Letters To The Editor

WASHINGTON STATE

I-694 is about power and control

Re: Anti-abortion Initiative 694.

It’s difficult to comprehend this insulting treatment of women in Washington. Initiative 694 has nothing to do with religion or family values. It seeks power and control over women’s physical, mental and reproductive health. Abortion is a part of a woman’s reproductive health and should not be a political football. This is an act of hate against women.

We should have control of our reproductive decisions, with privacy, dignity and without fear, degradation or humiliation. Yet, we seem to be the target of the anti-choice people again.

The anti-choice people should realize this will not stop women from seeking abortions. Poor, anxious women will be driven to murderous butchers of the back alleys who, without appropriate equipment, supplies and without using sterile procedures, cause many deaths. Women can die of septicemia or be crippled for life from a botched abortion.

We must realize that if the fundamentalist right wing Christian movement in this state gains power and control over women, they will have control more than half the population. I certainly would not want Randy Tate, Ellen Craswell, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, the Promise Keepers or any anti-abortion terrorist having power and control over my life.

Vote no on I-694. Bette Roberts Auburn

I-694 is about sparing lives

Re: Fred Meyer’s Aug. 5, letter, in which he argues, “The passage of I-694 would, therefore, probably be found unconstitutional …” His letter made it sound as though religious groups are setting up when life begins and trying to enforce their beliefs on everyone else.

However, the question about when life begins is not religious but scientific. It’s scientifically established that life begins at conception. By 10 weeks after conception, the baby has brain activity, all its organs formed, a beating heart, fingerprints and responds to pleasure and pain. The choice to have an abortion is often not made by the woman but by a boyfriend, husband, parents or counselor.

I challenge Meyer to read the Constitution and find the principle of separation of church and state. It’s not there. The only thing related is the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion. It protects the church from the state, not the state from the church. Our founding fathers stressed the importance of the church being involved in the state for the health and morality of the nation. The only early reference to separation of church and state was in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson referring to not allowing the state to run the church.

Initiative 694 doesn’t enforce religion. It seeks to protect innocent young lives from a painful, premature death. Joshua B. Lemley Spokane

Tax cuts can come at heavy cost

There will be a referendum on the November ballot that seems like a tax cut we have been seeking for years.

Referendum 49 does cut the motor vehicle excise tax by $30 per vehicle and allows quicker depreciation of new vehicles, resulting in lower taxes. It also transfers revenues now going into the general fund to much-needed transportation projects and provides additional funding for local criminal justice, violence reduction and drug enforcement programs. Looking at these facts, this referendum looks great and will be very popular with voters.

On the flip side, this referendum will reduce state revenues by $258 million and reduce the state general fund by $469 million in the 1999-2001 biennium. With a slowing state economy and the Initiative 601 expenditure limit passed a few years ago, we are looking at a potential expenditure need this biennium instead of the surplus we have recently enjoyed. The governor has already asked state departments to prepare a 7 percent budget reduction package to address this issue.

My concern with Referendum 49 is the fact that almost a half billion dollars would be taken out of the general fund, which is used to fund education and social services, among other things. The need in these areas always outweighs available funding, and of the cuts that must be made to balance the state budget, 78 percent are expected to come from social service programs and higher education.

Consider these facts when you go to the polls in November. We all need a break in our taxes but let’s pay attention to where the cuts are ultimately coming from. Lance J. Morehouse Spokane

Young representative praiseworthy

I was surprised to read Rep. Jeff Gombosky’s (D-3rd District) opponent made the same tired claim that was made against Gombosky during the last election. Why are youth and energy negative qualities in a person responsible for working on behalf of our community?

Over and over, we hear that young people are apathetic, don’t vote and tune out community issues. Yet, here is a 27-year-old who has chosen to serve.

Gombosky should be celebrated for his commitment to public service. Nancy E. Williams Nine Mile Falls, Wash.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

For now, let’s use less plastic

I really got excited when I read that the air in Spokane will get measurably cleaner by the year 2025, when all plastics will be banned from the waste to energy incinerator.

So, what do we do in the meantime, just keep breathing Spokane’s dusty, dioxin-laden air? When are we going to get our priorities right and see that clean air and water are issues for everyone, not just hippies and so-called radical environmentalists. Perhaps we would do better to put less plastic into the waste stream in the first place.

