Letters To The Editor

Spokane matters

Keep highways limited-access only

There are many letters and opinions against a commuter-clogged north-south freeway through Spokane. If that is holding up freeway construction, then the freeway should be built from Interstate 90 to north of the stoplights with no on- or off-ramps, so that only interstate traffic can use it.

It seems ridiculous for the state to be building what are essentially city streets, which don’t serve very well as highways. People traveling north and south on the eastern edge of the state are forced to pass through a gauntlet of stoplights, and it seems as though it takes less time to drive from Colfax to Spokane’s south city limits than through Spokane’s miles of streets and lights.

As cities spread, they should build their own streets. The state should focus on highways and freeways, and not allow state highways to become low-speed city streets with unlimited access.

People who follow high school sports log many unnecessary hours on North Division. Interstate travelers have the same experience. All those stoplights and low speeds don’t help Spokane’s air quality a whole lot, either. If you wonder about this, follow a team bus from Pullman or Colfax to Kettle Falls or Chewelah and figure it out. Martin Marler Pullman

Playfair’s gain not Emerald’s loss

Re: “Horsemen upbeat after making case” (May 12).

I was pleased to hear from the horsemen that the meeting was quite positive. I find it interesting, in reading your article that the viability of Emerald Downs is even an issue. If local people purchase a car from a local dealership in Spokane, are we concerned about hurting a dealership in Seattle? What about our local economy?

Horses that run at Playfair are not the horses that run, or are eligible to run, at Emerald. They are different classes and breeds.

Playfair has an opportunity to be a major source for Arabian horse racing in this country. Were you aware that Washington state has one of the highest populations of Arabian horses in the country? Emerald does not race Arabians. This means that Washington owners have to send their horses out to other states. This hurts the entire local economy: breeders, back yard owners, farriers, veterinarians, feed stores, car dealers, farmers - you name it.

Another important thing people have forgotten about is the effect closing Playfair has on the children’s 4-H shows in our own area. Money from racing funds the 4-H program.

We really need Playfair in this state, especially in Spokane.

Thank you for reporting the situation. Part of the problem for Playfair has been lack of communication to the public of what is actually going on. C.A. Rasmussen Newman Lake

Women veterans overlooked

After watching the recent Lilac Parade and seeing and hearing tributes to servicemen from former military engagements, I wonder why no honor was given to women, who also served in World War II. They were WACs, WAVEs, lady Marines and nurses.

Those of us still living are in our 80s now, and probably couldn’t fit into our WWII garb, let alone march. But I do think the Lilac Parade people should remember us. Virginia E. Burger Spokane

Talbott, Lemus handled things well

When holding a position as public leader and being so visible in all of that public leader’s actions and works, the human errors that we all make become more obvious to all.

Mayor John Talbott’s apology to Vince Lemus was an example to us all on how to apologize. Lemus’ acceptance of that apology also a valued lesson.

In life, we have so many lessons to learn daily, especially in dealing with others’ feelings and perceptions of being slighted where none was intended. Lemus spoke out, the mayor listened, thought about it and then responded in a manner that we all often have to do. He apologized. Lemus listened, thought about it and responded by acknowledging and accepting the apology.

This is what makes great leaders - giving examples of how to behave when unintended mistakes are made.

Hats off to Talbot and Lemus for showing us how to overcome differences. Patty Jorgenson Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Here’s where `special privileges’ are

Re: John C. Bunyan’s letter, “Young white males, you’re toast” (May 8), which states that white males do not receive the same benefits minorities are receiving and that this kind of discriminatory treatment indicates that whites are no longer being tolerated. Bunyan stated that minorities are receiving special privileges ones not offered to whites.

Reading Bunyan’s letter, I was saddened by the hate expressed through his written discourse and infuriated the letter was published. If Bunyan had really wanted to promote the idea of minority privilege, he should have examined the prison system. More often than not, people of color are being privileged with racially biased decisions when incriminated and sentenced to death.

In 1998, for example, the total of criminals on death row was 3,517; 43 percent were African-American and 47 percent were white. These numbers seem evenly proportioned but according to a 1998 Census Bureau report, blacks make up only 13 percent of the American population. Hence, the ratio for African-Americans on death row is actually much higher then the ratio for whites facing the same penalty.

As a justice system that is still encumbered with racial injustices, these “special privileges” would make it unlikely that a black man could receive fair judgment in the American judicial system. Influenced by the same racially biased perspectives as the prison systems, I fear the American system of public education is not much better. Anna B. Merritt Cheney

Beware of pornography’s influence

As Spokane Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families executive director, I urge all citizens to become knowledgeable about pornography’s relationship to sexual exploitation and violence, to show compassion for pornography victims and help protect everyone from the harmful effects.

May is Victims of Pornography Month and is intended to raise awareness about the harm being done. Pornography is not a victimless crime. The most vulnerable of our population are at most risk. UNICEF reports that 1 million children each year are forced into prostitution and used to make pornography.

In observance of the month, SCPCF is joining with others in informing citizens of the harms of pornography and steps communities can take to protect citizens. Sexual exploitation and violence are problems that affect all of us. Numerous respected studies indicate early and constant exposure to pornography shapes attitudes and values that can be destructive. Kimberly Drake Spokane

Rape wasn’t employer’s doing

Re: Adam Lynn’s report, “Patient raped at nursing home” (May 1). After informing readers about the assailant, Lynn goes on to say, “This isn’t the first time Sullivan Park has found itself in trouble” and then writes about nursing home violations.

Does Lynn know the difference between a crime and a violation of a regulation? One gets the impression that the nursing home had to deal with crimes of rape before. But, as it turns out, he referred to violations of nursing home regulations. It’s unfair to put them in the same hat. The crime of rape committed by an employee is not under the control of the administration. All an employer can do to protect the public is to check every employee’s criminal background before he or she is hired. Rape is a felony, punishable by serving time in a penitentiary.

The prevention of violations of nursing home regulations is under the control of the administration. Staff and administration work very hard to avoid being sanctioned by the state for any violation of its rules and regulations. I don’t believe there is a nursing home in the state that has not violated one of the many regulations imposed upon by the state.

Be fair in your reporting. Separate the items for which an employer is responsible from the ones that are not under his/her control. Eleanor Simon Veradale

Fumbling way to new cold war

Fifty years ago, the United States, Canada and the nations of Western Europe created the NATO alliance as a collective defense against the threat of a Soviet and Warsaw Pact invasion. The strategy and military objectives of NATO have always been portrayed as defensive in nature. Now, after defeating Russia in the Cold War, NATO appears to have switched roles and has adopted an offensive military strategy, as evidenced by its attack on the sovereign nation of Yugoslavia. Russia will no doubt use this attack on its close neighbor to stir the nationalistic and military fervor of its people.

Russian leaders will be able to tell their people that NATO is not a defensive organization but is actually a threat to their own nation. The result: Russia and China become allies. Hello, new cold war.

President Clinton, it’s not just “the economy, stupid.” William Dehler Davenport

No rifles in parade - how sad

Re: Veterans take aim at parade ordinance (May 17).

It’s a sad, sad day that our veterans can’t carry their rifles in a celebration that honors the independence of our country. To me, this is an example of the sorry state of affairs our country is in. Jon Strickland Nine Mile Falls