Letters To The Editor

Law enforcement

Prescription strategy already moot

Re: “Sterk’s prescription idea is dumb” (Letters, Dec. 10).

Patrick Forster’s assertion that I’ve proposed prescriptions to limit access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine is incorrect and most likely my fault. This recommendation came from Spokane Regional Drug Task Force staff and we had a limited discussion with local media about its plausibility.

However, in later deliberations, we decided that requirement would too harshly impact the citizens we serve and that we should try something less drastic to limit the drugs’ availability to criminals.

We decided to simply approach the Legislature to see if it would require products containing these substances to be held behind the counter, where only an employee could provide them to customers. This would allow sales limits (three packs of Sudafed to any one customer) and reduce product thefts.

What won’t work is enactment of yet another criminal drug offense. Because of staffing limits, we already have hundreds of drug violations going uninvestigated, unprosecuted and untried. And the Department of Corrections is under a mandate to reduce prison costs and inmate populations.

Methamphetamine is having a huge effect in Spokane County. Half the labs we discover have children in the home. Homes are burning as criminals cook the drug. Check fraud, credit card theft, vehicle prowling and burglary rates are skyrocketing as users commit crimes to finance their habit.

The entire criminal justice system is trying to cope with a problem that threatens to break our budgets. Thinking beyond creation of new criminal offenses must be applied and we’re working on that process. Mark K. Sterk Spokane County sheriff

Spokane matters

How are plowing decisions made?

I drove home Friday night (28 hours after it had stopped snowing) thinking that I was in for a hard night’s work of removing the newly plowed snow from the mouth of our driveway. I took a small detour to see if an old friend was still awake. He lives quite on the far side of the Ponderosa, so I expected that his roads had not been plowed, yet I decided to brave them anyway.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered every mile of my trip was plowed. And then imagine my disgust when I returned home, on 25th near Pines, only to discover that this fairly busy thoroughfare had not been touched by a plow.

When I called to find out what the story was, I only got a recording that said to call back during office hours.

If any Spokane County official can explain why a fairly remote part of the Valley gets preferential treatment over a widely used avenue, please respond to those of us who are in awe of your judgment. Todd D. Shelton Spokane

Support for Guilds’ School gratifying

Children and families benefiting from the Spokane Guilds’ School and Neuromuscular Center are fortunate to live in a community where they are valued. The recent newspaper coverage concerning public input on Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s regulation on placement in “natural and typical” environments was excellent.

The school received more than 50 copies of letters citizens sent to the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Hopefully, officials in D.C. will listen to the input.

It’s ironic that after 40 years of providing a high-quality program, the school has to contend with such nonsense. The state of Washington’s early intervention programs for developmentally disabled people are tops in the nation.

The articles and letters have strengthened the school board and staff’s resolve to continue the excellent tradition created by our guild volunteers in 1960. Statewide, the 17 neurodevelopmental centers of Washington are reporting similar reactions and resolve from their organizations.

Thank you, Spokane, for speaking up for children and their families. Because of your value system and caring, the Spokane Guilds’ School will always be here to help children and families in need. Pat Maguire, president Spokane Guilds’ School and Neuromuscular Center board of directors

Shot at Realtors uncalled for

As the spouse of a member of the Spokane Realtors Association, I’m sick and tired of letters like Jack Poole’s (Dec. 13) referring to the association and Realtors in general as “self-serving” and a “pot of piranhas.”

Of course they are concerned their leader’s time will be spread too thin. But, more importantly, from a personal standpoint, I can attest that most Realtors are not only interested in their own well-being, but also that of their clients.

It has yet to be seen whether Councilman Rob Higgins can successfully hold down both jobs, but let’s not pile on, looking for an excuse to lambaste a group of business people who are only trying to ensure a continued important occupation. Bill Ames Newman Lake

Efforts of young inspire pride

We commend and congratulate the youths of our community for their energetic gathering of food for those who are in need. Some have said it gives them a good feeling to participate in this endeavor. We want to let them know that we get a good feeling as we learn about their good work. We are proud of them and offer them our sincere congratulations. Bill and Doddie Williams Spokane

Government and politics

Luckily, Genghis Khan’s unavailable

I note that Montana Gov. Marc Racicot, the person who authorized the slaughter of more than 1,000 bison that wandered out of Yellowstone National Park, and Sen. Slade Gordon, the fish sticks king who has been known to slip riders in appropriation bills to authorize strip mining, and who would love to do away with reservations, are among those suggested for Interior secretary. The only other person I can think of suggesting for this position is the AWOL Rep. Helen Chenoweth-Hage, wife of Sagebrush Rebellion leader Wayne Hage, who thinks salmon comes from cans.

