Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Women Helping Women grateful

On May 6, 1,850 women and men raised $223,000 to benefit women and children and assist in the positive development of families in Spokane. In just five years, the Women Helping Women Fund has raised $750,000 for local programs designed to support, empower and provide opportunities for women and children.

All of this was made possible thanks to an army of volunteers, underwriters and supporters who possess uncommon generosity, energy and determination, and a belief that empowering women and children creates healthy families and vibrant communities.

The power of the WHWF comes from this diverse group of people, with their varied ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds, who come together as one to honor humanity.

Donors range from those who make large donations to those who struggle to save $9 each month. Our newly created WHWF endowment is based on the same premise - that no matter how small the gift, people of this community should have the chance to give a lasting gift, one which can ensure the success of effective programs. The endowment was established this year with an inaugural gift from Joanne R. Birkeland and many supporters of the organization’s efforts, among them the family and friends of the late Vicki McNeill.

Ultimately, it is the individuals who administer and create effective programs and provide leadership, vision and expertise who make our efforts worthwhile.

On behalf of the WHWF Board of Directors, I wish to thank this army of thousands - people working together to improve the lives of women and children throughout Spokane. Diane Henke, board vice president Women Helping Women Fund, Spokane

THE QUICK AND THE DEAD

Killing was coldblooded, a waste

I compliment Bruce Smith, Region 1 director of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, for his honesty in admitting publicly the deception involved in the killing of the young cougar on May 2.

I am appalled that anyone with the mindset of Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Ray Kahler, who ordered the beautiful young cougar’s coldblooded killing, could be employed by such an agency - and at a salary far in excess of that of most of the rest of this area’s citizens.

I am repulsed by the words and actions of the veterinarian, Luther McConnell, who proudly announced to the public on TV that “Cougars are tough; a fall like that could never hurt him.” Probably not, since the “tranquilizer” that he had shot into the cougar had been intended to kill. Undoubtedly, if you are already dead, you won’t feel any pain from a 40-foot fall.

If I weren’t crying so hard over the useless destruction of such a magnificent creature, I might even resort to some primitive Anglo-Saxon language to express my strong feelings over such wanton, cruel waste. Annette R. Bignall Coeur d’Alene

Fire or fine Kahler

I am disgusted at the way Sgt. Ray Kahler of the state Fish and Wildlife Department handled the cougar situation on the South Hill, May 2.

To know that Kahler and veterinarian Luther McConnell intentionally killed the cougar has caused me to lose trust in the state’s wildlife agency. Someone who works for this agency should be truthful to the public.

The purpose of the agency is to save wildlife, not eliminate it. If Kahler will not be terminated from his position, he should be fined. Karen E. West Spokane

Clear case of animal abuse

The whole cougar killing situation was a case of animal cruelty. The wildlife officer and veterinarian should be charged with animal abuse.

That cougar was young and in the prime of life. It should have had a chance for life, instead of execution. The officer should lose his job for deciding to kill that poor animal. Norman C. and Joyce Shaffer Spokane

Don’t keep cougar killer on payroll

When I heard the story of the cougar’s killing on the news, I, like many others, was saddened and outraged. I felt that there was no reason whatsoever to kill this defenseless cougar. It makes me sick to learn that someone from the Department of Fish and Wildlife had the nerve and coldheartedness to kill this cougar. I don’t blame the man who tranquilized it. I blame the person who allowed it to happen.

This cougar didn’t walk into the city on purpose. Obviously, it was looking for food. We wouldn’t kill a homeless person who was hungry and looking for shelter.

The cougar, along with all other animals, were here first. He deserved to live and continue his life in the wild - wherever that is anymore.

The story hurt me as an animal lover. I thought he would be OK. I’m sure many others thought so, too.

I sincerely hope the individual who ordered this poor cat to be executed will be dealt with accordingly. I don’t want to know that this person is still working for an institution that I pay taxes for. Amber Shara Garcia Spokane

One wonders how low we’ve sunk

What kind of a people have we become?

Department of Fish and Wildlife officers who, for some reason not explained, decide to kill one of God’s beautiful creatures - and worse, then lie about it. Known alcoholics who rise to high positions in law enforcement and government. Drill instructors who prey on defenseless young women recruits in the service.

