Letters To The Editor

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Management in government lacking

It is obvious that Bernadine Van Thiel isn’t listening to what is going on with the government today (“Don’t let parks heritage be ruined,” Sept. 20). She proclaims that some of our national heritage is at stake because Congress will betray our trust for short-term profit. Most likely what Thiel is seeing is the lack of management by our government agencies.

In the following are some of the implications from the Northwest Forest Plan, the save-all which Clinton has provided for us. The Province Advisory Committees were established as an opportunity for citizens to help manage the ecosystem on the federal lands. One such committee was in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest area. The committee was comprised of some of our society’s most upstanding citizens concerned mostly with preservation and with little knowledge in natural resource management.

According to the committee, the public simply cannot be trusted to enjoy their own public lands and access will most likely be limited. In addition you will most likely be charged to use your public land. Yes, we will pay twice; once in taxes and again a toll fee to use our national heritage. Timber harvest will also be a thing of the past. Timber harvests create revenue for managing our public holdings, such as parks and schools. Logging activities also create many opportunities for others to use the land without a large amount of tax income going to those agencies for improvements and without having to pay fees for using public land. Jerry K. Emerson Wilbur, Wash.

Want better treatment? Vote

We, the people, seem concerned that big money and special interests appear to be buying politics and writing legislation. The ballot box is the only sure way to make politicians sit up and take notice. Yet only about half the eligible voters turn out to vote and the percentage seems to decrease with every election.

It’s no wonder many politicians treat us like they think we’re a bunch of dumb jackasses. We sure don’t do much to change their opinions. Dave Perkins Spokane

Build bridges in the real sense

It is ironic that both major presidential candidates are making reference to “building bridges” to the past and future. Which candidate plans to build bridges and roads in this country?

Federal, state and local government (that’s us) funding for infrastructure has declined as use has steadily increased. During this election season, ask the candidates at every level of government what they intend to do to build and repair the bridges and roads to our neighborhoods, businesses and recreation areas. Richard G. Hadley, president Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce

Media trys to brainwash voters

As the general election nears, it’s becoming obvious that our media are anti-independent. Listening to a popular talk radio newscast recently, I came away thinking that there were only two candidates running for lieutenant governor. Only one was known due to a large number of absentee votes. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are actually five candidates.

Other media outlets are trying to brainwash voters by leaving an impression that Ross Perot is flaky. Voters should be reminded that in 1994 Perot traveled across this country voicing his approval for the Contract with America and provided a needed lift for several Republican freshmen - freshmen who today are behind this attack to discredit Perot. Freshmen who have no opinion on whether Perot should be allowed to debate the two-party “free candy” system.

Too bad today’s media and the two-party system weren’t around at a time when our forefathers were drafting our Constitution. I’m sure there would have been a large floor fight to protect our country from this travesty known as American politics. What a joke. Vote for reform; support Shawn Newman of the Reform Party for lieutenant governor. Say no to voting for the lesser of two evils; Ross Perot can become president if the people across this country believe in leaders who possess the needed integrity and will to reestablish the public’s trust. Steve Thompson Spokane

GEORGE NETHERCUTT

Voting record justifies anger

Rep. George Nethercutt - innocent and pure as the driven snow - libelously attacked by organizations belonging to working people.

Nethercutt’s feigned innocence almost sells, but not quite. Nethercutt voted against raising the minimum wage; voted to cut Medicare; voted to cut $4 billion in education and $10 billion in student loans; and voted to reduce jobsite safety inspections. In fact, in 1995, Nethercutt voted with Newt Gingrich and for his misguided policies 95 percent of the time.

Nethercutt’s voting record strips away the sheep’s clothing and justifies workers’ ire. Randy Siemers Spokane

Put away the smoke and mirrors

In regards to Congressman George Nethercutt’s political commercials on television, why doesn’t he hold up his voting record on the minimum wage issue and his vote to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act? Or his vote to repeal 13(c) which protects transit workers if they are displaced by cutbacks? These issues help the ordinary worker.

