Letters To The Editor

Fri., Nov. 22, 1996

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Defeat of Proposition 2 appreciated

The sportsmen of Idaho would like to thank the 290,000 Idaho voters who voted no on Proposition 2.

The 20-point margin of victory clearly showed that Idaho voters were not confused by the emotional rhetoric surrounding Proposition 2. The 60 percent of Idahoans who voted no have clearly sent a message to the animal rights folks that they want Idaho’s wildlife managed by professionals and not by emotion at the ballot box.

Winning brings added responsibility to Idaho’s sportsmen. Animal rights groups attempt to drive a wedge between hunters and nonhunters through a campaign of misinformation. This tactic won’t work if we involve the nonhunting public with hunters in the wildlife management decision making process.

Hunters and nonhunters need to find a forum to exchange ideas, values, and share the responsibility of making wildlife decisions.

The nonhunting public needs to be sure that Idaho wildlife is being managed properly and that hunters are conducting themselves in an ethical manner. We can assure the people by holding more public forums to educate nonhunters about the role hunting plays in wildlife management.

We encourage the public to participate by attending every Department of Fish and Game meeting, to get involved with wildlife management. Don Clower, Sportsmen’s Heritage Defense Fund Meridian

Water district owes explanation

Not too many years ago, the East Shoshone Water District started increasing monthly water bills. It said the raise was for repair of leaky pipes and for more wells. There are three known wells just sitting there, not used, and the same leaks are there, plus more.

Now that the East Shoshone water levy did not pass, they just go in and increase our bill anyway using the same old excuse. In other areas that have the metered system, they are paying about $7.50 for approximately 20,000 gallons of usage plus a small amount, thereafter. In other words, you only pay for what you use.

We asked years ago about having the metered system but were told it was too costly. Now, we find out the Department of Housing Urban Development allotted money for it years ago and it the water district was required to do it. So, what happened? I know the workers haven’t benefited financially from it, but shouldn’t we start asking to see where the money has been going all these years?

We would like the district to bring its records, repair bills, accounts receivable and accounts payable, as well as all past grants a public meeting. Then, we’ll see the facts for ourselves. Brenda Auld, Taxpayers Association & The Peoples Group Wallace

IN THE REGION

Juvenile center story helpful

I appreciate staff writer John Craig’s Nov. 7 article, “Juvenile Center to go ahead without Spokane.”

I admire Craig for printing the truth without the liberal slant. The headline is not correct, as Spokane County remains part of the consortium, for which we are pleased. The only difference is Spokane County did not issue the bonds, but must issue a mini bond to Stevens County for its prorated share of the system, just as Stevens County would have had to do for Spokane County.

The article was otherwise accurate and concise. It is nice when an article is presented with the facts and allows the public to make an informed decision. J.D. Anderson Colville

MARKETPLACE CENSORSHIP

It’s really about ‘censureship’

Staff writer Anne Windishar’s opinion piece critical of Wal-Mart and others who are selective about the entertainment they offer for sale has some contradictory arguments for a newspaper reporter.

Her basic premise that the public’s right to any and all entertainment available - under the guise of free speech - is paramount to Wal-Mart’s right to free speech, even to the point of suggesting that Wal-Mart should immolate itself by selling music with (inaccurate) derogatory lyrics about the company.

Just as The Spokesman-Review reserves the right to edit, print or not print letters, Wal-Mart reserves the right to decide what it will or won’t sell. The Spokesman-Review owns its presses and Wal-Mart owns its sales floor.

The Constitution guarantees us the right to free speech, but it imposes on no one an obligation to provide a microphone, printing press or store shelf for our use in exercising that right.

Windishar claims that the action of Wal-Mart, Blockbuster and others is “censorship at its roots.” Censorship (in the way Windishar means) by its very definition can only be performed by government. For private individuals and businesses, the correct term would be “discriminating taste.” Wal-Mart may be guilty of censureship but not censorship.

For the artistically challenged whose work only appeals to man’s lowest common instincts and whose shock appeal fails to appeal to retailers and end users with discriminating tastes, you’ve always got the National Endowment for the Arts! San Cathcart Spokane

Anything’s OK ideas more offensive

After reading the editorials of staff writer Anne Windishar (“Censorship is much more offensive”) and Opinion editor John Webster (“Retailer being good corporate citizen”) on Nov. 15, I say it’s no wonder there is so much difference in the way people in our society look at things.

I don’t know either writer personally, but I would guess that Windishar is a young teen just entering adulthood, judging by what she had to say about Wal-Mart refusing to sell such garbage.

Windishar takes the position Wal-Mart, Blockbuster and others are wrong to take that decision away from the public. I say, more power to these businesses and commend them for what they’re doing.

Windishar thinks it infringes on our civil rights. Well, Windishar, go join the American Civil Liberties Union, it’s made up of your kind of people.

Webster’s editorial gave a very good account of what the type of garbage on the banned tapes and compact discs results in. It’s the mess we find our society fighting against, the compulsions of adolescents rebelling in various ways against society. It’s drugs, gang violence, rapes, suicides the list goes on and on.

Why are Windishar and those who agree with her views so afraid of censorship of any kind and always hiding behind the First Amendment? How about speaking up for some responsibility or accountability for a change? Byron Potter Spokane

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
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There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Letters To The Editor

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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