Letters To The Editor

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security a Ponzi scheme

The article, “Real Help for Social Security” (News, Sept. 6), touched on the reality that the surplus of payroll tax contributions paid into the fund over the last decade or so, has been stolen and squandered on other nonretirement programs.

The article also touched on the reality that, in order for the fund to have half a chance to provide some benefits to the bubble of aging baby boomers, tax rates need to rise, benefits need to be reduced, and the pool of contributors needs to be enlarged.

Walter Williams, an economist and occasional radio host, succinctly stated the underlying problem with the Social Security program. In effect, Social Security is a federally sponsored, sanctioned, yet still illegal Ponzi scheme. As with all Ponzi schemes, it is destined to collapse at some point. Contributions will be insufficient to support the scheme’s benefit payout. Ergo, the only way to prolong the scheme is to increase the inflows by expanding the base of contributors, the rates (or both) and reduce the outflows (benefits).

It is interesting to note that many individuals who have designed and implemented similar schemes are now spending their retirement years behind bars! Lee M. Kvalheim Spokane

Take a deeper look at Social Security

The Sept. 6 front-page article, “Real Help for Social Security,” was refreshing, but let’s take it a step further. There is no Social Security Trust Fund. There is no “lockbox” in which surpluses can be saved. The contributions that we all make to Social Security are taxes, and regressive ones at that. And the payments that go to seniors, survivors and those who are disabled are transfer payments, known in some circles as welfare.

Just as “a rose is a rose” so a year is a year and a tax is a tax. When will our leaders in the other Washington accept the fact that every year, in order to avoid inflation and keep our economy humming, the money that is taken out of the economy in the form of taxes must come pretty close to the money that is pumped back in as wages to federal employees, federal contracts, transfer payments (including Social Security) interest on the national debt, etc.? Fictions like the idea that payroll taxes fund Social Security or that we are paying into a trust fund do nothing but confuse the issue. Paul J. Allison Spokane

ELECTIONS

Bray’s hard work earns vote

I find it disgusting the way the city council has voted to give away such large sums of money this past year. David Bray will get my vote for Position 1. He has worked hard to save the Spokane River Falls from a bridge and the millions it would have cost.

Bray will welcome public involvement, which is something the current council does not do. Erma D. Boxer Spokane

Time for new team to take field

Living in this city for more than 40 years and seeing my taxes go up annually the past five years four and five times the rate of inflation, viewing some of the worst business logic that keeps costing us tax money, and poor planning will compel me to vote “No” on both bond issues and send Jeff Colliton, Roberta Greene and their new pal Al French packing in this primary election.

This is the worst majority city council and management we have had since my arriving here in 1958. How can we stay with this team when they keep costing us embarrassment in the national press and misusing our money. Can we succeed and bring high-paying jobs to Spokane when we keep electing those who vote with special interest money and ignore the rest of us who pay the bill? Lawsuits, building unneeded bridges, buying overpriced land, giving ex-employees huge severance packages and seeing the Indian Trail project results that a 10-year-old with a tape measure could have planned better says to me throw the incumbents and present team players out.

Our positive progress is being strangled by these people and we need a fresh start to succeed. Jonathan Swanstrom Sr. Spokane

EVOLUTION VS. CREATIONISM

Creationists see God constantly creating

In response to Tom Cameron’s Sept. 2 letter to the editor, I thought the Constitution upheld freedom of religion. Creationists, like myself, simply ask for the truth in education. Intelligent design is a legitimate theory. See “Building a better mouse raises brave new worry” on the front page of the same edition of The SpokesmanReview. Princeton and MIT have geneticaly modified mice to make them smarter. Not exactly natural selection by random survival of the fittest is it?

Creationists realize that God creates all the time. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. By the way, even roses are being genetically altered. Evolution theory is fine but so is any other theory scientists, philosophers and theologians wish to introduce. The beauty of science is to keep an open mind and not be so dogmatic. Cinda L. Smaagaard Spokane

It’s over when loser must attack opponent

The Sept. 4 Spokesman-Review editorial page included an insulting cartoon and “Two Views” on the Kansas schools being permitted to teach science objectively. Mike Manus presented a fair overview to the current status of the evolution versus creationism argument. In contrast William Roy made an attack, but presented no argument in favor of his cause. Strangely he turned to politics to spurn the fundamentalists, the religious right, and finally called them missing links.

