Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

‘Rough Roads’ a good start

Staff writer Kristina Johnson’s May 11 article about our bad streets (“City drivers jolt along trails of neglect”) was well done. Our city government has been less than effective over the last 25 years, but our Legislature must also share blame, for not increasing the gas tax and allocating a large portion to road maintenance.

The citizens are not without blame, after rejecting a 2.3 cent tax in 1993.

There are so many who want the best - streets, law enforcement, fire department, welfare, more and better education, bigger jails, etc. These things must be paid for, of course, and those who benefit should do the paying.

The reluctance of citizens, council members and legislators to stand up and be counted is one of the main reasons for the lack of vision. We cannot neglect the infrastructure because the result will be costs increased in compounding manner.

There is a great need for long-range planning that includes public participation. Not necessarily directly on the committee, but to be fully advised of costs that can and will accumulate for lack of proper attention.

Getting people from in front of the TV and thinking about their own welfare is an almost insurmountable challenge, but something must be done. Stories like Johnson’s and the follow-up in Monday’s paper by staff writer Dan Hansen are a good start. I commend them for their efforts and clear reporting. Richard B. “Dick” Hopp Spokane

Marketplace will open June 7

The Spokane Marketplace will soon have a new home just a block east of Carnegie Square in downtown Spokane. June 7 is our opening day.

The board of directors would like to publicly acknowledge the generosity and support of the West First Neighborhood Association, U.S. Bank and our landlord, Cowles Publishing Co.

We want the public to know that while we are all very excited about this opportunity, it is going to take time for the facility to evolve into the kind of first-class cultural hub we have in mind. In short, we ask for your patience.

General site improvements to bring the building and adjoining parking up to code are currently in progress. A conceptual plan for the Marketplace block is being created by our architectural consultant, Bruce Walker (designer of the Spokane Opera House) and will be available for public viewing soon.

Because the Marketplace is a 501 C-3 nonprofit, we will need to pursue grant funding to go beyond our startup shell and add the interior and exterior enhancements the architect has in mind.

We ask for your patronage and support as we grow the Spokane Marketplace at its new home in downtown Spokane. Joel Ferris Jr., vice president The Spokane Marketplace

Manito trees felled for what?

This indeed has been a tragic year for Manito Park. Its first devastation was Ice Storm ‘96, in November. Its second devastation was the rape by man on May 12.

With the coming of spring, it was a joy to see that the beautiful old trees of Manito’s pond had survived their first natural disaster of this decade. The trees were turning green, even surviving the severe wind storm of a few weeks past with nary a branch on the ground. But this was too good to last.

A few days later, man decided to destroy the trees that have lasted more than a century, instead of trying to save them.

I have a few questions to ask of those who have the power to destroy one of Spokane’s most lovely landmarks:

Since willow trees have deep, water searching roots, how could they possibly develop dry rot when located next to a pond?

Did we get second and third opinions on the welfare of these trees? (When a doctor wants to cut your leg off, one seeks out other unbiased opinions.)

How many bids were sent in by bona fide tree cutting services and how was the selection made?

Is there a connection between the tree service used and those in power?

What was the total cost to the city and who benefited most?

May we someday overcome a sick feeling in the pit of our stomach approaching the pond now. May we hope Mother Nature will in time help restore the park to its full glory for our great-grandchildren. Ruth M. Mickelson Spokane

Punk rot getting out of hand

Walking through our city, everywhere you go there is some sort of vandalism or graffiti. Spokane is starting to look like a dirty, unpleasant city, which it is not.

I am a concerned citizen who is tired of the increasing juvenile crimes in our city. Vandalism is getting out of control.

Even though it is thought the DARE program doesn’t work, we need some program or a better juvenile justice system to prevent Spokane from getting worse. We need something to stop the juvenile delinquency in our city. Jody L. Davidson Spokane

WASHINGTON STATE

Stadium issue - what a waste

I’m disappointed that Washington’s legislators spend so much effort on this stadium proposal. How many citizens will this serve? To how many communities will it bring revenue?

