Letters To The Editor

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Flu remedies available, helpful

Ken Olsen’s Jan. 1 article wisely supports immunization as the first line prevention against influenza. Flu shots are highly effective for those who can tolerate them. However, many individuals are either allergic or intolerant of flu shots’ troublesome side effects.

For those unable or unwilling to get immunized, treatment is available.

The Food and Drug Administration last year approved two medications active against acute influenza of less than 48 hours’ duration, Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir). Both medications cover influenza types A and B. They should be started within two days of the onset of symptoms - usually, sudden fever with chills, headache, muscle-joint aches, loss of energy and appetite. Clinical trials have shown these medications to be tolerated well, with minimal side effects. Most patients experienced rapid relief of symptoms and shortened duration of illness. So, if the Y2K Flu bug bites this season, be sure to contact your doctor within the first 48 hours. You and your family may benefit from these new flu busters.

For more information about the flu visit: http:/ /www.cdc.gov/ncidod/disease/flu/fluvirus.htm or http:/ /www.cdc.gov/ncidod/disease/flu/fluvirus.htm Kara K. Werschler, R.D. Spokane

Identify afflicted drivers

In recent months, our community has become painfully aware of the tragedy of Alzheimer’s disease. We have watched as two families carried on a desperate search for their loved ones. It is reasonable to believe that the farmer who gave directions to Nancy Rockwell, the police officer who stopped Edward Anderson, the snowmobilers who helped get his car unstuck and the officer who had the car towed away would have reacted differently had they known that these two individuals were Alzheimer’s patients.

What if an individual’s driver’s license indicated that they suffered from Alzheimer’s disease? Certainly this would have thrown up some red flags for the Coeur d’Alene police officer who stopped Anderson. Especially if the officer had some training about the disease, it is almost certain this tragedy could have been easily avoided.

What if cars that are routinely driven by people with Alzheimer’s were identified by a special license plate or some other marking? Maybe the farmer who directed Rockwell would have noticed and this whole episode would have had a much happier ending. There is no doubt that the snowmobilers who kindly assisted Anderson would have reacted much differently and another tragedy would have been avoided.

As indicated in the Dec. 29 article, “Slipping away from safe surroundings,” the number of people suffering from this terrible disease will grow dramatically in the next few years. I believe that these ideas deserve serious consideration. Carol M. Gifford Spokane

Dental group’s policy senseless

Compliments to Spokane County Commissioner John Roskelley on his Dec. 25 guest column relating to public issues. His reasoned approach as exemplified by his statement, “Respecting the views of other members of the community opens the door to meaningful and progressive dialogue” applies to so many areas.

As a dentist motivated to protect our water supply from being contaminated by fluoridation, the public might like to know the Washington State Dental Association featured on the front page of the December WSDA News, “Dental legislative day in Olympia to focus on statewide fluoridation,” yet the WSDA has taken the published position that fluoridation is “not debatable.” WSDA News has refused to print any information I’ve sent in relating to science against fluoridation.

Hardy Limeback, D.D.S., Ph.D., head of preventive dentistry at the University of Toronto (and formerly a proponent of fluoridation) has said, “There has not been a single study to show that consuming fluoride over a lifetime is safe.” Limeback now admits that the scientific evidence suggests there’s very little, if any, dental benefit in swallowing fluoridated water and it’s apparent that fluoride can cause adverse health effects to bones and teeth. Limeback further states, “Fluoride should not be swallowed; it should be swished in the mouth and spat out.” He states, “The supply of fluoride for the various water supplies comes from the fertilizer industry where it’s a foul toxic waste. It should not be used in community water.”

How can WSDA members make wise decisions if their own news publication won’t print any scientific information warning against fluoridation? Ellsworth D. Foreman, D.M.D. Otis Orchards

TV-cell phone - what a bad idea

I think our world has become too technologically advanced for our own good. Recently, there was a story on the evening news about how next year we will have cell phones with televisions in them. I think we have become so wrapped up in the world of technology that we forget to think of the dangers that we are creating.

People use cell phones when they’re on the go. Driving in their cars, talking on the phone, and then they don’t see the person who is walking across the street. Why put a television on a cell phone that could only distract someone even more?

I figure if you need a phone for emergencies, then a cell phone comes in handy. But if you want to watch television, sit on your couch at home, not in the driver’s seat. Hannah C. Kendrick Spokane

DISABILITY

`Normal’ appearance can be misleading

Re: “Misuse of permit frustrating” (Letters, Jan. 1).

