Letters To The Editor

OVER THE LINE

Free fishing day - with a big catch

The welcome mat so warmly put out by the Idaho Fish and Game Department was rudely pulled out from under our feet by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department early this month. The so-called free fishing day so well advertised had a $75 hook in it.

As we were pulling our old aluminum Sea King from Hauser Lake, we were accosted by officers from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department for a safety inspection. During this inspection, it was noted that while we did have adequate life preservers, we did not possess a whistle with a one-half-mile range as required by law. For this we were warned. But what was far more serious, our boat did not display a current Idaho State boat registration.

Admittedly, this ancient craft had at some time in the dim past been registered in Idaho, as the faded numerals did attest. However, since no such registration is required in Washington for such a tiny craft (10 feet) and since until then we had fished exclusively in Washington, we were aghast at this development.

Obviously, we must have missed the fine print in the free fish day advertisement. Donald J. Griffiths Spokane

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

City gouges public-spirited effort

In 1995, after spending several years involved in Lakeland Little League, experiencing the shortage of fields and poorly maintained fields provided by the city, I approached the Rathdrum Lions Club with the idea of a field complex. The club donated several acres to build two regulation fields and a T-ball field. With donations and countless hours of help, we completed the project in one year.

Last summer, the Lions Club received exorbitant water bills from the city’s metered system. We installed an underground sprinkler system on the baseball fields so there’s no doubt how much water is being used. But there is some argument about the accuracy of the city’s metered volume. I addressed the City Council this spring to request a water rate reduction, the justification being that nonprofit community organizations provide recreational opportunities that the city should, but doesn’t, provide.

June 9, the council decided unanimously: “No special consideration; You must pay the standard commercial metered water rate.”

After years of seeing the city cuddle up to developers, allowing them to buy out of dedicated park land set-asides, I got upset enough to write this letter. The city says it has $70,000 in the park fund but continues to do nothing. This is a classic example of a small town wanting to be a big town without providing services. I suggest our council start running our town less like a business and more like a community. Larry V. Knutson Rathdrum

Real story: how riot was averted

Re: “Councilman Dire arrested on suspicion of DUI,” (June 23). Kind of a small story to rate space in the Review? Especially when you realize that there are two Bill Dires who’ve been Wallace City Council members. The real news is that the sheriff’s office planned to enforce the open container law during Gyro Days for the first time in 50 years.

They expected to do it with no advance notice and a riot was expected. I don’t drink and left early. If there was no riot, it was because a number of citizens were milling through the crowd under the direction of Paul Friend, encouraging an attitude more tolerant of the officers. Now, that’s news! John H. Wiegman Osburn

Firm went out of its way to help

For many weeks I had no water due to an incorrectly installed electrical line between my house and well. It was a stressful situation because the electrical line was less than a year old and there was an investment of approximately $5,000 into a line that a local electrical contractor would not warrant.

Integrity Electric, Inc., owned by Bob Lyons, stepped in to help us at a time when we were desperate for water, and money was short. This company was swamped with other jobs that I am positive paid much better, yet they came on a Saturday and worked an extremely long day to lay 1,000 feet of line for us. It is so rare to find a company that gives you more than what you bargained for. Mary J. White Post Falls

Bears better stay out of my way

Re: “Grizzly plan followed,” (June 21). As a member of the U.S. Army, I once attended a survival school in Alaska. The only true threat we faced was from grizzlies. And now Idaho is to have them? I think not. I live in Idaho and do not want them, period.

So please remember that all it is doing is supplying me with more targets to shoot at.

If you shoot a grizzly in the stomach with a large hunting rifle, the bullet will pass through and the animal will run off to die. Granted, this is wrong, but I have children to raise and hunting and camping are our favorite activities. So, if it becomes us or them, I will win. Gregory A. Dean Orofino

Hate antidote events abound

Many thanks to Waco, Texas, journalist Rowland Nethaway! His June 27 column (“Don’t give hateful KKK time of day”) urges his media colleagues to boycott the Jasper, Texas, KKK rally, thus depriving the Klan of the publicity its members crave.

