Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Holzer art criticisms nonsensical

I am responding to Barbara Green’s April 11 letter about the Jenny Holzer message board, “Selections from Truisms,” at the Spokane Transit Authority Plaza and her attack on Glenn Mason’s explanation of it. Green has grossly misinterpreted Mason’s letter.

I could not find where Mason said, or even inferred, that “artistic merit is determined by an art work’s shock value or offensiveness.”

Additionally, it is curious to me that Green and other letter writers describe the work as offensive. Holzer’s work and the phrases contained within them are, for the most part, impersonal, ambiguous and even benign. Most visitors to STA Plaza don’t even notice it.

Other letter writers have quoted several of the “most offensive” phrases. What about all the other phrases? “Selections From Truisms” primarily contains phrases that most people would describe as good, true or, at the very worst, inconsequential: It’s good to give extra money to charity. Children are the hope of the future. Humor is a release. Abuse of power comes as no surprise.

But the real issue the work addresses is our perception of the mass media words and images that surround us daily. By placing almost familiar phrases on a common instrument of mass advertisement, Holzer challenges us to question mass media’s stereotyped messages.

Furthermore, I don’t believe Mason is “hiding behind his disclaimer.” Rather, it is there to prevent any confusion about the work. As a common advertising medium, the LED sign is normally something that anyone could program. Here, it is actually an art object. Richard W. Grilley Spokane

Engineer’s behavior inappropriate

Spokane County Engineer Bill Johns, a high-profile county employee, was shown on KXLY news recently, protesting at the terminal annex as taxpayers filed their returns. The Spokesman-Review the next day said he had been coming to the terminal annex every year since 1992 to protest government spending.

Where does Johns think his salary comes from? I am personally offended by this hypocritical action. I work hard to earn a living. I am proud to live in this great country. I spent seven years in the Navy during Vietnam, and I support my government by paying my taxes.

Perhaps Johns would be willing to take a pay cut from his high salary in an effort to cut down on government spending. Even though this country’s freedom allows him the right to free speech, a person in a high-profile job, supported by taxpayers, should not be visibly protesting the source of his income. Perhaps he should be working in the private sector, rather than living on taxpayer dollars. Michael C. Phillips Spokane

Sabey, Talbott not unreasonable

After reading the letter to the editor on Apr. 8, I was very disappointed in Spokane’s abrasive attitude toward the mayor. He has a right to his opinion without being called names.

Why are so many people so down on David Sabey? He built NorthTown at his own expense without the benefits of Department of Housing and Urban Development or parking meter funds. He spent his own money.

As far as “destroying downtown,” does this mean that the Valley Mall, Franklin Park Mall, U-City, Shadle and Newport are also destroying downtown? I don’t think so. What about the Spokane developer who is now buying property and operating in Seattle from Spokane? He must be destroying downtown Seattle, or is he in it for the money? Roger G. Lee Spokane

TOLERANCE

Ignoring Aryans a poor idea

In response to Gordon Spitzer’s letter on Apr. 12, concerning his distaste for the Aryan Nations’ presence, I, too, do not welcome them and am disturbed by their attitude, which is protected by the First Amendment. As hard as it is, we have to allow them to speak, to parade and to burn. If we silence them now, when will we be silenced when our viewpoints and affiliations do not mesh with the majority?

Evil can thrive only in the dark and we must endeavor to expose evil to the light of tolerance whenever we can. Hate is a learned attitude and we must strive to teach each other tolerance and respect.

It’s said that we should keep our friends close and our enemies closer. Ignoring the Aryan Nations will only allow them to thrive. We must be open and courageous, and make known our communities unacceptance of intolerance, hate and oppression. Surely, the collective voices of North Idaho and the Inland Northwest are louder and more powerful than the dark, hate-filled rumblings of an organization which embraces hate.

Say it, display it, write it, but do not allow it to grow in the dark by silently ignoring it. E. Jean Robinson Spokane

Try showing strength in solidarity

There has been a great deal of discussion lately about the upcoming Aryan march and what the response should be, if any.

A few years ago, there was a family in Montana with a Jewish symbol displayed in their living room window and they were the target of a hate event. The community was so outraged that Jewish symbols of all types were displayed in neighborhood windows throughout the town.