Instead, he uses smoke and mirrors to hide behind the numbers of the Medicare and Medicaid issue. Nethercutt than further clouds the issue by attacking the AFL-CIO for their ad campaign to unveil his position on these important worker protections.

Nethercutt claims to have increased the funding to Medicare and Medicaid at twice the rate of inflation (about 7 percent). The fact is, medical costs on premiums alone have risen about 15 percent, which is more than double the figure of 7 percent.

If you put a pencil to the figures, the AFL-CIO is correct; a cut has occurred to the funding.

I support Judy Olson to represent us in the 5th Congressional District. Jim D. Fitzgerald, recording secretary Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1015, Spokane

IN THE PAPER

Just to set the record straight

A brief article in the Sept. 19 Spokesman-Review reported on a young man who made the poor decision to take a BB gun and a knife to school, and his subsequent arrest. We are sure that as a result of his decision this has been a very difficult time for the young man and his parents. Our thoughts and concern are with the family.

The school where the behavior occurred is a District 81 alternative program located on property at Morning Star Boys’ Ranch. The school serves students from the community as well as some students who reside at Morning Star Boys’ Ranch.

The article as written left the impression that the student who was arrested lived at Morning Star Boys’ Ranch. The reality is that the student lived at home with his parents and attended the District 81 school.

Father Joe Weitensteiner, the boys of Morning Star Boys’ Ranch and the staff have been deluged with inquires about the incorrect impression left by the article. We appreciate this opportunity to correct the false impression which was obtained by our many friends and loyal supporters. Lyle E. O’Neel, program manager Morning Star Boys’ Ranch, Spokane

MOLLY IVINS

Consumption not the end-all to life

Good job Molly Ivins (“A credit nightmare? Bank on it,” Sept. 22). You have hit the nail on the head.

Molly has adroitly exposed America’s most pressing economic problem, explosive consumer debt. Bankers may wish to take advantage of our penchant for acquisitions and have accumulated massive profits from our indulgences. Good for them, not so good for us.

Stagnant incomes, bloated, debt ridden personal finances, and credit bought lifestyles will haunt us into slavery. When we collectively wake up and realize that consumption is not the end all to life, then perhaps we will be able to appreciate what is, serving God in spirit and in truth. Robert Spaulding Coeur d’Alene

OTHER TOPICS

‘Slamming’ amounts to stealing

The people who are “slamming” the phone companies (News, Sept. 22) by taking money to switch long distance carriers and then either not switch, as Teddie Howey did, or switch back and forth 12 times in eight months as Kim Pantzer did, are in essence stealing from those phone companies.

I wonder if these two people who were featured in your “news” article are proud of their new-found publicity for their infamous piracy of the evil rich phone companies? Of course, The Spokesman-Review should also be lauded for reporting this hard-hitting “news” story - on the top of the front page, no less.

There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of a bargain or a sale. Many businesses offer incentives to get more customers whereby they can make up in volume what they lose in net profit. However that doesn’t take into account the liars and cheaters who want to get something for nothing and who seem to be getting more and more prevalent in our society lately. There evidently are many people who see nothing wrong with lying and cheating to get a few dollars.

As for myself, I see it as a general degradation of our morals and principles, as evidenced by the very leaders of our country and the media who glorify this type of activity. Herbert Severtson Coeur d’Alene

With freedom comes responsibility

Too much freedom is like too much fun - there’s no such thing. However, the measure of either requires an equal measure of responsibility. Jon J. Tuning Spokane

Bob Heale a hero to many

I shared the surprise and shock of many when I learned of the accident of aerobatic performer Bob Heale at the Fairchild Air Force Base annual air show. I and my family have enjoyed his performances for many years at Silverwood, Felts Field and other aviation events.