Here in North Idaho, human rights and civic leaders are encouraging everyone to stay away from the Aryan Nations’ July 18 hate march. Historically in America, whenever the voices of hate have convened, responsible civil rights advocates have wisely chosen to stay away. In that spirit, city officials and human rights leaders are urging all people of good will to avoid downtown Coeur d’Alene during the Aryans’ march.

We invite all who wish to show their disdain for the Nazi message of hate and violence to select from a wide range of alternate and positive activities being held that weekend. During the march, travel to Spokane via car caravan to a human rights rally on the Gonzaga University campus or take your children to numerous activities at business and churches throughout Kootenai County. That afternoon, enjoy the Making Lemonade Celebration in downtown Coeur d’Alene. On Sunday, attend an interfaith service at St. Pius Church.

May all members of the media be found covering these well-attended events, leaving the Aryans alone! Judy Hyatt, secretary Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, Coeur d’Alene

Racism’s not a problem, you say?

Those who see racism as an insignificant problem in North Idaho could gain from my experience in getting support of “Human for Rights” efforts. I’ve been gathering pledges for each minute the Aryan Nations march in Coeur d’Alene. Signers state: “I believe in the right of free speech, but I abhor the message of white supremacy and hatred the Aryan Nations are proclaiming as they exercise their right of free speech by marching through Coeur d’Alene on July 18.”

Now, this is not a confusing issue. These white supremacists are marching to honor their hero, Adolf Hitler, and protesting this march would seem praiseworthy, right? I asked a very busy Bonners Ferry store if I could place a pledge sheet there. They agreed and I taped it next to the cash register. After only a few days, the store manager told me that the pledge sheet was removed because “it was too controversial” and “there were a lot of negative comments.” How can people believe racism is not a problem in this state? Mark D. Rist Bonners Ferry

Bonner commissioners, duh, try this

Redneck Lane. Bonner County commissioners have proven what many of us have known for some time. One needs no intelligence, reasoning or thinking ability to hold public office.

I would like to relieve any possible mental stress to the commissioners by suggesting the following names: Aryan Drive, Adolf Lane, Hitler Boulevard, KKK Court, Skinhead Place, Swasitka Square, and so on.

The naming of Redneck Lane perpetuates the much-undeserved reputation of North Idaho. Great going, commissioners. Now, before you citizens gloat, remember these goons were voted in by you and especially you citizens who don’t vote. There is truth in saying we get what we deserve. Think about it. Roger E. Harris Coeur d’Alene

Recall Kempthorne; he’s a menace

Re: “Lawmakers back rancher,” (June 26). Dirk Kempthorne is dangerous for our environment and our economy. To trash recreation, hunting and the tourist industry, to bomb an area with endangered bighorn sheep and sacred Indian artifacts, is outrageous. Then, Kempthorne bilks the U.S. taxpayer, that’s us, to pay some deadbeat for not ranching on public land. That is criminal. Who elected Kempthorne? Throw the bum out. This deserves impeachment proceedings. Nancy Lynne Coeur d’Alene

Political news was about GOP

While trying to be clever, D.F. Oliveria got it wrong again.

The Democrats - over 200 strong - didn’t hold their convention in a “phone booth.” We held it in the fine community of Post Falls, at Templin’s Resort. I understand the Rs were furious that we got there ahead of them.

If he had actually wanted to impart some important information, he might have pointed out that 46 percent of the Republicans supported Kootenai County Commissioner Ron Rankin’s English-only plank. That seems like a worthwhile editorial item in a community which is both trying to fight the reality of racism and the view that the rest of the nation has of North Idaho.

He could have noted that a majority of the Republicans voted in favor of turning their beliefs into more and bigger government to check on the rest of us.

