Letters To The Editor

AMERICA

Fonda traitor to U.S., its soldiers

In response to the article, “Even before arrival, wall evokes reactions” (May 10, Region) by staff writer Kelly McBride, you must be unaware as to why we Vietnam veterans “chafe” over Jane Fonda or others who would turn this event into a sideshow.

To say that Fonda was “an outspoken critic of American involvement in the war” is a gross understatement. She was guilty of giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war, an act that we once referred to as treason. Fonda can hold herself personally responsible for some of the names on the wall being there. She paid for and transported a freighter full of medical supplies to North Vietnam in 1970. A few years later, she repeated this act, plus visited North Vietnam bases and troops in and around Hanoi. It was her own version of a USO tour. She has never indicated remorse nor issued an apology for her actions.

Is it any wonder that there are those of us who still “chafe” at her involvement with any event concerning Vietnam?

Jeff Colliton, if your intent was to bring healing, why would you associate Fonda in any context with this traveling monument? Would you have her to buy back her conscience?

Some acts in our history should not be whitewashed out of existence by would-be revisionists. If in fact this exhibit is being underwritten by her or Ted Turner, I want nothing to do with visiting this memorial. It would be a betrayal to those friends of mine whose names are on that wall. Robert Cummins Spokane

We fought for freedom to dissent

I saw the “Moving Wall” early this morning in Chewelah. What I thought about was not who sponsored it but what it means to each of us. I thought of the thousands who died and the thousands more who came back injured for life, visibly and internally. For them I cry.

I am a Vietnam veteran. I am an American. I am often appalled at the attitude shown by some of my fellow veterans and Americans toward people like Jane Fonda.

These so-called patriots seem to forget just what freedoms we fight for when we represent this country. Freedom of speech ranks right up there toward the top, along with freedom of choice; and how about freedom of movement?

Fonda spoke her mind, followed her heart. Her views were contrary to what many other Americans felt, but that does not make her any less a human being for standing up for what she felt was right. Perhaps more of us should learn to stand up for what we believe in and what is right. Maybe then we’d see fewer Vietnams and fewer Americans being trashed for exercising the rights others of us so humbly fought for. Peter Holter-Mehren Colville, Wash.

Pay respect; leave politics at home

I was saddened and angered to read about controversies associated with the upcoming Spokane tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica. The wall wasn’t created to further personal, religious or political agendas; it respectfully honors more than 58,000 men and women who died in a tragic conflict that divided the country.

My brother Dennis’ name is inscribed in its black granite, Panel 41W, end of the second line. He was 25 when he died in October 1968, his tour of duty almost completed.

The memorial in Washington has become almost a shrine, with visitors speaking quietly and almost reverently viewing the names. They leave flowers, cards and other mementos that often help heal old wounds. When I visit the wall in Spokane and look at my brother’s name, as I’ve done three times in Washington, D.C., I’d appreciate the same atmosphere. I’d like others who’ll never have an opportunity to visit the original have that experience, too. We don’t need booths, rallies, food or proselytizing. There’s a time and place for that, and it’s not at the wall.

As for TNT’s sponsorship and its somewhat distant connection to Jane Fonda, isn’t it time to let go? It doesn’t bother me and I doubt it means much to Dennis or the others whose names are carved in the stone.

I very much appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in bringing the memorial replica to Spokane and attempting to present it in a way that most closely reflects the integrity of the original. Michael J. Wirt Spokane

CHEERS

Dyer ‘shining example for us all’

Derrick Dyer is a shining example for us all. After the behavior and don’t-give-a-darn attitude from the students in Pullman, your article (“Calling GU home,” News, May 6) on Derrick was a breath of fresh air. It brought tears to my eyes as a senior citizen.

I sometimes doubt the values and morals and giving attitude of our up-and-coming generation of young people, and others in general. It certainly makes it difficult for those of us who are upstanding and moral citizens.

God bless you, Derrick, and those like you. Marilyn Ulijohn Spokane

Jr. Lilac Parade was wonderful

I’ve always been a bit of a curmudgeon about parades - just a bunch of people walking down the street, so why do I care? But my heart warmed right up as I watched this year’s Jr. Lilac Parade.

I saw so much more going by as I sat on the curb of Spokane Falls Boulevard. Kids with wrinkled brows focusing hard on their music, kids with eyes glued to the left-right step pattern of the marcher in front of them, wonderful young musicians, spunky and engaging drill team members, and tremendous efforts on the part of everyone to bring it all together.