I was impressed. The hatemongers no longer knew for sure who should be their next target. I wondered if this would have worked in Germany in the early years of Hitler.

Perhaps not, but it can work here in the Pacific Northwest. We can stand together against hate in a very peaceful way.

Every business, home and person along the parade route should display a Jewish symbol of some kind. Every person who must be in the area should carry or wear a Jewish symbol. All should go about their business as if nothing is happening because, indeed, if all are wearing or displaying the symbols, who will the target be when all have presented themselves as targets? Mary Howard Medical Lake

Ordinance provisions distorted

Marleen Clutter (Letters, April 18) repeats the same unfounded, illogical arguments against gays and lesbians that always appear whenever human rights legislation is discussed.

For instance, the legislation currently before the City Council would not give gays and lesbians any “special legal preference,”as Clutter states. It would only ban discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation. No preference, no special privileges, just no discrimination.

Clutter goes on to join the current frenzy over gay marriage. I am still waiting for someone to explain to me how the marriage of any two people who truly love each other can possibly undermine the institution of marriage as a whole. I am particularly perplexed about this because statistics show that most marriages today end in divorce and a large percentage of children are being raised in single-parent homes. It does seem that marriage needs to be defended, but not from gays and lesbians. Charles A. Creasy Spokane

‘Acceptance’ story encouraging

Re: “Gays and lesbians win acceptance” (April 16).

What a beautiful, healthy, happy family! They’ve accepted themselves, why can’t society accept them? Who’s to say what normalcy is, anyway? I say live and let live! Case closed. Tami N. Sorensen Spokane

HIGHER EDUCATION

Locke made a wise decision

Speaking on behalf of Eastern Washington University, I would like to thank Gov. Gary Locke for his careful consideration of SSB 6655, the bill which changes how public higher education is delivered in Spokane.

By removing the section from the legislation which gave exclusive authority to Washington State University to offer upper-division and graduate-level courses in Spokane, he has recognized that both EWU and WSU have important roles in the community.

We at EWU offer and do things that WSU does not. WSU can provide services to the community that EWU does not. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with WSU on additional programs offering new opportunities to Spokane students. The public can only benefit from the increased presence of both universities.

EWU serves a head count of some 2,600 students in Spokane; WSU serves 300. Our major objection to the bill has been the section - eliminated by the governor - which gave pre-eminent status in program offerings to WSU. Why should EWU be diminished to promote WSU’s growth in Spokane?

We look forward to working in even greater cooperation with WSU in bringing needed higher education offerings to Spokane. Niel T. Zimmerman, acting president Eastern Washington University, Cheney

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Security man made positive impression

My eighth-grade MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) class recently went on a field trip to Spokane International Airport. After an interesting and informative visit to the FAA flight control tower, we walked over to the SIA Police Department for our scheduled tour of the terminal.

Sgt. Jim Burks was our guide. Emerging from behind a locked steel door, he immediately organized the 28 students into four symmetrical lines, probing the eyes of each child as he delivered instructions in a gentle voice which demanded adherence. Sgt. Burks then introduced himself and said, “I love you. Every one of you.”

I learned much as Burks led us around the airport. As an airline passenger, one of the many things I discovered is why my bag will be checked on one occasion and not on another. As an instructor, I witnessed a great teacher.

Burks connected with the kids. He spoke to each one of them, honestly and enthusiastically, urging them to keep learning and always to do their best. As a person, I got to spend an hour-and-a-half in the presence of a splendid human being. Burks understands the value of life. He made me happy to be alive, and reminded me that the world is full of marvelous people.

Leaving the terminal, I overheard one of my students say to another, “I love you. Every one of you.” Sgt. Burks obviously impressed the two boys. I looked at them and said, “You know what’s awesome? We all know he really does!” Joshua R. Hansen Colbert

Teachers can and should have fun

Re: Helen M. Rhodes’ letter of April 12.

I am one of those people who was on the receiving end of those pies, not as a teacher but as a part-time staff member, a school volunteer and a parent of two children who go to Cooper Elementary. Yes, seven of those pies were for our principal, for a read-a-thon. But did anyone mention that the other 130 were done as a fund raiser to buy shirts for our wonderful chorus children, who, I might add, look great in their new red shirts?