As in the present political climate the public must be learning that when in debate the case is lost if it is left to the debater to attack his opponent. Such demonizing often wins the favor of those who fail to notice what is happening.

Near the end of Roy’s editorial he makes his assumed clincher: Damage is about to be done to young American minds and to American science. His argument runs parallel to the political argument that a reduction of federal expenditures would starve the children, leave the sick dying in the streets, fatally harm the schools and turn the elderly out on their own.

Now isn’t it marvelous that the millions of alleged damaged people who have believed in Noah’s survival of the flood for these thousands of years are still evolving right along with those who are undamaged by the beliefs of the religious activists. We so-called missing links have even had a strong part in making great this present civilization. Earl D. Hunter Coeur d’Alene

IN THE PAPER

Lots more to see on Palouse drive

After reading “Get your kicks on Route 26” (Aug. 29), I look forward to seeing the efforts of the WSU students.

The Dusty Cafe, which was mentioned, is our little secret. If you want to see a slightly larger version, try the Skyway Cafe at Felts Field, one of Spokane’s secrets, good people and great food!

Some of the natural and man-made sights I hope the students didn’t miss are: The Palouse Empire Fair Grounds, the bovine skeleton lounging in the young orchard by the Twin Bridges (don’t look for the second bridge it’s been gone for years); the twin concrete “One Holers” at the No Water rest area East of Dusty; the eyes in the hillside that watch you go by west of Dusty; the upside down buffalo near Washtucna and Hooper; and the ancestral home of the Big M Fertilizer Company.

Not to be overlooked is probably the biggest sign West of the Mississippi and North of Hollywood over by Othello. It says “Go Cougs.” Being a Huskie (UConn 1959) and a Huskie dad twice (UW 1989 and 1994) I’m not sure what that means. Maybe Cougs are a new variety of crimson potato since the sign is on a spud shed.

Go Dawgs! Karl R. “Bob” Hagman LaCrosse, Wash.

Flyovers way of life in Airway Heights

This letter is in response to “Football game flyover rattles city residents,” (Region, Sept. 3). The complainer should try living in Airway Heights! We get low flyovers over the housing area of our city up to 15 times a day. Considering that there have been at least four crashes of B-52 and KC-135 aircraft close to this area over the years, your complaint pales in comparison to ours.

The Air Force has been contacted and they say that they are within regulations. They also admit that they do not need to fly over this populated area but insist on continuously doing so over our strong objections. Art Clum Airway Heights

SMOKING BAN

`Some things are taken too far’

There is much discussion surrounding the recent decision to ban smoking at the Spokane Interstate Fair this year. I feel both sides of this issue have valid points.

One point brought up has been the positive message the ban will send our children. I am wondering: what kind of message are we sending our children when we allow drinking?

I realize the beer garden is a controlled area, as I hear the smoking was last year. But as secondhand smoke can be dangerous so can people driving under the influence. Should we propose no beer garden next year? Some things are taken too far. Cindy A. VanOrman Spokane

Action offers protection

Much of today’s society has allowed smoking to become a norm. This acceptance is surprising when we consider smoking is the leading cause of death in our country. Further, 75 percent of Spokane citizens are nonsmokers! Unfortunately, this acceptance is partly due to policymakers not taking stands against tobacco use in public areas.

Fortunately, by banning smoking at the Spokane Interstate Fair, our policymakers have taken a stand. Not only is this a long overdue courtesy to Spokane’s nonsmokers, it is also a life saving step for protecting young people. As the manipulating tobacco industry continues to grasp youth, many times for life through death, the fight against tobacco must continue. It is important to remember that every little step in building a longer living, healthier community is essential.

The Spokane County Commissioners’ decision to have a smoke-free fair is a commendable one. Hopefully the 25 percent smokers and any others opposed to the ban will be able to accept how important this seemingly little step against tobacco is and will choose to enjoy the fair.

