Letters To The Editor

`Con’ was ill-planned

Chris Derrick’s con article on high school bowling (“Bowling up GSL’s alley?” Jan. 13) was the most offensive, ill-informed piece of writing I have ever seen in this newspaper.

Let me see if I have this correct. He doesn’t think bowling is a sport because the best bowler in his high school was a fat non-athlete, and the proper place for bowlers is shoving food in their mouths after striking in the 10th frame. I can just imagine the outcry I would get if I said girls basketball isn’t really a sport because none of the girls could even dunk at my school.

Bowling is a great game because it can be enjoyed as recreation or as a competitive sport. To succeed competitively it takes strength, timing and dedication to practice.

I have been a competitive bowler since I was 14 years old. When I was in high school, the five best bowlers in school included three all-league basketball players, the quarterback on the football team and the best pitcher on the baseball team. Through the years I have had the opportunity to compete against some of the best bowlers, both professional and amateur, in the United States. Tim Mack, arguably the best amateur bowler in the U.S., was a linebacker at Penn State.

If you don’t want bowling to be a letter sport in high school, that is your perogative. But if you are going to argue against it, get a clue and don’t rely on demeaning and false anecdotal stereotypes to support your case. It really bugs those of us who have spent a lot of time and energy on the sport. Bob Hanson Spokane

Kelley preaches venom

I find it interesting that Seattle Times columnst Steve Kelley used such “venom” to describe his reaction to John Rocker’s thoughtless comments, made in an interview (“Rocker’s venom,” Jan. 9).

Although I understand such commentary is a bit like “preaching to the choir,” considering the political landscape in which Kelley thrives, I truly hope people reject his argument for the same reason we need to spurn Rocker’s. In the article, Kelley drones on about “hate.” Specifically, about how John Rocker hates. Kelley essentially places himself on a level with God, or whatever spiritual deity one may believe in, by telling us he “knows” John Rocker’s heart.

In reality, all we really know is that Rocker’s clarity of thinking is at best questionable. Does Rocker truly not understand America’s melting pot history, strength in diversity, tolerance concepts, etc.? Is he, whether by heritage or choice, uncomfortable with other cultures or behaviors? The answer to all these questions would seem to be yes.

Is he a hater? You don’t know, I don’t know, and Kelley surely doesn’t know.

Kelley, like Rocker, may wish to seek counseling because he also seems to slip easily into hate talk. In closing, can we please stop ascribing hateful motives to others, while at the same time harboring our own? Simply because Kelley has the tide of public opinion on his side, and is quite obviously fanning the flames, we need to keep the matter rational.

Kelley closes the article with a tired old admonishment to not tolerate people of Rocker’s ilk. Sounds a little hateful to me. Especially considering we have absolutely no idea what Rocker’s ilk is. People say stupid things all the time for any number of reasons, but until/unless their actions reveal themselves, stop the rhetoric, please. Steven Brown Spokane

USSF hurts soccer

I am writing in regards to the article, “USSF’s actions brutal” (Jan. 2). While the commentary was very informative and should remind us that women’s equal rights require constant vigilance and take asserted steps tht those hard-earned rights shall not be ignored or given simply male lip-service.

What the United States Soccer Federation is doing to the U.S. women’s team is definitely destructive to both the players and the sport. I consider tht actions taken by the Federation un-American. What is wrong with these people? These terrific female role-models gave the women of the world a good look at how great they can be.

I found their World Cup victory the very quintessence of sports. Was it refreshing, exciting and a joy to watch? You bet. It doesn’t get any better. The Federation is apparently obsolescent and can’t understand how destructive their actions are to the team going into the 2000 Olympics. But the damage the Federation is causing goes beyond this - straight to the hearts of millions of young girls that have a clear understanding of how thir idols in sports have been treated.

We must do something to right this wrong. I sincerely hope the women voters of the new century will identify with their sisters in sports and vote for responsible representatives for equal rights and an equitable pay. Ray R. Aleman Osburn, Idaho