On a recent visit to the supermarket, the cashier practically arrested me for not wanting several plastic grocery bags for just a few items. The times I bring my own bag, I get weird looks. Come on, folks - cough, cough - do something. Harvey Berman Spokane

Professors’ assumption faulty

Re: “Spokane often left gasping.” Assistant professor Roe Roberts and professor Jeff Corkill could be doing an important study, except for a flawed approach to the problem. They assume all inhalers prescribed are used for the effects of “grass smoke” in particular. This isn’t necessarily true.

My inhaler isn’t purchased or used in this area. At this time of year there’s a lot of dust. Spokane is situated in a low rainfall area which means there’s more dust. At this time of year, goldenrod, Klamath weed (St. John’s Wort), Tansey ragwort, fleabone, etc. are in full bloom. How many inhalers are used to combat the effects of pollens? Also, cats and dogs are shedding profusely.

Please, if you’re conducting a scientific experiment, be scientific enough to know what specifically is the problem. It may not be the obvious or the result desired by Roberts and Corkill. Each inhaler used should be tested scientifically to be counted in their data.

They can count me out; I’ve been tested. Eunice Dick Spokane

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Behold what money and greed do

As our presidential sextravaganza unfolds, we are treated to all kinds of humor. One of the funniest moments was Rep. George Nethercutt’s posturing about lying. He said he was against it.

Four years ago, candidate Nethercutt promised not to cut Social Security benefits. Within months of entering Congress, he voted to cut Social Security benefits. As I approach retirement, Nethercutt’s lie damages me much more than the spectacle of President Clinton lying while trying to hide his infidelity from the nation and his family. All of us have lied at one time or other to avoid a shabby image.

What really bothers me is all the wheeling and dealing exposed by the mud-slinging and the true corruption of government. From Speaker Newt Gingrich to the Arkansas bunch, we see a picture of unparalleled financial flim-flam and corruption - Republican and Democrat, government and business.

In our titillation, we’re losing sight of the truth. What really causes corruption? Isn’t it the desire of those with money and power for more money and power? Who has enough money and power to buy money and power? It isn’t the average working man and woman.

Our government is being corrupted by business and financial interests who have the money and power to buy it. Money is the cause of corruption. Lying is the symptom of it. Capitalism is corrupting government, not those caught liars who expose it. George Thomas Spokane

Make 5th District debate 3-way

Re: Our View, Aug 20

Republican Sen. Dirk Kempthorne was taken to task for not having debates with his opponent, Democrat Robert Huntley. Well, if it is good enough for the Republicans, the Democrats certainly are using the same tactics here in Spokane and the 5th congressional district.

Neither Republican George Nethercutt nor Democrat Brad Lyons has offered to debate the issues with American Heritage Party candidate John Beal.

The Republicans and Democrats must be at least as arrogant as editorial writer D.F. Oliveria says the senatorial race in Idaho is becoming.

I look forward to debates on the issues, if the two same-old parties are willing to debate Beal. Marvin Newcomb Spokane

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Clinton should do right thing: resign

President Clinton acknowledged his previous lying to the public. As is his pattern, he chose his words in such a way as to leave the impression of the obvious without truly admitting anything.

Clinton also tried to paint himself as some sort of victim of Judge Kenneth Starr - a man working under a law signed by Clinton under the appointment of Janet Reno, Clinton’s own appointee.

While Americans can be sympathetic to the injuries that Clinton has inflicted on his family and can acknowledge that these are best left to his family to resolve, Americans shouldn’t accept having a leader who will lie under oath in a court of law.

Slick Willie has clearly crossed the line that separates his private life from the public. I agree most heartily with Clinton that America needs to put this behind them and only Clinton can be the one to do this. For a change, he should display some honor and resign the presidency. Only then can we restore the dignity of that office. Dale A. Nelson Spokane

The real big lie, big liar revealed

I finally figured it out. At first, it was mystifying. Now that President Clinton is a demonstrated and admitted liar, why does he apparently still enjoy high levels of job support? And why is this true even though large majorities abhor his personal conduct and amorality?

