Letters To The Editor

OFFICER DOWN

No place for a woman to be

Today, we weep for a woman, wife and mother who was shot while accosted by a gunman in back of the Idaho State Police office.

When a woman is killed, we all feel extra sadness. If she should be a mother, it brings about a need for all of us to want to wail. But to any ex-military man or perhaps ex-cop, the thing that cries out in his heart is that she never should have been there. If that had been the case, she still would be with us.

When in combat and one of our comrades is killed, a frozen hurt is controlled. But if my mother or daughter was along and either one were killed, I would have to discontinue my action. The pain would be unbearable.

It is with terrible sorrow for this lady’s death and that of her children and husband that I scream out my belief: Women do not belong in police action or any kind of combat.

If it had been a male instead, perhaps his born instincts along with his training would have allowed him to survive. Maybe not. His maleness could have intimidated his attacker. Linda Huff, mother and wife, never should have been there. She was too much loved, too much a woman. It is not my chauvinistic nature that allows me to want the females I care for to avoid what is so obvious a dangerous man’s job. Rather, it’s my deep care for them. Robert R. Root Spirit Lake

There’s just no sense to it

Re: “Slaying leaves agonizing puzzle,” (June 19). There is something drastically wrong with our society when police officers are gunned down for no apparent reason. This is not the first time this has happened. While it is not understandable, had it occurred during the commission of a crime, it would be understandable. Carl G. Ellis Boise

‘It’s a shame’

Re: “Slaying leaves agonizing puzzle,” (June 19). It’s a shame someone would do that. I don’t care for the Idaho State Police and police officers in general too much, but that is a shame that this would happen. Andrew K. Hodge Post Falls

Swift, stern justice for Huff’s killer

My heart and prayers go out to Idaho State Police Officer Linda Huff’s children, husband, family and friends. I am saddened and sorry that Huff was the victim, instead of the suspect.

I hope the trial is speedy and that the punishment will fit the crime, hopefully, in a timely manner.

Why does society have to put good money into a lost cause? Why not invest the money in the true and only hope we have, our children. Let’s use good common sense. When a dog goes crazy, what do you do? Put it down before it hurts not only itself but others. When people do wanton acts of violence, let’s not slap them on the hand, offer them immunity from the death sentence, or have them on death row for the next 20 years at the taxpayers’ expense. I say, let’s invest in our children, their education, and social programs. If felons want sympathy, they should look it up in the dictionary. Sharon A. Shaw Spokane

One warning, then shoot to kill

Officers involved in this kind of altercation should give the suspect one - repeat, one - warning, and if unheeded, use their training in shooting expertise to search out a vital target and shoot to kill. Jack E. Milner Spokane

Don’t withhold suspect’s words

Re: “Slaying leaves agonizing puzzle,” (June 19).

I do not appreciate the police keeping secret the conversation with the accused. What he said is what he said, and time will not change that. Suspicions are always raised when officials are secretive. Simply tell the truth.

What’s the problem with that? Wayne C. Bent Sandpoint

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Chenoweth, mind your tongue

Newspapers in North Idaho and throughout the Northwest have been full of stories about the awful shooting Wednesday of the Idaho State Police officer in Post Falls, including the fact that she was apparently killed by the gunman putting the gun to her head and firing.

Every person who hears of the great tragedy is shaken by it and wonders how such a thing could happen.

On Saturday, June 20, the papers of North Idaho had the story of Helen Chenoweth touting her co-sponsorship of a bill to do away with the IRS. She is quoted as saying, “If we don’t hold some sort of gun to this body’s head, it will never change.”

How can she explain or give any justification for encouraging upset people to take a gun to someone’s head as a solution to anything? Will Chenoweth never learn what it means to be an elected official? Does she really think her statements are cute? How much longer can Idaho stand Helen Chenoweth, her irresponsible statements and what they do to the image of the good people of Idaho? John Tait Lewiston

Good that Bickley is forthcoming

Re: “Driver admits killing child in Post Falls,” (June 23). I, too, am glad that Connie Bickley has accepted responsibility for her actions. It is my hope that her testimony to other drivers can perhaps save lives and that her desire for alcohol withered with the death of young Nick Scherling. Sharon A. Shaw Spokane

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Life carries no fairness guarantee

Re: “Outside, looking in” (June 8)

I have participated in the Jefferson Montessori and Franklin APPLE programs, so I feel that I have sufficient knowledge to address Michelle Heacox’s crusade. My friends and I acknowledge that it is not fair that everyone who applies is not accepted to these programs and we wish that everyone could be. But how much fairer is it that Michelle’s parents send her to a private school when others can’t afford it?

In these programs, children are chosen by a lottery. In private schools, they are admitted according to their economic standing. Both programs give many children a different learning environment that can, and often does, prove beneficial. For others it may not.

I was at Montessori for two and a half years, but it was not the right program for me. Even though I didn’t belong there, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t help others who should have the opportunity of this learning environment.

Unfortunately, life isn’t always fair. Would depriving the children who attend these programs from learning in the style that suits them best be any more fair? Keisha Carlson, Age 12 Spokane

Programs meet differing needs

I see how Michelle Heacox feels mad because she did not get accepted but she must understand all of us had to go through the lottery. Montessori and APPLE are simply different ways of teaching. We all are very different and have different needs. That is why there must be different kinds of schooling to meet all of our needs.

I wish there were even more opportunities like Montessori and APPLE for kids so all of the different needs could be met.

It’s sad that Michelle feels as if Montessori and APPLE kids are set up to dislike other kids. I have activities with kids who are not from these programs and they don’t feel as if I dislike them. I know I like them. Diana Budenholzer, Age 10 Spokane

Seek expansion, not end, of programs

Michelle Heacox is campaigning to end District 81’s APPLE and Montessori programs because she had to suffer through regular classes when she was not selected to enter the APPLE program due to limited space. “It’s not fair,” she says of the programs.

Her campaign is also unfair. Eliminating these programs will not solve the original problem, only compound it.

A far more equitable campaign would be to expand these programs so that all interested families could participate. Jeanne Schrock Spokane

Programs are good; don’t end them

Re: “Outside, looking in,” the Michelle Heacox article (June 8).

Recently, as I was reading through the paper, I noticed a disturbing note. Michelle stated that Montessori, APPLE and TESSERA were unfair and should be removed. I disagree. These are great programs. They are just a different style of teaching.

Michelle also stated that she got treated like mud. In our school, there is an Outstanding Citizen of the Month award. Last year, it was banned from the Montessori program because it was thought that Montessori students received the award too many times. We didn’t hear the whole story but we know that we can no longer receive this award. We can’t get on any honor rolls or other awards that Jefferson offers.

I’m very proud of the parent volunteer group and the community that surrounds me. The teachers (Sharon Bowman, Linda Bradley, Paula Gibson-Smith and Claudia Start) are very hard-working, friendly and dedicated teachers.

I know Michelle feels left out but it is the luck of the draw. You certainly do not have to have the right kind of parents. Some kids make it, some kids don’t.

I’m very sorry for those who don’t get to have the experience. Montessori, TESSERA, and APPLE should not be removed. It would be a mistake. Jenna L. Johansson, Age 10 Spokane

Correction

In Ellen L. Ripple’s June 20 letter, “Divorce, too, is forbidden by God,” two references to denomination appeared incorrectly.