Fresh Ideas Aired Here
When “Bagpipes” first appeared the idea was to create something of a civic chat room, a place where readers could trade ideas for dealing with the issues that challenge us as a community.
Experience has proved it’s easy to evoke reader response by lighting firecracker fuses. Abortion. Gun control. Child molesters. Such topics bring the reactive juices to a full boil and dozens of readers have eagerly shared their passionate reactions to them.
The real gems, though, are those rare, proactive contributions. Those calls and letters that raise fresh but important issues, that offer original outlooks and promote constructive problem-solving.
The first column of a new year is a good time and place to emphasize the idea of citizens as participants in the civic process rather than spectators. “Bagpipes” invites them to air their ideas here.
For starters, what should be Spokane’s community goals for 1997? What achievements might we be reflecting on a year from now that would convince us we’d had a successful 1997?
“Bagpipes” will continue to probe for public comments on provocative issues such as legalizing hemp (see below), but the door is always open for readers’ suggestions about challenges the community needs to confront.
Holiday leftovers
Regarding rating systems for movies and TV programs: “Movie rating systems have accomplished very little over the years,” said James A. Nelson of Spokane. “Absolutely nothing in most cases. As long as the movie industry hides behind the First Amendment, we will continue to see trash on the movie screen.
“Remember, folks, it is all done under the guise that this is what the public wants. Funny thing, the older generation must be different because myself and all my friends don’t feel it’s necessary to sit through two hours of foul language, not to mention romantic scenes that leave nothing to the imagination.”
Hemp-call update
Replies are arriving daily by e-mail, mostly from other parts of Washington, regarding the legalization of hemp, or marijuana. Most support the notion.
Excerpts from the responses will appear on the Perspective Page on Sunday, Jan. 26. To be part of the discussion, send your comments, as directed below, by Friday, Jan. 17.
, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.