It can only be because he isn’t one of those “extreme, mean-spirited” Republicans! This means that the liberal so-called spin machine is successfully selling the big lie. They have claimed loudly and frequently that Republicans want to starve your children, steal your Social Security and foul your air and water until large numbers of people actually seem to believe it.

Constant repetition has turned these obvious lies into conventional wisdom. People who express this as an opinion are really just regurgitating a carefully crafted misconception.

A majority of the public also seems to believe that Clinton “cares about the people,” although his every action, as opposed to his words, belies that. Just ask Chelsea, Hilary, Kathleen Willey, Monica Lewinsky or former employees of the White House travel office.

Please, all you mindless apologists for the indefensible, spare us the bogus, self-serving excuses - “private matter,” “everybody does it,” “Starr’s vendetta” and “but the economy is good.” In this issue, as in all issues, there is an objective reality. It exists independently of your ability or willingness to recognize it. Larry L. Morrison Harrison, Idaho

How can anyone support Clinton?

I’m not able to comprehend how any patriotic individual or anyone who is religious and/or Christian can condone a morally bankrupt blob of cowardice and corruption to continue to preside over our nation. Will Barnes Spokane

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Racist N. Idaho - there you go again

The Spokesman-Review is at it again. In one recent edition, no fewer than two articles identifying racism with North Idaho, including an editorial.

Why is our community consistently, unfairly and unequally portrayed as racist. The Aryan Nations in no way represents the sentiments of North Idaho. Our community has demonstrated this time and again. Sure, Idaho has racists but racism exists everywhere. Why doesn’t The Spokesman-Review give a balanced account of racism?

The fact is that North Idaho has fewer hate crimes and crimes with racial overtones than Washington. A race riot occurred in Seattle on the same weekend the Aryans marched but it got no coverage by The Spokesman-Review.

The Spokesman-Review seems to view itself as the leading authority on racism. It recently published a front page series defining racist thought for our education. However, The Spokesman-Review sometimes appears to be more politically correct and aimed at selling copy than accurate or fair on the issue of racism in America.

Unfortunately, the politics and business of racism is a big part of this society’s racism problem, including North Idaho. S.S Howze Sagle

Influx overinflating property taxes

I am outraged. I’ve been a homeowner since 1976. I’ve seen my assessed value raised from $36,000 to $236,000. When the assessed value first doubled, we went to find out why. We were told our property would be assessed at market value every year.

I’m almost to the point of being taxed out of my home. This is not an isolated case - it’s happening all over North Idaho. When we go to the Kootenai County commissioners to contest an increase in assessed value, their reply is, “What can you sell it for?” We do not want to sell. This is our home.

North Idaho has witnessed an invasion of neighbors from the West Coast. They sold property for thousands of dollars and came here to purchase relatively cheap property. Their willingness to pay high prices raises all the market values. This has driven property taxes through the roof. I realize taxes must go up, but not to the point where older residents are displaced.

Developers and people moving in should bear the brunt of high property taxes based on high market valuations. They are the ones who want and cause the expensive new services. Let the property taxes be based on the value of the property when it was purchased.

Now is the time to take action. The annual budget meeting with the Kootenai County commissioners is Sept. 8, 7 p.m., at the Kootenai County Courthouse, Room 1. Speak up! Daniel P. Lyons Coeur d’Alene

Remove dams and restore salmon

Salmon, among our region’s most valuable resources, are on the verge of extinction. Overwhelming evidence points to the culprit: too many dams creating an impassable obstacle course for Idaho’s salmon and steelhead.

The Army Corps of Engineers is considering retiring four dams on the lower Snake River to restore our dwindling fisheries. Scientists estimate that if these four dams are removed, salmon runs will return to 1960 levels in less than 25 years.

Restored to these levels, Idaho economist Don Reading estimates, our salmon and steelhead fisheries would generate $150 million annually in Idaho, with much of this money going to small rural communities in the form of expanded sports fisheries and associated recreation industries.

The four lower Snake dams are unnecessary. They provide no flood control, little irrigation and only 4 percent of the Northwest’s power. Wheat currently being shipped via slackwater navigation from Lewiston to Portland can easily be sent by rail or truck. Take out the dams and bring back Idaho’s salmon. Samantha Mace Idaho Wildlife Federation, Coeur d’Alene