I’d like to send a message of gratitude to everyone who made this fine community event happen. Thank you, students, bands, performing groups, teachers, coaches, parents and the all the other people who contributed to this whole marvelous event. Debbie Lapoint Spokane

McKay’s determination inspires

What an inspiration David McKay is. He should be congratulated on his strength and determination to finish Bloomsday. He has reminded all of us with a disease to celebrate what we have. It brightened my day to read about his courage! Sheryl Braswell Veradale

BUSINESS AND LABOR

Kaiser charges false, counterproductive

A front page article of May 5 said, “Kaiser claims union ordered work stoppage.”

I have been a member of the Steelworkers Union Local 338 for almost 15 years. During my time with the Kaiser Trentwood plant the company has experienced many difficulties.

In early 1985 there were financial problems. The Steelworkers were asked to reopen their contract in order to help the company, which we did, by agreeing to a large wage and benefit reduction.

Two years ago, the union rolled up its sleeves and worked side by side with the company to help restructure the maintenance department and bring the condition of the plant up to a level that would help us be more competitive in the aluminum industry.

We steelworkers have had a history of working with Kaiser to solve problems. I believe the partnership that existed between Kaiser and the Steelworkers has been damaged by these accusations. I do not know a single union official who would condone or support any illegal work stoppages at the plant. The partnership I remember existed because of honesty and mutual respect, not these types of accusations. Dan R. Wilson Veradale

Kaiser values money, not lives

What Is Really Important To Kaiser??

In an article on April 23, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. was pleased to announce its net profit of $12 million on sales of $397 million for the first quarter of 1998. Also, the company said Kaiser’s income was sharply higher despite lower prices primarily because of “reduced operating expenses.”

On April 4, the state Department of Labor & Industries fined Kaiser for failing to use the proper manufacturer’s safety device to prop up the bucket of the bobcat that James VanDoren was working on. Various other violations were cited. Does that somehow explain Kaiser’s thinking that no violations occurred in the death of VanDoren and that the fines of $35,000 were excessive? (April 28, “Kaiser appeals fines from L&I”)

Department of Labor & Industries previously advised Kaiser to purchase the manufacturer’s lift arm support, which costs $37. Yes, less then $40. To think that Kaiser brags about its profits (millions), yet cannot spend $37 on safety equipment it was advised to use and that could have prevented VanDoren from losing his life - how much does Kaiser consider a life to be worth? Or does the company just think in numbers?

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of James VanDoren. Kelly Newitt Newman Lake

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Reform a flawed step in right direction

Well, it looks like Congress and the president are going to do something about the IRS’ oppressive and tyrannical reign. Several changes are proposed in which the main ones look to be the establishment of a nine-member independent oversight board and shift the burden of proof to the IRS in any tax court case.

My question is, how can a oversight board be independent when three of its members will be the treasury secretary, a representative from the IRS employee union and the IRS commissar? The balance is to be made up of six private citizens with expertise in management, small business and information systems.

Jeez, that’s independent?

If this oversight board is to mean anything at all, it should consist of economists, tax experts and budget counselors who do not have their hand out for government (yours and mine) money and should be known foes and sharp critics of the IRS’ former policies and actions. It should also have the power to slap the IRS down when it gets out of line.

As for shifting the burden of proof to the IRS, it will be a pleasure to know that we are now innocent until proven guilty. Hopefully, this idea will catch on. Short of abolishing the IRS, and this bill falls far short of that ultimate goal, it is the best we can do, for now. Paul A. Claussen Spokane

Big tobacco trots out bogeyman

As expected, the tobacco industry is flooding the television channels with advertisements containing lies about the proposed legislation in Congress that is designed to protect youths from the terrible effects of tobacco use. The tobacco cartel will go to any length to try and hold on to this lucrative segment of its market. It has hoodwinked kids for a long time and wants to continue this practice.

The false statement is made in the ads that the price of a pack of cigarettes will jump to $5. The truth is that the proposed legislation would raise the tax by 22 cents a pack each year for the next five years. Since the advertised price of a pack of cigarettes seems to be $2.50, one can easily see that a 22 cent increase would not result in an instant black market.

Reference is made to the increase in the tobacco tax as if everyone would be paying it. Clearly, those of us in the 75 percent of the American public who do not use tobacco would not be paying any tax at all.

There is an obvious way that smokers can avoid any tobacco tax. Hopefully, some of the proceeds from the increase in the tobacco tax will be directed to financing tobacco use cessation programs. These programs might finance medications, such as nicotine patches.