Thank you, county commissioners, for protecting my peers, your children and tomorrow’s generations. Shannon C. Brewer, 15 Spokane

`Quit pouting and go without’

As I turned to the Roundtable section of The Spokesman-Review on Sept. 5, I found a good deal of letters complaining about the ban of smokers from the Spokane Interstate Fair, complaining about their rights and their freedom.

Because of this ban I may actually take my kids more than once. I am sickened by the smell and taste of smoking as I go to take a bite of my semi-expensive fair meal. I relish in the opportunity to eat it with pleasure this year!

People who smoke have rights. True. But so do those of us who don’t. It is a known fact that secondhand smoke causes as much damage to others as it does to those who smoke. It seems many of you don’t care about that particular aspect.

Quit pouting and go without. What’s a few hours? Kathy Minnerly Spokane

Policy offers healthy environment

Congratulations to Spokane County commissioners for providing a healthy environment for all people who will attend this year’s Spokane Interstate Fair! All Spokane area residents should be applauding our leadership for creating a healthy environment and image for our kids. This policy will also reduce the incidents of underage smoking by children.

Thank you for providing a healthy environment for everyone. Kirstin D. Votava Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Be proud of Cougar football players

The Washington State University football team is for real. They are real men of genuine character. On Aug. 28, the WSU football team put on a display for more than 400 Spokane Youth Sports junior football players at the Northside Complex. They demonstrated playing skills. They coached kids on game skills. But even more so they displayed a true sense of caring, kindness, and genuine character that we all aspire for in young men as they approach the responsibility of adult years.

The team was indeed an impressive sight. They arrived three busloads deep. Moments after their arrival, more than 70 players took the field, took charge of the junior players, organized groups, and put on a clinic that was much more than a demonstration of game skills. Those young men were genuine. There were no attitudes. There were no false fronts. Each and every single player jumped headlong into the sea of anxious children with the ambition of a father teaching his son to catch a first pass.

There were genuine smiles. They exhibited patience. And they really instilled confidence in us parents that men of character are moving up in the ranks.

Recent publicity has cast less than a favorable light on the WSU football team. The game is more than media or the score on the board. There’s a fine team of young men in Pullman. Give them credit. They are a genuine young men of character whom we should proudly support. Daniel J. Petek Spokane

Is there more to school voucher program?

I am concerned that the school voucher programs being promoted by conservatives might lead to the end of the freedom and independence of private education. Although these programs look like free money from the government for private schools, is it really the first step towards a government takeover?

Whenever the government gives schools money, there are always strings attached. Will schools which take voucher money be able to cherry-pick students, or will they be forced to take everyone who applies. Will the government control the curriculum as a condition of getting the voucher money? Do we know what other conditions will be placed on private schools which receive voucher money?

Once the private schools get addicted to this government money, there’s no turning back. No longer will private schools have choice, as they will be subject to the same rules and regulations as public schools. Private schools will lose all their advantages and will deteriorate into public schools. I’m concerned that this school voucher program may, in fact, be a government plot to undermine the freedom and independence of private education. Marc Perkel Springfield, Missouri

Watch for more out of Waco scandal

Years after the infamous incidents and more facts come oozing into view. I’m betting that there are more facts about both incidents still being suppressed by the FBI than have ever come to light so far.

At Waco there were 80 deaths, including 24 children; some burned to death, some shot. According to the FBI the preacher and his followers did it to themselves. Also, according to the FBI there were no pyrotechical devices used at Waco.

At Ruby Ridge, an FBI sniper fired his high-powered rifle into the porch of a cabin that he knew to contain several children and the woman which he killed. The sniper does not deny the killing. His defense is that he is a federal officer and is immune from prosecution. A young man at Ruby ridge was shot in the back and killed by an FBI agent. No one is charged with killing the boy. In spite of those incidents we are told by government officials that no one is above the law.

As this scandal unfolds just watch as, once again, every official in sight scurries for cover. Let’s see how many officials are prosecuted and imprisoned for their deeds. Ron L. Norvell Spokane