What kind of a people have we become? Charles G. Cromwell Spokane

THE ENVIRONMENT

Is smoke threat worth burn gains?

According to a May 10 article, “Controlled burn clouds Sandpoint sky,” a recent controlled burn near Sandpoint left a smoky haze that was seen and smelled by citizens of that town and surrounding communities.

There are some benefits to controlled burning, but is it worth the price?

Throughout history there have always been forest fires, and there always will be. This is just one way nature helps to regenerate new growth. But problems arise when mankind sets out to imitate this process.

In order to simulate nature, prescribed burns would have to be held in August and September. Because the forest is so dry during these months, not to mention the threat of high winds during this time of year, a controlled/ prescribed burn can be very dangerous. This is why many burns are done during the spring and fall.

The problem with burning during these months is the excess amount of smoke that is emitted into the atmosphere because all the wood, shrubbery and grass are green and wet. This excess smoke can pose a serious health threat to people.

So we need to decide, is it worth it? John R. Kushman Cheney

We must value, protect ozone layer

I don’t see the Washington state burning law enforced as much as it should be. Some farmers and neighborhoods still burn wood and other combustible materials.

Although burning is the best way of getting rid of yard waste without a lot of hassle, the convenience is also putting our ozone layer in great danger. Burning contributes to the production of chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. That’s a chemical made of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon - elements detrimental to the ozone layer.

The ozone layer stops the penetrating heat of the sun from reaching the earth’s surface. The ozone layer also helps screen the ultraviolet rays from entering the earth’s atmosphere. Without the ozone layer, nothing would survive.

We have to be more careful of what we are producing through burning. Being ignorant about the situation will lead to continued deterioration of the ozone layer and a declining quality of life.

Taking action now by stopping the burning will save the rest of the ozone layer and allow it to re-create itself. We are responsible human beings. Why not be responsible for the benefit of present and future generations? Edgar Ariellano Tamayo Cheney

Substitute for wood will be a blessing

I disagree with the recent letter about how cutting down the forest is better for the economy.

Yes, the economy is a big part of our lives, but don’t you think that the forests are a much larger part our lives than a couple of dollars? I understand people have to eat and that without logging a lot of people would be out of jobs. Forests also have living creatures and without forests, they cannot eat.

Logging causes a ripple effect. First, there is no food. Second, animals that used the forest as shelter and refuge are easily spotted by predators. Also, the watershed washes the creeks and rivers out, making them muddy, causing fish to die. Logging causes so many problems.

The cure is not too far around the corner. Alternative substances can be used instead of wood products. Hemp, one of the strongest fibers, can be used for paper. It can also be used to produce two-by-fours. Using recycled paper instead of new white paper and taking your own bag to the grocery store instead of using paper bags would reduce the demand for wood. There are many alternatives to using wood, but people need to ask for them. Seth Andrew Wagenblast Cheney

IN THE PAPER

Push good parenting, not school name

Re: All the stories that have been written relating to the two 13-year-old boys who vandalized Sacajawea Middle School.

I’m tired, angry and frustrated to continually read the name of the school involved (i.e. former Sacajawea student). It should instead read the name of the child followed by the name of the parents. It’s not the school that should be emphasized, but the parents.

Parents should be accountable for their children. They need to bond with them in a caring, compassionate way on a daily basis. We need the newspaper to advertise as often as possible the following: Wanted, parents as positive role models. Tony J. Antonucci Spokane

Media had own racial hang-ups

Your May 18 article on Spokane’s racial segregation history covered nearly every facet of life for blacks in Spokane except for one rather glaring omission: the media.

Mention of such practices by The Spokesman-Review and Chronicle as refusing to print pictures of interracial couples on the society page as late as 1970 was curiously absent. Apparently, the fear was that printing these pictures would offend the readership.

Racism in Spokane will end only when we are all able to point the finger at ourselves, instead of just at other people. It would be most helpful if our leaders and our media could show the rest of us how that is done. Cris M. Currie Mead

Editor’s note: Three editorial staff members who were with the Spokane newspapers in 1970 say they know of no such explicit policy at that time. None of them worked on the society page, however, and there is the possibility pictures of interracial couples might have been refused or ignored by an individual acting without any policy guidance on the matter.