Please don’t fall for the lies that continue to come from the manufacturers of these deadly tobacco products. Dennis W. Biggs Jr., M.D. board member, American Cancer Society, Spokane

Legislators’ work is never done

Dan Coyle’s letter (May 3) regarding our legislator’s schedule and compensation reflects a lack of understanding of the entire process.

While “most” of a lawmaker’s work is done during session, there is still much work to be done year-around, i.e. committee meetings, briefings and constituents’ needs. All lawmakers, whether state or federal, are compensated based on the entire job requirements, similar to paid vacations, etc., in the private sector. This arrangement has been in place for years and certainly does not apply only to Lynn Schindler. Some lawmakers in other states meet every other year, yet get paid year ‘round. Perhaps Coyle has other motives for his distortions.

Coyle does not complain about his hero, Bill Clinton, who spends 15-25 percent of his time campaigning and fund raising. T.M. Shelley Spokane

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Simpson stand typical of Idahoans

D.F. Oliveria’s Hot Potato column spices up my morning coffee, and I usually agree with him. On the issue of Jack Simpson Sr., we disagree.

“Young” Jack Simpson (51 years old) is the Sanders Beach homeowner who, after 3 years of having his beach littered with trash, dog feces and drunken teenage allnight parties, finally put up a fence. Next to the EPA, he now seems to be the one person people love to hate. Oliveria remembers Simpson’s dad as being civic minded, and felt Jack Sr. must be turning over in his grave by Jack Jr. fencing off the beach. Actually, Jack Jr. is following in his dad’s footsteps. He was raised by Jack Sr. with a typical Idaho hatred of government intervention, especially when it deals with private property. Jack Sr. invested in Wolf Lodge Bay for development purposes, and was prevented from using it due to nesting bald eagles. It remains to this day in the Simpson family, with all of its eagles and is underdeveloped. Jack Sr. went to his grave resenting the “taking” of his property without being compensated for its value and being unable to profit from its purchase.

Jack Jr. feels the same way about his beach. He bought a house and a strip of beach that had been on the market for three years. The value of that beach was included in the price of the house and in the $21,000 per year in property taxes. The Simpson family is not averse to sharing the beach, they are averse to people trashing their property.

I believe Jack Sr. is smiling down on Jack Jr., wishing him well and understanding the native Idaho spirit of jealously guarding private property rights from those making rules on property someone else is making payments on. Nancy Lynne Coeur d’Alene

NIC dorm decision a boondoggle

I find it quite odd that a lame duck administrator on his way out would make a recommendation to demolish a North Idaho College building. What’s the big rush?

The items listed in the newspaper by the building inspector were all superficial things that can be repaired quite inexpensively. Did Ron Bell and the board of trustees ask for and receive at least three bids to remodel the existing dorm for local contractors? Bell and the board owe Kootenai County taxpayers a much better explanation for demolishing the NIC dormitory because it doesn’t have “… the usual characteristics of an older building. Rather, it simply looks old.” Come on!

The big hurry to demolish is so the president and board can use the excuse that NIC doesn’t have any on-campus housing for its students and should build a new dormitory. This line of thinking will cost us taxpayers a great deal of money! Where has all the rent money for over 30 years gone? There should be more than sufficient funds to remodel the existing dorm. Why wasn’t the existing building kept in good condition? If you really think NIC is going to go without on-campus housing, you probably believe in the Easter Bunny also! J.B. Benoit Coeur d’Alene

Story reveals environ-mentality

Ken Olsen’s story, “USFS criticism cuts both ways,” (April, 26) sounds like a membership piece for the Idaho Conservation League. Do you call this balance?

For example: “Ending the forest service’s red ink, economists and historians warn, means saying goodbye to cheap deals on logs and roads for Northwest timber mills.” Olsen makes it sound like all economists and all historians agree with this premise. They do not. Check with the economists at the University of Idaho. Not only will they disagree, they’ll remind the Spokesman that forest products represent 44 percent of North Idaho’s gross regional product.

I visited Olsen in his office, and presented him with factual articles which take the opposite view that he espouses - articles from Jack Ward Thomas, previous Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Articles that prove that the “new” forest service actively recruits environmentalist groups to sue them, and then pays all their environmental league bills. What a deal! Olsen is not a newspaper reporter. He is an environmentalist editor for the Spokesman-Review. Frank J. Favor Coeur d’Alene