Cameron Wylie’s frustrations with the misuse of the handicap parking permits are warranted. However, one cannot assume people are not handicapped just because they look like they are walking normally.

I have multiple sclerosis and I “look normal.” I can walk about 100 yards OK, then I start having problems. By the time I shop and return to my vehicle, onlookers realize I have a walking disability and am very fortunate to have my vehicle close by.

I read in the paper a few months ago that the Spokane County Sheriff’s office has a person who goes around and checks vehicles in handicapped parking spaces for proper plates or permits hanging from the mirror. If the vehicle is parked illegally, a ticket is issued.

I wonder if that program is still functioning. Lonnie L. Morse Otis Orchards

Sometimes, you can’t tell at all

Re: “Others’ disabilities not always visible” (Letters, Jan. 1), in which Cameron Wylie put forth an inappropriate assumption.

My father died in 1990 at age 56 of cardiac problems. He had congestive heart disease and constantly had to sit upright, ran out of breath easily (he didn’t use oxygen) and couldn’t walk a city block. But he was young and good looking, and constantly putting up with people’s assumptions regarding his handicap status when parking.

His response, always given with a smile, was, “Trade hearts with you.”

I sure miss him. Kelli Graves Spokane

Misuse describes inconsiderate drivers

Re: “Misuse of parking permits” (Letters, Jan. 1).

Cameron Wylie thinks that a person who shows no “visible disability” should not be allowed a disabled parking permit.

Many disabilities are not visible to the naked eye. Does that mean they are not allowed to get a permit? I don’t think so.

Take me, for example. I have a permit. It is not because I want to. I have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer), severe asthma and degenerative arthritis. I can’t walk long distances. Up until I was diagnosed, I had never thought of using a permit but now I do and I am glad to have it.

My husband also has a disability, a birth defect that causes his legs and hips to go numb. This is not visible to the naked eye.

Just because we have our good days and our disabilities do not show, are we to be questioned about the parking permit we use?

Wylie should be more concerned about the inconsiderate people who park in handicapped spaces without the parking permits. They are the ones who cause us the grief. It gets very tiring, getting into a parking lot and finding that someone who doesn’t have a proper permit or special license plates is taking up the space you need. There is a fine of up to $350 for this.

I know this because I contacted my local law enforcement office about this matter and I am not above calling the police department to report misuse. Bobbie L. Thoms Airway Heights

IN THE PAPER

Teen pieces too trivial, negative

When I read the article, “I resolve,” in the Jan. 3 Our Generation section, I had one thing on my mind: I resolve to stop reading these irrelevant, derogatory columns. But I just couldn’t stop reading that article. I kept hoping it would redeem itself. It didn’t.

I realize the article was for entertainment and I admit I almost laughed at a few of the resolutions as well as enjoyed a few positive ones, such as Harrison Ford resolving to make another “Indiana Jones” movie. Despite those, my opinion of the column was not good.

The article made me ashamed to be a fellow teenager and someone who reads stuff like that. Here’s why:

It really wasn’t all that funny. It made it seem like we teens only care about movie stars and their flaws, etc. It contains over 10 derogatory and downright mean comments (i.e. John Goodman: I resolve to lose weight, and Jon Voight: I resolve to not be in any more movies.) It then follows those up with the media: We resolve to pay more attention to achievements instead of failures. Talk about hypocrisy.

Next time you want to defame people for their flaws in front of a huge media audience for a few laughs, please do us a favor and keep it to yourselves. The same goes for all you adult editors of the Our Generation page. I thought you had better judgment.

A final note: I have always had problems with pointless articles on the Our Generation page. There are better things teens would like to say. Matthew E. Vache, age 16 Gonzaga Preparatory School student

Good satire given bad rap

Three writers whose letters were printed in the Dec. 29 Spokesman-Review were upset with the content of “The Simpsons” cartoon strip published in the Sunday comics.

What strikes me the most about all the critics of “The Simpsons” and the creator of the show and strip, Matt Groening, is their complete lack of understanding of satire. The “`Itchy and Scratchy” characters, like half of all other Simpsons humor, are satirical looks at society. These two are obviously a look at all overly violent cartoons, particularly “Tom and Jerry,” which is rerun endlessly on various networks across the nation. I’ve never heard any complaints about this show, which is at least as violent as what Groening creates.