I’m offended at the amount of energy expended to support professional sports when money for special education has been drastically cut. It reminds me that big portions of many school district budgets are dedicated to extracurricular sports. It is not uncommon to see school levies asking for money for new uniforms or equipment for elite teams. How often do you see a levy for money for Special Olympics or therapy equipment?

There is a diverse group of people without a loud voice. They don’t need new uniforms. They need equipment or helpers in the classroom to give them a voice, support to join in social or recreational activities and to have decision makers set the example of treating them as equals.

The rationale behind this stadium drive is that it will generate revenue. Consider this: An investment early in the life of a person with special physical or developmental needs will increase their potential to be productive. They may develop the self-esteem and self-confidence to support others.

Professional athletes, team owners and sports fans are capable of generating revenue without my tax money to support their special interest. I’m ashamed that with all the important issues facing us, my elected officials choose to spend time on this. Michael J. John Evans, Wash.

IN IDAHO

That about sums it up, all right

A cold wind blows from the lips of U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth (“Chenoweth weighs in on diversity,” May 10).

According to Chenoweth, “the Afro-American” and “the Hispanic” and other members of the “warm climate community” haven’t found the colder climate of North Idaho that attractive. Ain’t that the truth, Helen? Stephen H. Reichard Spokane

Can’t afford Chenoweth and Rankin

Rep. Helen Chenoweth has attacked attempts by the Forest Service to add minorities to its work force. She says, “If it were attractive to (ethnic minorities) to be in Northern Idaho, well, they would be here.”

Chenoweth suggests our community is unattractive because of the cold weather. The climate we should worry about is that of local politics. It has become chilly indeed.

Idaho Human Rights Commission Director Marilyn Shuler makes the not so difficult observation that other cold winter regions have much more ethnically balanced populations. New York, Chicago, Kansas City, Denver - the length of the list makes Chenoweth’s hypothesis seem obtuse at best.

Hopefully, this is just general ignorance and muddled logic, not an attempt to justify xenophobia.

Chenoweth contends our community is diverse enough, since white residents have come from different parts of Europe. Would she worry about diversity only if all our ancestors came from the same Dublin or Oslo neighborhood?

Officials like Chenoweth and Kootenai County Commissioner Ron Rankin go beyond sheltering the local economy to creating the perception North Idaho is a haven for white supremacists. Whether this view is correct is immaterial; the negative impact persists.

Chenoweth asks, “Where is the harm?”

The harm of stultifying homogeneity comes when tourists are afraid to vacation here and corporate public relations advisers tell businesses to stay away to avoid tarnishing their image.

Chenoweth and Rankin make the policies that feed the perceptions. As voters, let’s take the next opportunity to fix our image by removing them from office. B. Casey Fitzpatrick Moscow, Idaho

Personal grudge no basis for policy

Re: the May 7 article, “Rankin blasts minority hiring.”

I won’t say I’m shocked, but I am certainly appalled by Commissioner Ron Rankin’s childish, vindictive nature. Rankin admitted that he started this campaign against minority hiring because he was angered by criticism certain Forest Service officials made of his English-only resolution.

He actually made the statement, “They started it.” That’s an excuse I don’t accept from my children or my political leaders. To wage a political battle that affects many because he has harsh feelings for Forest Service officials is a misuse of his political position. Revenge makes a faulty political platform for addressing any issue.

Regardless of how voters feel about affirmative action, I pray they will see Rankin and any other politician who operates from such childish, selfish motives for what they are.

If Rankin insists on a career in politics, he better develop a thicker skin and learn some effective ways to manage his anger. Robbie L. Eaton-Williams Coeur d’Alene

Equality group racist in deed

Thanks to Kootenai County Commissioner Ron Rankin for uncovering the racist hiring practices of the federal government’s Panhandle National Forest.

He is right. There are plenty of locals who would like a job that pays $10 per hour. We are outraged that these forest managers go out of their way to hire Mexican nationals over American citizens for these jobs.

The so-called Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, which these forest managers are members of, has manipulated the news media and the public schools into believing that the task force is for equal rights for all people, no matter their color. All along, they have had a racist anti-white agenda.

