Letters To The Editor

IN THE PAPER

Article fosters `stranger’ fear

I found “Safety overseas” (Aug. 1) very troubling not only because of the content, but because you chose to print it.

Media researcher George Gerbner has written many articles on the media’s role in creating what he calls “mean world syndrome.” The “mean world syndrome” is cultivated by reporting of dangerous and criminal activity beyond the personal experience of most citizens and beyond what crime statistics would indicate. People who live in the “mean world” want more prisons, longer prison sentences and worry about being out at night in exotic places like RiverPark Square.

The workshop and your coverage play upon the mostly exaggerated and irrational fears that some stranger is going to “get” us. In this case, some foreigner who may cause us great bodily harm. The article talks about abduction, mugging and “choke points.” How does this grab you: “These people wake up in the morning and wonder how they can get your luggage”?

Please, most Americans don’t travel to “hot spots,” nor do they ever experience personal violence - which, by the way, is more prevalent in the United States than any other country.

Yes, having your wallet stolen in Spokane, New York or Rome is extremely upsetting and being prepared to deal with finance and passport issues is time consuming. I’ve traveled and have had such an experience. But the fact is, most people in countries Americans travel to are warm, outgoing and helpful. Traveling with a positive spirit and awareness of cultural differences can help make a trip both memorable and rewarding. John Caputo Spokane

Event, name have certain sty—le

Re: “Name that feast” (Weekend, Aug. 4).

I’ve been to the “taste and bite” events. They serve boring Chamber of Commerce-approved cuisine and are expensive. Your contest to rename Pig-Out might appeal to a few newbies and wannabes (new to Spokane, or wannabe like Seattle or Tacoma) but overlooks the fact that Spokane people like Pig Out.

For me it’s a 17-year family tradition. It features Spokane’s greatest diversification of authentic ethnic and popular foods, every genre of music, and all at a Spokane family-friendly price.

The whole point of Pig-Out is affordable food, fun and family entertainment. It doesn’t pretend to be a dignified event. But we can certainly be proud!

Bill Burke, the owner, organizer and promoter of this event is a savvy businessman in tune with the audience it attracts. That’s why it’s so successful. It also contributes to the community through service organizations selling beverages, the City of Spokane through taxes, fees, licenses and commissions, and showcases local and regional musicians who share the stage with national acts - all free to the public.

Leave Pig-Out as it is. If someone new wants to put on another food and entertainment event, they should. They can call it whatever they want. They can serve small portions, charge big prices, use real plates, silverware, tablecloths, hire a symphony and enjoy the elegance with their 500 best friends and dignitaries.

As for the $50 prize, I could eat all five days at Pig-Out and have a choice of over 160 items and 40 food booths. Jay Tortorelli Spokane

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Minorities, exercise your power

Republicans haven’t attracted minorities very well. How’s that for an understatement? The Democrats give them only lip service but still can count on their votes.

Let’s fix that and at the same time put the Democrats on the defensive. Here’s how.

Remind Latinos and blacks straight out that the Democrats are taking advantage of them, taking them for granted. With as many votes as they can deliver, they ought to put the Democrats’ feet to the fire and let them know that unless they get what they want they are going to stay home this November or vote for someone else. It’s about time both parties stopped taking minorities for granted. Exercise your power is the first message. Don’t be taken for granted any more.

Let them know further that if what they want is institutionalized welfare and poverty the Democratic Party is who they should vote for because that’s what they do. On the other hand, we have a new motto for the party of Lincoln: “Suppressed people don’t make good customers.” It is time for the institutionalized poor, a majority of whom are minorities, to break the ties to bureaucratic servitude and join the rest of us in making money and living the good life.

If minorities want to be taken for granted, they should just file like cattle to the poles to vote for Democrats and more of the same. If not, then either force the Democrats to listen or force Republicans to keep our word. We want you in the middle class, earning and spending money, making the country healthy, not wasting your life. Emile Paull Spokane

Father-son bond nothing to laugh at

I am so disappointed with The Spokesman-Review for publishing the disgusting cartoon (July 27) of Dick Cheney, George W. Bush and his father, George Sr.

Are you such a democratic paper you have lost touch with one of the most serious problems in our country today? Aren’t you broad enough minded to give credit where credit is due? If George W. were a Democrat, wouldn’t you be bragging about his wonderful relationship with his father and the fact that he chose a middle-age statesman such as Cheney to be his running mate?

If you were aware of and concerned about one of the most troubling problems today, that’s exactly the attitude you should be projecting. Think of the millions of young men who have never had the privilege of having any relationship with their fathers. Think of the fathers would would willingly sacrifice all their worldly possessions to have such a relationship with their son! Since when is such a relationship something to make fun of?

I am very proud we have a man running for president of this great country who loves and respects his father; one who is happy to take advice and to glean knowledge from him. Since when are we to ignore and make fun of our older generations?

George W. Bush is setting a very valuable example to young and old alike. Wake up, editor, and give credit where credit is due. Bernice A. Kulm Spokane

Keep community radio strong

Do you ever suspect you’re not getting the entire story from the mainstream media?

In order for a democracy to be a democratic, the media must report the news fairly and completely and function as a watchdog against abuses of power. But you probably know that’s not how it works in the United States.

Fewer than 20 corporations own all the media outlets in the country. Two conglomerates own more than 400 radio stations each. Despite the overwhelming support shown for low-power community radio stations during the Federal Communications Commission public comment period, deep-pocketed broadcasters and big corporations are sparing no effort in putting pressure on Congress to squelch small community radio stations.

If you think your radio dial has enough corporate-sponsored, government-censored news and ads, and you’d like to hear non-commercial, community-operated radio with local programming and a fuller picture of world affairs, then please send a message to Sens. Slade Gorton and Patty Murray. Urge them to oppose any bills that would hurt low-power radio. Lupito Flores Spokane