As far as the students losing respect for the teachers, you are so wrong. This was done on strictly a volunteer basis, and what this says to these students is: I care enough about your education to help you any way I can, and if taking a few pies in the face helps you feel better about yourselves when you sing in public places, then so be it.

This also tells our students that teachers are human, too. They like to have fun and enjoy life. Why should they be total sticks in the mud? You can have fun with children and still have their respect - maybe even more.

None of these children were confused or frightened. They had so much fun that they are already asking if we can do it again next year, and the answer is yes, we probably will.

My sincere thanks to our wonderful staff at Cooper for a job well done. Judy E. Howell Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Boarding home problem one of low pay

Re: The recent change of boarding home regulators from the Department of Health to DSHS.

The problem is pay too low to find qualified employees and not the lack of state inspectors. James F. Sothers Spokane

Cyclones appreciate recognition

We don’t slam-dunk. We don’t “sell” shoes, but a tire company should consider our endorsement potential.

Columnist Doug Clark was right - our basketball team is on a roll. The Cyclones wish to thank The Spokesman-Review for the recognition shown our brand of March Madness. As we push to continue our success, we also wish to thank the people of Spokane for their role in it.

The Cyclones began playing in 1974. Wheelchair basketball is, after 50 years, beginning to register as a “mainstream” sport. It has been played in the last three Olympiads. On the local level, the Cyclones received quite a boost from The Spokesman-Review. Doug Clark’s excellent column appeared as the team made its way to Nashville for the Final Four.

Like any competitive team, the Cyclones felt the pressure of playing for a national championship. We turned that pressure into a positive only with the unparalleled support received; the community rallied behind us and that made all the difference!

Our thanks to The Spokesman-Review, KREM, KXLY, KHQ and NW Cable News. Our fund-raising efforts received a huge boost from KISS, KZZU, KKZX, the FROG, Cat Country, the PEAK and The Score. Hats off to the Rocking Horse Tavern in Reardan.

It is with great pride that we take the court. That pride stems, in part, from our success. Representing Spokane and surrounding communities means equally as much. While we came up short at this year’s Final Four, we look forward to the promise of next season. We hope all of Spokane enjoys sharing our hoop dream. Paul J. Hill, team representative Spokane’s St. Luke’s Cyclones

West doing a good job

Bravo to Dona Van Gelder (Letters, April 10) for laying the cards face-up on the table. Spokane can read them and weep.

Hopefully, the Spokane Humane Society, in spite of the politics and behind-the-scenes maneuverings, will be allowed to head in its new direction.

Since the board of directors are fairly new, they are not at fault, nor should they be held accountable for the outrageous conditions that were allowed for so many years. The new director, Kim West, has been working quietly without fanfare, but it is an uphill battle without adequate financing. Many times, West and her staff have spent their own money and worked without pay.

West has eliminated a lot of the good-old-boy thinking. It is always difficult and take considerable effort to clean house, but it can be done one room at a time. Shake-ups have been long overdue. Regarding those who quit and then wanted to collect unemployment, West said no way. Good for her.

We now have a director who will take responsibility and has the integrity to do battle for what is right. West and her staff have maintained a professional attitude that is refreshing. Hopefully, West will have the encouragement and support of the board and all who truly care for the welfare of animals. Edna L. Fisher Spokane

‘Riverdance’ uplifting, inspiring

On April 9, we sat in a packed Opera House to listen, to watch, to feel, to enjoy an entertainment experience which lifted our hearts, riveted our attention and kept our feet a-tapping from beginning to end. The last time my hands hurt like they did that night was when I was still playing handball 25 years ago. Then it was the bruising impact of a hard rubber ball on bare skin. This time it was the result of rounds of applause on applause on applause. I write of our experience at “Riverdance.”

Even after seeing it more than once - for which we all owe thanks to our own Public Broadcasting station, Channel 7 - we were all mesmerized by the eye-catching set designs, by the tunes of the musicians and by the harmonies and melodies of the singers. And we were stunned by the impact of the drums and the dancers. We left wishing that we had tickets for every evening so we could go again and again.

Athletic artistry in motion, heart-rending, spiritbuilding - ultimately so grandly inspiring on nearly any level of human understanding and appreciation. Wow! Sometimes you get to see something that reminds you that maybe, just maybe, we humans are not so bad for each other after all. Michael A. and Sharon L. Page Spokane