I do hope the 50-50 Senate can stop this insanity. Wayne Beebe Pullman

Voting system not hard to improve

It is time to do away with the Electoral College. It is obsolete in light of today’s technology. We can use the popular vote and everybody will feel connected to the results. With the incredible money spent to elect a candidate, both parties should come together to solve the voting tally inadequacies. Trust me, folks, if it exists in Florida, it exists everywhere.

Let’s work to make each voter responsible for his choices. The technology is there. If we can sell millions, maybe even billions, of lottery tickets and know which ticket is the winner immediately after the drawing, we can certainly do the same for the voters in every state in the union. Just mark the ballot in the same way one would play the lottery. When the nice lady from the League of Women Voters slips the card into the machine, you would get a receipt for your vote.

If the vote is tallied correctly, a key stroke could validate your vote and there would be no need for a recount - ever! Each voter could walk away with the knowledge that he or she voted correctly and it was tallied properly. Each candidate would have confidence that the voters’ intent was evident.

I’m a Democrat who supported Vice President Gore, but I also know that George W. Bush is American, too. Together, we can work to solve the problems of the day and make this the greatest nation in the world! Dave Scoville Spokane

Gore has had his chance

Matthew R. Schroeder’s Dec. 8 letter regarding Al Gore’s chances in 2004 is provocative but probably fanciful. Gore might remind voters less of Grover Cleveland than of skater Tonya Harding complaining to Olympic judges that her laces weren’t tied and that she wanted to run her program again.

Gore, in fact, is hardly a vote magnet in the mold of Wilson, FDR or LBJ. He is the first candidate since George McGovern to lose his home state in the national election. In a time of peace and unprecedented prosperity he finished in a virtual dead heat against a newcomer who has never held national office. What other Democrat in history has played so poorly with a great hand of cards?

Gore’s political career is over. No sentimentalists, Democrats these days give a candidate only one chance to screw up the national election. Ask McGovern, Mondale or Dukakis. For almost half a century, no Democrat has been renominated after losing a presidential election.

Schroeder’s 19th century political analogies are questionable in the age of television. TV’s overkill coverage and tedious banality cause voters to weary of politicians faster than during the great era of newspapers. By 2004, most Americans will have tired of Gore. Those who fund him pedantic this year are unlikely to find him inspiring in 2004. Democrats will be overjoyed to have someone else head the national ticket. Gore is destined for obscurity. P. Norman Nelson Colbert

Health and safety

Cell phone use adds to road risks

The two Dec. 15 Opinion items regarding cell phone use while driving were interesting. Both writers had valid points. I agree that requiring people to pull over while using a cell phone could cause accidents. I also feel some type of conditions/restrictions need to be adopted.

Recently, I was driving east on Francis. A lady passed me holding a cell phone in her right hand and obviously having a very animated conversation because her left hand was waving vigorously in the air. I don’t think she was steering with her feet, but maybe she was.

Some people need a cell phone, but a high percentage of people who have them do so because of a status symbol-ego need.

When I was employed, I didn’t want people to be able to contact me that easily. I would tell the office or my family where I was going and when I expected to be back.

If my schedule changed, I would call in to advise. Besides, I never felt I was important enough to have the need. I have a cell phone, which I carry in the glove compartment of my car. It is for emergency use only, such as car problems. I think in the two-plus years I have had it we have made two or three calls. Something needs to be done to reduce the potential risks of using a cell phone while driving. Perhaps a hands-free requirement is the best solution. Wm. J. Hiatt Spokane

Give gift of fluoride for

Christmas Having just gone through the voting process a month ago, we are all aware that the proposition to add fluoride to our clean drinking water was rejected. Since this is the season for giving, I have a suggestion for all those who wanted and voted for adding fluoride to our water.

