Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Let’s hear about Hoopfest joy, value

There are at least two sides to every story. We are looking forward to a sequel to the story “Lootfest,” June 30. We’d like to hear about the merchants who are glad that Hoopfest takes place downtown, or at least derive some profit from it.

Besides bringing thousands of locals, it brings thousands of people from out of town. People who might never experience our downtown. People who window shop between games and come back to shop again and again after the event.

Another side of the story shows families gathering for a special event that becomes a tradition. Families that can look forward to having everyone together on that last weekend of June.

Hoopfest is the delight on the face of a young child as she scores a basket, maybe the winning shot. It’s also disappointment when the ball doesn’t go in, but knowing that there’s another chance for a smile.

Hoopfest is thousands and thousands of people enjoying Riverfront Park and our downtown (and looking forward to its renewal). Hoopfest is great! Now, about that sequel. Bill and Suzanne Brooks Spokane

Nordstrom has a bad attitude

This letter could be addressed to several businesses in the community, however Nordstrom seems to be the leader of the pack.

I have been a Hoopfest volunteer for several years and find it a rewarding experience. It is in a small way my effort to give something positive back to our community. During the years of my involvement, I have seen the management of Nordstrom chip away at the success of this event.

Hoopfest brings families from several states to our city to participate in a clean, safe, fun event. Money spent by these people is a boost to the region as a whole and the profits go to a very worthy cause. The continued complaints about reduced traffic to the Nordstrom store are becoming boring.

There are hundreds of businesses that advertise on Hoopfest backboards and otherwise support this community event. Most of these companies lose money by giving time or materials to the success of the event, but not Nordstrom. In fact, I can’t think of any community event Nordstrom sponsors or promotes, unless one considers holding Spokane hostage while they tear up the streets to be a positive family experience.

I am sure Nordstrom’s negative approach can be blamed on this being a “Seattle office decision.” However, I see the standard they are setting as comment on their attitude toward the community as a whole. I hope any business that wants to be part of my community would set a better example. Hard foul, Nordstrom. Thomas G. Tusler Deer Park

Guest teams should pay own way

It is totally unfair to add guest teams for Hoopfest. The preferred treatment of Bloomsday runners is also wrong. These professionals have chosen this as their career, and they should pay their own expenses. It is our local people who make these events a success, not big-name “expenses.” Trudy Crook Deer Park

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

Despite theft, couple, others, are happy

“Something borrowed leaves bridal party blue” (June 15) gave account of the theft of bridal party valuables while a wedding was in process at Community Bible Chapel of Spokane.

I thank staff writer Kelly McBride and The Spokesman-Review for caring enough to alert our community to the fact that there are thieves working churches in Spokane during events such as weddings and funerals. I hope it serves as a warning to all.

There is another element to the story that needs to be told. After the bride and groom, Gerry and Carrie Hansen, returned home from the honeymoon they were embarrassed by the attention focused on this unfortunate aspect of their wedding. They desired for people to know that in spite of the theft that occurred during the wedding ceremony, and the resulting confusion, their wedding event was very special and a great blessing to them. The ceremony and reception following were not only very well attended but also an atmosphere of celebration and joy prevailed.

The statement the wedding couple made to me was, “Pastor, we forgive and are praying for whoever is responsible for the thefts.” I might add this seems to be the attitude of most of the bridal party impacted by this unlawful act.

I am proud to be the pastor of this young couple. I believe that the attitude they and their friends have demonstrated in the midst of a difficult situation honor Jesus Christ greatly. I know from the time spent as their pastor and friend, and in pre-marital meetings with this couple, that honoring Jesus Christ in their lives and marriage has been their desire all along. Pastor Bob Smith Community Bible Chapel, Spokane

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Murray accepts tainted donations

I must respond to Greg Works’ letter of June 30 about Sen. Patty Murray not accepting tobacco money. With this I agree, so let us take a look at from whom she does accept money and what she supports.

Her money comes from pro-abortion groups. So, let us also remember this in November. Fabian Gardner Spokane

People overreacting to incident

Sen. Jim West has been subjected to a level of scrutiny that is clearly unwarranted. His recorded comments were obviously a product of frustration. What the partisan critics fail to recognize are Sen. West’s significant contributions to his district, the city and county of Spokane, and the institution of the Washington state Legislature. West is forthright and dedicated in a very thankless job. I’m sure he wishes this incident had not occurred. It has, and I respect his candor. When was the last time one of our elected officials said what he or she was really feeling? There is no shortage of pointless political rhetoric.

I support West and his uncompromised commitment to our community and the important issues we face. Dean Lydig Spokane

NEA perpetrates another outrage

In a recent Paul Harvey news broadcast, I was shocked by what I heard. The National Endowment for the Arts has sunk to new levels of depravity.

In the 60s, it funded a so-called artist who was payed several thousand dollars to submerge a cross in a jar of urine, which he called “Piss Christ.” The latest Christian-bashing effort is even worse. In Dallas, some depraved so-called artist has been given $80,000 of federal government money (our money) to produce a play with my Jesus Christ depicted as a homosexual having sex with his disciples! This is an outrage of the worst magnitude!

Republicans have tried to get rid of this Democratic program but don’t have enough votes to override Clinton and his party. If you claim to be a Christian, prove it. Write your senator and congressman and say unless they vote to kill the NEA, they will lose your vote.

It’s also interesting that The Spokesman-Review and television newscasters failed to get out this information. Phil J. Lindemann Kingston

OVER THE LINE

Name choice is owner’s to make

Re: “Right at home on Redneck Drive,” (June 25). If the owner, and not the county, owns the land, then he should be able to name it anything he likes. This is a “free” country, isn’t it? Rebecca L. Hatch Beaverton, Ore.

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Much happiness to octogenarians

Re: “Eighty-somethings win raffle for $200,000 home,” (July 3).

It really does not matter whether the people who won the home are eightysomethings or twentysomethings. I could only imagine their thrill at winning the home was just as exciting and overwhelming.

Many of our seniors, due to Medicare cuts centering around home health care, are losing the ability to stay in their homes. What a grand thing it is to see two octogenarians able to still be together in any home that they own. I wish them every happiness for many more years. Rebecca A. Johnson-Gonser Post Falls

Throw the book at vehicle vandals

Re: “Vandalism rampage hits dozens of cars,” (June 30).

I’m with the victims. When these people are caught, they pay full restitution or if a minor their parents do! No two days in juvenile, no slap on the hand. Make them pay for their actions fully and completely. Wes W. Albert Rathdrum

Thanks for support of statue project

The honor, heritage and legacy of Capt. John Mullan, pioneer road builder of the Inland Northwest, was celebrated recently in Post Falls with the restoration of the marble statue and base, and the relocation of the concrete base to the Post Falls City Hall yard.

Several groups and organizations and private donors funded the project. Sincere thanks to the Historical Society and its board of directors, the Idaho Heritage Trust, the city of Post Falls, Post Falls Lions Club, Carnation Rebekah Lodge 95, Evening Star Lodge 91 Odd Fellows, 1945 Post Falls High School class reunion committee, Post Falls Aerie Lodge 3682, Young Electric Sign Co., Tresko Monument and Mike and Eydie Miller of Post Falls.

Special thanks to the ceremony participants, Mayor Gus Johnson, Pastor Doug Walter of Community Presbyterian Church, American Legion 143, Donna Rae Sweeney and the Society board of directors. Kim R. Brown, project chairman Post Falls Historical Society