As I knew Heale only as a casual acquaintance, I asked myself why I was saddened to such a level. I reflected on the impressive performances he gave in various aircraft. He seemed to stand out among aerobatic performers.

My children were also impressed by the astounding things he would do in an airplane. When the announcer would also describe Bob Heale’s lion and tiger pets, this added even further to the amazement. Often in the car ride home from Silverwood our family discussion would center around Bob Heale, his flying and his cats. Truly an accomplished and captivating performer.

After this reflection it occurred to me that Bob Heale, in his long and successful career, elevated himself to the level of a hero. He was a hero to myself, my children and many people and aviators in our community. The loss of a hero always affects us deeper. We have too few and they are difficult to replace.

We will miss Bob “the cat man” Heale. Jack Hohner Spokane

Program a shining success

On June 22 we left with the Spokane Area Children’s Chorus and Eastern Washington University String Quartet for a 12-day tour of Austria, Hungary and Germany. We would like to say how proud we were to have been associated with all of those involved.

We hesitate to name the people for fear of overlooking somebody. But let’s say that from the director, administrator, parents/chaperones and string quartet/ quintet to - above all - the wonderful young people, this was a class act. The performances were great and the demeanor of all was exemplary.

We have fallen in love with the beautiful city of Spokane and the wonderful people who represent you and the state of Washington. They have truly added more luster to your already shining star. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Jan and Bob Marshall Oconomowac, Wis.

Doctor deserves better treatment

I felt that your treatment of Dr. Michael Tyrrell was unfair (Sept. 26). It must be a slow day in news when you report on the financial troubles of ordinary citizens in our community.

Dr. Tyrrell’s reputation in this community is now ruined and he will have less of a chance than ever to make money to repay his loans. Your bombastic coverage of his finances combined with the draconian measures of the Washington state legislature doesn’t help people. Rather, it tears them down.

Had Dr. Tyrrell been Chrysler Motors or United Airlines, our government would be falling all over itself to provide low-interest loans to help him out of his financial distress. This shows that our government is more interested in finances of the middle and poor classes and in providing corporate welfare to the rich.

Can’t we as a people find a better way to help those who are trying to work and repay their loans? Does it make sense to take away their ability to practice thereby reducing their income and virtually decimating their ability to recover?

I don’t think Dr. Tyrrell is the only health care professional who has trouble financially and unfortunately we will probably see more castigated in the same way he has been. Scott Graham Spokane

Truth in journalism wanted

Does the fact that a dishonorable person rests in peace make their life any less dishonorable? (Letters, Sept. 25).

I do not want positive journalism or negative journalism, I want truth in journalism. Allan LeTourneau Spokane

GUN CONTROL

Who deserves to have a handgun?

G.L. Nelson (Letters, Sept. 24) objects to the Brady Law because he says it denies the sale of handguns to deserving felons.

Does this mean that Nelson would allow the sale of guns to felons, juveniles and mental patients instead of denying them as required by the Brady Law? Walter A. Becker Pullman

PRESIDENT CLINTON

Office respected but not the man

When Dorothy Andersen (Letters, Sept. 20) asks what has happened to people in this country, as to whether they have lost all sense of decency and respectability, that we should respect the office of the president as well as the person in it - this really is turning the other cheek.

The office of the president of the United States we do respect. It is the person who was elected to that office who does not deserve any respect. How does one respect someone who has no decency by allowing drugs in the White House, is involved with Whitewater, has no morality, dodged the draft, tells nothing but lies and is the laughing stock of other world governments - just to name a few?

Don’t accuse the people of having no respect when it is the president himself who lacks knowing what the word means. He has degraded the office he was elected to, the office that we the people have always held so high.

How can anyone think of voting for him when everyone must know that he is merely playing house? But then, you die-hard Democrats would vote for the devil himself if he were running. But then again, some would say you are voting for the devil when you vote for Clinton. Dorothy Elder Newman Lake