One of their main arguments was that poor children are not getting the benefits of fluoride to protect their teeth. So, instead of giving toys or money to the various organizations so these poor kids can have presents for Christmas, why not specify that your donation be used to purchase fluoride pills or toothpaste, maybe even vouchers for a visit to the dentist? After all, these are the folks who will be utilizing these various agencies. Wouldn’t you rather see to it that a child gets a dozen tubes of fluoride toothpaste - enough for a year - than another throwaway plastic toy that will only benefit (or hurt) his teeth if he chews on it?

There is still time to prove you believe in the benefits of fluoride for all! Philip Zammit Spokane

Beliefs

Healers more like charismatics

Re: “Faith healing experiences local revival,” Nov. 26.

Thank you for the extensive report on the Healing Rooms.

Allow me, however, to point out that not all Christians who believe in the ministries and manifestational presence of the Holy Spirit such as evidenced in healings, “slaying in the spirit, weeping, laughing and speaking in tongues,” are necessarily Pentecostals. There is another group that is firmly grounded in God’s word (the Bible) and believes that in God’s grand plan for mankind and individuals, there is room for suffering. (I Peter 4:12-17).

Pentecostals sincerely believe in the doctrine of “name it and claim it on healings and prosperity,” but usually, in their services, only take one or two verses from the Bible. Charismatics (from the Greek word “charismata,” gifts of the Holy Spirit), on the other hand, worship and minister in the freedom of the Holy Spirit, but also go into the exposition of the Bible.

There are many charismatic churches, usually calling themselves a “fellowship,” but I personally know of two fellowships where God’s word is truthfully preached in such a way that it becomes “alive” - namely, Foundation Ministries and Life River Fellowship. Both are in the Valley.

I believe leaders of the Healing Rooms are charismatic rather than Pentecostals. Betsy Tan Spokane

Idaho viewpoints

Democrats alienated rural workers

I have recently seen a number of letters and columns lamenting the state of the Democratic Party in Idaho. I haven’t seen anyone asking how they got where they are.

At least part of the reason for the decline from the party that elected Cecil Andrus and Frank Church is the influence of the radical environmental groups. It is becoming increasingly evident that a party cannot represent both resource industry union members and radical environmentalists.

As the environmental faction gained power in the Democratic Party, the labor people left because their interests were no longer being supported. Environmental groups claim to have broad public support, but I think Democrats’ present status in Idaho reveals how few of them there really are in areas where their agendas really have an impact.

It is easy to support returning the rural United States to its condition before Columbus landed when you live in New York City and such actions will have little effect on you or your associates.

I don’t think the Democratic Party in Idaho will gain any ground until it can get the national party to support moderate environmental policies that allow people to make a decent living in the rural West. W.C. Rust Wallace

Anti-bigotry message being sent

Two weeks ago, the Human Rights Task Force provided you, our neighbors in North Idaho, with a positive way to respond to the latest racist mailing from the 11th-Hour Remnant Messenger.

To date, contributions of more than $1,000 have been received to sponsor youth scholarships for the Youth Leadership Institute to be held in Sandpoint, Aug. 5-9.

For each donation received, a postcard has been mailed to the 11th-Hour informing its founders that a donation was received in response to its mailing.

One hundred percent of the contributions will go to training young people from the Inland Northwest in fostering communities free from malicious harassment, violence and bigotry based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity.

Thank you, friends, for taking a stand and making a positive statement about human dignity! Gary Payton Sandpoint

Public too blase about DUI

We are commenting on three events that occurred in North Idaho this fall.

First, a chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving was formed. Wonderful! Apparently, some people are concerned, as we are, about the many incidents of people driving under the influence in the Coeur d’Alene area.

However, a jury of Kootenai County citizens acquitted the man who killed his girlfriend while driving a personal watercraft on Lake Coeur d’Alene when he was drunk. Do the people on that jury think driving a boat while drunk is acceptable behavior?

Then, later, one of our county commissioners was guilty of driving under the influence, yet he was re-elected by a 70 percent vote. Do 70 percent of the voters think driving under the influence is acceptable behavior and representative of the kind of judgment we should have on a county commission or any other elective position? We are disappointed that so many people in Kootenai County seem to think so.

Please wake up, people. We must do something about drunken driving and we can’t leave it entirely up to the police. Bob and Jeri McCroskey Harrison