Hypocrisy is always worthy of comment; but I suppose that would be like calling in fire on his own position. Jerry C. Shriner Coeur d’Alene

LAW AND JUSTICE

Let justice be swift

Re: “Police release more details in trooper’s death,” (June 20). I was shocked and saddened to hear of the trooper’s death. Hopefully, justice will come surely and swiftly. Thomas E. Lee Lewiston

NRA executive explains it all

Mike Scalera (Letters, June 24) questions why 69,000 convicted felons were denied handguns because of the Brady law but were not arrested and convicted.

Wayne LaPierre, National Rifle Association executive vice president, provides the answer in the July issue of the American Rifleman, page 10, as follows: “There is nothing that says the FBI or the BATF or any federal agent must arrest criminals, felons, drug dealers or fugitives who violate this law. The only requirement is that they be turned away at the point of sale.”

The Brady law is a great success and is keeping guns out of the hands of convicted felons, juveniles and others. Strengthening this law will increase public safety. Walter A. Becker Pullman

SPOKANE MATTERS

Zoning only a promoter could love

Unbelievable! What kind of city zoning laws would allow a casino to be built right next to a residential area?

In January, Lilac Lanes opened its new bowling alley next to Cedar Creek Village and Shiloh Hills. Residents were unhappy with the business’ application for a liquor license in a facility that provides child care and family entertainment.

Last week, a huge billboard was put up on north Nevada Street indicating Lilac Lanes as a casino and lounge. We chose to live in this area to provide a safe environment for our children. This affects our children’s environment and our property value.

What kind of delinquent city government allows this kind of element in our neighborhoods? Our City Council and mayor must be accountable for their stewardship of our city. Brian and Stacey Patchett Spokane

Yet more overview balancing needed

One City Council meeting received an excellent presentation on why the city should change from a District Court system to a municipal court. However, based on that report, the council should require the city to present a report on why the present system should be retained for balance.

The same should be said about a proposed $50,000 audit by DMG Maximus purporting to complete a “citywide assessment or management review of programs and activities.” During the questioning period, this company ducked the task of “work flow analysis.” Another firm should be invited to provide a balanced overview.

That same balance should be struck on the proposal for a new convention center. Where is the feasibility study? Should we target different types of conventions or “build it and they will come”? By the way, The City Council met on June 29 from 6 p.m. until past 10:30 p.m., yet the only item covered in The Spokesman-Review was the tree ordinance! Why not the entire meeting? Edward Thomas Jr. Spokane

Local players have to buck up

I just got back from watching some fantastic basketball at Hoopfest. There was a lot of talk about the teams getting invited from Los Angeles and New York. Some people said we shouldn’t have invited them or they should just pay their own way.

I’d like to kick in my two cents worth and say that these guest teams played with respect and intensity, and even though they were favored, the L.A. team was bounced out and Riverside Church lost in the finals to a team which had already beaten them twice before.

Win, lose or draw, however, this tournament won’t garner the respect it deserves unless we can hold our own against this level of talent. The NBA playoffs wouldn’t be very special if the Bulls weren’t allowed in for having won so many rings.

For every team supposedly afraid to play the elite teams from elsewhere, I’ll wager there are three more itching to prove their mettle against that kind of quality competition. What I’d like to see now is the Spokane team, Phat Steppin, get invited to the New York or L.A. tournaments, the way we invited their elite players.

Ultimately, the grand prize winners should also win more than a T-shirt, bragging rights and parting gifts, and perhaps some cash, like Bloomsday offers, so this field can eventually draw even more elite players.

My guess is, the next John Stockton is already on one of the teams playing last weekend and he’s going to need someone good to cut his teeth on. Jeff Presley Spokane

Hoopfest - great event and good kids

Let’s hear it for the good kids! My husband and I had four grandsons in Hoopfest and were so impressed with all the positive attitudes and great sportsmanship.

Also, a big thank you to all the volunteers and organizers. Fantastic weekend! Ed and Nancy Minor Post Falls