If Groening’s critics would stop for just a second to see through what they think is gratuitous violence and terrible immorality, they would realize that “The Simpsons” is quite possibly one of the most poignant, insightful and downright funny shows on television. Dylan D. Mayo Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Thanks for gifts to teenagers

On behalf of the clients of Daybreak, I want to thank the people of Spokane who gave gifts through the Tree of Sharing. Nearly 100 teenagers in the chemical dependency treatment programs at Daybreak were recipients of these magnificent gifts.

Our teenagers, who are often mistrusting or in conflict with adults, are always amazed that people who are total strangers would give such nice things to them. It made the Christmas moment brighter for these young people.

Your generosity is much appreciated. Tim Smith, executive director Daybreak, Spokane

Worthiest’s name bears mentioning

I read with interest the “Worthy Claus” article on Dec. 25, concerning the gift of unconditional love. The story was intriguing but instead, it seems the person who offers this gift to us spells his name J-e-s-u-s instead of S-a-n-ta.

I’ve read, “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:21). Now, that’s a gift that lasts long after the tinsel has been swept up and provides hope far beyond the year 2000. This love continues for all eternity! Colleen K. Long Ephrata, Wash.

Don’t tolerate animal abuse

I hope people took special notice of the news recently about the woman in Chattaroy who was charged with animal cruelty. One dog starved to death at the end of its chain. Others had to be euthanized. Emaciated horses were removed from the property. Trapped in enclosures or chained, how often had these poor creatures looked to the woman expectantly for a bit of food or water? Thank you, KXLY, for spotlighting this horrendous situation.

We must demand stronger animal abuse laws. If this case even goes to trial we’ll be lucky if the woman receives a piddling fine and a stern look from the judge. People who neglect and abuse animals should serve jail time. People of this sorry ilk should be permanently labeled animal abusers and forbidden by law to ever keep an animal again.

Until strict laws are on the books and enforcement funding abounds, citizens must shoulder some of the responsibility. Especially in rural areas, be aware of your neighbors. They’re most likely decent people who love and take proper care of their pets. But if you suspect abuse or neglect, don’t wait! Call animal protection authorities immediately. Get involved. Speak up for those who have no voice.

A fundamental measure of our society is how we treat those least able to fend for themselves, human and nonhuman. Just as good deeds and kindness elevate the human condition, apathy and an unwillingness to do what’s right diminishes us all. Betsy Jordan Deer Park

Multiple birth parents’ responsibility

The Dec. 19 article about the Haglund family and the set of quadruplets they have produced has left me with a few unsettling questions.

I assume that, as a nurse, Lisa Haglund was fully aware of the high risk of multiple births and the ensuing medical and financial problems when she and her husband chose to have fertility treatment. I also assume that they were willing to take full responsibility.

If I understand correctly, the children’s medical bills will need to be covered by Medicaid when the family’s private insurance is exhausted. Were the taxpayers of Washington consulted? Do they even have a choice?

Many problems facing our planet can be traced, directly or indirectly, to human overpopulation. If people can’t think past their own self-serving needs, can they at least consider the future of the children they produce? Sydney A. Evans St. Maries

For interlopers, burnt offerings

Friends, we will remember you, sigh for you, cry for you - words from an old song but yet appropriate in this new year as I consider all the people I will not see again as a result of Kaiser’s lockout.

Much as we Steelworkers who are left would like to deny it, the best of us are gone, most happily to a better job, but far away from friends and families. Another migration of people seeking a better life for their families, replaced by youthful opportunists and criminals by Kaiser’s corporate fagans.

Do Trentwood’s cathedral-like buildings still shudder and creak at dawn? In the middle of the night do you sometimes feel that someone is watching only to turn and find just a hint that something was there? That is us, undetected by your new surveillance cameras. But everything you see in those cameras was built by us or by our fathers and grandfathers. No amount of cleaning and painting will change that; we will always be there. And you will always know that you should not be there. Margaret Larive Trentwood Steelworker, Spokane

We’ll see who picks nits

So John Kafentzis, a member of your editorial board, thinks I’m a “nit picker” and a “tortured soul” because I believe that the millennium starts Jan. 1, 2001. Please, Kafentzis, step outside of that journalistic wonderland you reside in and learn to count. Take off your shoes and socks if it is necessary.

I realize that accuracy is not significant to all modern-day journalists, but those at The Spokesman-Review who control the purse strings may have a different outlook. We could test them. What say next time my subscription needs to be renewed I send a check a couple pennies short? How do you think they would react? It is my guess that those tortured souls would be nit pickers. Patrick W. Carroll Spokane