Letters To The Editor

WASHINGTON STATE

Make sentencing reform meaningful

The governor’s plan for controlling ex-cons, as reported by the Olympia Associated Press writer on Feb. 3, ignores the differences between our mandatory fixed sentencing and the former indeterminate parole system. Forty-five states, even those that experimented with the fixed sentences, today are using the indeterminate system. Now those inmates, whose prison behavior does not warrant any “good time” reduction from the mandatory sentence, are free from any department control when released.

Law professor David Boerner, who is also a member of the commission that recommended the fixed sentence system, only believes the extension of the fixed sentence under the commission would be constitutional. This means any attempt to use the a new law will be tested by legal appeals.

The indeterminate laws have been tested and supported by case law. Inmates are now released under so-called correctional supervision and can only be returned to overcrowded local jails not prison. What treatment will there be in county jails for the former drug addict or high-risk sex offender? Re-enact the proven-successful indeterminate law to allow restrictions regarding behavior to be included in a legal agreement that lists place of residence, verified employment offer, associates, travel limitations and constant reports, plus continuance of appropriate treatment. This legally binding parole agreement would be signed before release, under a re-adopted indeterminate sentence law. Dr. A. LaMont Smith retired professor of criminology, U.C. Berkeley, Spokane

Field burning deal unacceptable

The Department of Ecology makes a deal about field burning with the lobbyist for the wheat industry and then tells us we should consider the pact good news. This is a little like telling a victim of domestic abuse, after a particularly violent period, that the law can’t protect her. The good news is that her abuser has volunteered to reduce the number of beatings by half over a seven year period.

I am not comforted, nor should anyone else be.

I hope that people will let Gov. Gary Locke know that our health is more important than the profits of a few wealthy polluters. Heidi M. Gann Spokane

Deputies in schools a waste of funds

I am a sophomore at Mt. Spokane High School and am responding to Sen. Bob McCaslin’s letter on beefing up school security (Feb. 10). He proposed hiring a sheriff’s deputy for each middle school and high school.

This tactic would not end or prevent school violence. Hiring one deputy to walk through the halls during school would never prevent a shooting such as the one in Moses Lake because the shooter just started shooting. Once the first bullet is fired, plenty of damage has already occurred. The chance of this deputy being at ground zero exactly when needed, to instantly bring the situation to a sudden halt, is slim to none. Instead of wasting more school funds by hiring multiple deputies, other programs like mandatory mediation of disputes between individuals would be a much wiser choice. This choice would also save thousands of dollars in school funds. Mike Bush Mead

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Opt out and you lose

We get the government we deserve. The years of scandal in Washington, D.C., clearly connect to so many people choosing not to vote. Think about it for a moment. Each vote not cast gives more power to those who do vote.

Who is willing to vote in spite of it all? Certainly those whose views are politically extreme. Such people believe with all their heart they are right. Too many of them are unwilling to compromise for any reason. The only alternative to compromise is domination of the many by a few. If we get lucky, the extremes will cancel each other out. Then we only get gridlock in place of government. If we are unlucky, one of the extremes will run our lives.

We have a very old problem, all of us: familiarity breeds contempt. Modern news media make us very familiar with our elected leaders. Contempt is the result, so often.

We need to be moved to vote by this feeling, not to stay away from the polls. We need to realize, as the cartoon character Pogo did, that we have found the enemy and “it is us.”

Have you had enough of gridlock and scandal in government? Let’s demand that government be more than entertainment. Let’s expect government to govern. Most of all, let’s all vote when our turn comes. Then we just might get the government we really deserve. Allan N. deLaubenfels Spokane

No thanks to Clinton, his party

I am pleased that the impeachment process has concluded. I disagreed with the ultimate outcome but it is nice to know that our Constitution works, even if a large majority of our citizens wanted to sidestep it and censure William Jefferson Clinton. I rightly predicted to my wife that he would never be removed because the Democrats would vote in a block to keep him in office.

The Democrats, who are great at making untruthful remarks and name calling against their opponents, have often referred to the Republicans as partisan. Looking at the Senate vote count, it would seem it is the Democrats who are partisan and didn’t want their boy removed from office as they all voted not guilty.

President Clinton’s first two years in office, when the Democrats had control of both houses of Congress, were a disaster to Clinton. His Office of Management and Budget was saying there would be $200 billion deficits for as far as they could see. When the voters, in all their wisdom, decided to elect a Republican Congress, things changed dramatically. Clinton adopted the Republican agenda as his own, much to the chagrin of his extreme liberal Democrats. Look what we have now under good Republican legislation.

The President would have us believe that he is responsible for our great economy. All he did was sign the legislation. Congress passed the bills and the good citizens of our great country did the rest. Thomas V. Jamison Spokane

Time to expel troublemakers

I was appalled to learn that one couldn’t walk through the halls and feel safe. The bullies were so rampant that no one could enjoy even a recess and the name calling so abusive that others refused to join in group activities. Gangs have also become a problem with factions constantly warring against each other.

No, I’m not talking about an inner-city school. I am referring to the United States Senate - allegedly, a group of our finest minds, elected to represent the people.

However, not to worry. The grownups will be going to the polls before long in an effort to correct this situation. I am afraid, however, that some senators will be facing a time-out for their behavior. Steve Brown Kellogg

Hope situation is rectified in 2000

So now it is all over, with Senate Democrats having voted unanimously to retain a president who, according to this body, acted immorally, recklessly, disgracefully, willfully misled the people (some call that lying) and brought shame and dishonor upon the presidency. I am not so much concerned with Clinton’s arrogance and immorality as I am with a president meeting with international leaders (and courting Arafat), while not knowing what the meaning of `is’ is.

I hope columnist George Will is accurate in predicting the American voter will be ready to take a good clean shower in the year 2000. Lawrence A. Kraft Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Clinkerdagger a friend in deed

My sister’s boyfriend was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Family and friends rallied around him to offer support and love. But help and support also came from an unexpected source. This man’s employer, Clinkerdagger’s restaurant, its management and staff have shown overwhelming generosity and compassion.

From the beginning, Clinkerdagger’s staff has been supportive, concerned and helpful. Cards and flowers were sent. On his birthday, they made and sent him a video birthday card. The manager came to the hospital to visit, sent meals to the hospital for family members too worried to leave his side. She is organizing a money drive at all Clinkerdagger restaurants to give my sister’s boyfriend a percentage of their Salmon sales. Wait staff are donating tip money to help him.

Clinkerdagger’s should be recognized publicly for this immeasurable kindness. I am amazed at their contributions and unending generosity.

It is heartwarming to see a business that cares about its workers as family members and knows that making money isn’t all it’s about. This loyalty to its people will serve the business well. Karyn G. Woodard Spokane

Wrong to tell about youth’s hearing

Re: “Boy turned to teacher before fight”(Feb 10).

I am personally acquainted with the freshman boy involved in the altercation at Ferris High School on Feb. 8. He certainly has his share of flaws, but he has many good qualities about him also. For you to print anything about a pending juvenile court hearing pertaining to an alleged charge is totally irresponsible journalism. It is absolutely unrelated to the Ferris incident.

Pending the outcome of the school investigation, this young man must now face his peers knowing that The Spokesman-Review has revealed what should have been a confidential charge in juvenile court. Muriel Stopher Greenacres