I urge commissioners Dick Compton, Dick Panabaker and Rankin to open up a countywide investigation into the funding and operations of this hate group. James G. Booth Coeur d’Alene

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Republican beliefs misstated

A recent letter (“Conservative view wrong yet useful,” May 13) stated that conservatives during the slavery era believed that slavery was a morally acceptable practice. While there were probably people who held conservative views back then who espoused slavery, this was not and has never been a belief of the Republican Party.

Abraham Lincoln is generally acknowledged as the founding father of the GOP. While I suppose there are some liberals who have attended schools that teach a brand of politically correct history in which white males are not mentioned, most people in this country know what Lincoln’s beliefs were regarding slavery.

To set the record straight one more time, conservatives’ main belief is in less government and more individual freedom. Conservatives believe that people, given the freedom to do so, will do more for themselves with less cost and more self-esteem, than the government could possibly do. This does not sound like slavery to me.

It is a sad testimonial to liberalism that its adherents are reduced to telling one lie after another in an attempt to verify 40 years of failed social programs that have destroyed families and are continuing to destroy this great country. Hal R. Dixon Spokane

Welfare reform an unfinished work

Getting families off welfare is a good idea. However, have we considered all aspects of this issue?

Are health insurance benefits going to be provided in many entry level positions? Washington’s basic health care program has a waiting list of 6,000 in Spokane County alone.

Is there adequate child care? Will many families be forced to place their children in unlicensed homes or make up the difference between the going rate and what the state will pay? How many day cares operate in the evening, when many people in entry level jobs must be at work?

Who will take care of chronically ill family members now being cared for by welfare recipients who will soon have to find work outside the home?

Where are the jobs welfare recipients can take?

Entry level positions, mostly minimum wage jobs, aren’t always available nearby. Is reliable transportation available or could welfare recipients move, if necessary?

Is the job skill level of many welfare recipients adequate for the highly skilled jobs available? If not, how do welfare recipients pay for training?

Without jobs or welfare, where will welfare recipients turn? Could it be crime, to survive? This would impact police, prisons, the judicial system, medical costs and ultimately, children who are left behind.

The potential for more poverty, hunger, homelessness, social instability and additional financial burdens in the long haul are real considerations. Cheryl L. Munk Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Turks engaged in ethnic cleansing

I commend Doug Clark on his April 29 column on the Armenian genocide of 1915. But I take exception to his characterization of it as “religious persecution - Muslim Turks taking their fear and ignorance out on … Christian Armenians.”

While such feelings may have been a factor, they were not the primary motivation. It was a state policy of ethnic cleansing. This is shown by the fact that prior to the events Clark describes, Armenian members of the Turkish army were placed in special work battalions, then systematically executed. Then, following the murder of the Armenian leadership in Constantinople, Armenians were rounded up in a concerted effort all over Turkey and marched through the desert to their death. The lives of hundreds of thousands of people - including my father’s parents, sister and two brothers - were simply erased in this manner.

Nor is the genocide as universally ignored as Clark suggests. This past April 24, for example, 36 members of the U.S. House of Representatives participated in an hourlong Special Order commemorating the genocide with a series of floor statements.

“It is important for Turkey to look honestly at its past and acknowledge what the world knows to be true,” said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), referring to the Turkish government’s continuing denial of the genocide.

Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) concurred. “Forgetting history not only dishonors the victims and the survivors, it encourages tyrants to believe that they can kill with impunity,” he said. George L. Bedirian Pullman

Dads, moms must all measure up

Re: Angela Eudaley’s “Do away with Fathers Day” diatribe (Letters, May 11).

As a parent who strives to do anything and everything for my two children, including battling to help them adjust to their parents’ divorce nearly eight years ago, I take great exception to the term “deadbeat dads.” The correct term should be deadbeat parents. Eudaley, what do I say to my teenage niece, who’s struggling to stay afloat in school after her mother deserted her two years ago?

What do I say to my friend who’s working his tail off to support and raise three small children because his wife ran off with someone else? She also has provided no financial support the last two years.

The answer is accountability for all parents. There are no illegitimate children, just illegitimate parents. Craig W. West Spokane