 that they could drink. And then added as an afterthought, “But you can’t let it affect any other parts of your life.” Perhaps he was only trying to soft sell himself so the teens wouldn’t turn him off like they do so many other anti-drinking speakers. But no matter how good his intentions, one thing is certain - he endorsed drinking.

There are already too many promoters and misperceptions about drinking. Television feeds people, especially teens, impressions that to become cooler, better looking, and have more babes, beer is the way. But how many teens actually look cooler with their bodies straining over a toilet as they spew out their insides? And as a “babe,” I’ve never found drinking particularly appealing. Still, people believe alcohol will help them step up in the world.

Besides alcohol’s inability to favorably change your image, its real effects are worse. Rape, suicide, family violence and unsafe sex are all dramatically increased due to alcohol. More alarming, however, is that 2,217 16- to 20-year-olds were killed in 1993 wrecks involving alcohol. O’Brien should realize this problem since he was involved in a crash while driving under the influence himself.

Unfortunately, O’Brien seems to understand little more about alcohol other than a poor personal experience. What he should have understood and told teens was that when alcohol is used, people - real flesh and blood - die.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Ask Inland Northwest teens for their opinions and they’ll give ‘em to you. But not just on whether or not school is stupid or if that guy in PE is cute they’ve got more important things on their minds. Nearly 150 teens from throughout the region sent in editorial essays for The Spokesman-Review’s Read and React contest, co-sponsored by Parade magazine. They ranged from middle school to high school, from Sandpoint to Cheney, and touched on every topic from the arts to sports to world peace. They had plenty to say. Six judges had the tough task of narrowing down the record number of entries to five finalists. Those five came to the newspaper offices earlier this month for interviews with the judges’ panel, and one lucky writer won an April trip to Spain. That was Alison Krogel, a junior at Shadle Park. Her three years of Spanish in school will come in handy on her trip, not to mention her confidence and maturity that will make her a great Spokane representative overseas. Congratulations and thanks to all the finalists, whose excellent essays are reprinted here today, and the rest of you who entered. As for you, Alison, Que te vaya bien!

For more essays see headline: Essays express view on Bosnian conflict, Rabin assassination, gay rights