Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Auditor should pay for audit

Re: “Auditor to review I-695” (July 15)

When I read that article concerning the lopsided results of the 1999 general election, specifically, the overwhelming support of I-695, I had to laugh out loud. These bureaucrats just don’t get it. How could they possibly believe that we the people would want to continue supporting them in the manner to which they had been accustomed? Why can’t they accept that we do not want the overexaggerated $500 to $1,000 license tab fees this state had been allowed to impose?

I have a suggestion for Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton: You pay the expenses of such a ridiculous endeavor out of your pocket, rather than our tax money, and if you find anything out of the ordinary which can be proven, we the people will reimburse you.

These bureaucrats need to get it together and remember just who pays their salary. J.W. Cars Spokane

Join us in voting for Wilkinson

We are living in some troublesome times. With this in mind, we hope every citizen old enough to vote will exercise that right and get out and vote in the upcoming election. It’s not too late to get registered.

This is an important election. We are voting for leaders of our nation, state and county. These leaders have a great responsibility to protect our freedoms. They need to be leaders with integrity.

We have an outstanding citizen running for Spokane County commissioner, District 1. Karl Wilkinson is a man with integrity. He will do a great job. Not only is he honest, trustworthy and diligent but he loves this country. He’s a good leader. He’ll be a great county commissioner for us.

It’s not too late. Register and vote when the time comes. Vote for Wilkinson. Denis and Darla McLaughlin Otis Orchards

Pass, enforce anti-noise law

It’s about time people started saying something about these very obnoxious noisy things they call car stereos. This stuff is not even music, just a continuous pounding.

I live across the street from a large city park and am forced to endure this very disturbing noise at all hours of the night. These people have no respect for others’ rights to peace and could care less that I have to get up at 6 a.m. for work. It’s not so much about their rights; it’s about respect and they obviously have none.

We need some kind of ordinance now, please! And while we’re at it, let’s look into the legality of the also very loud and ear-piercing exhaust that comes from those little vehicles. In my day here in Spokane, I would have gotten a ticket for defective equipment if my exhaust was that loud. What has happened? Howard DuHaime Spokane

OVER THE LINE

Yes, Benton, tell us about exploitation

It was with some amusement that I read the guest column by Sen. Don Benton, chairman of the Washington state Republican Party. The headline said the Republican resolution (regarding Indian sovereignty) has been distorted as to meaning and exploited. I am sure that the experience of the Native Americans at the hands of the white majority is a more accurate example of exploitation.

Benton laments that a nonmember of a tribe who lives on a reservation does not get to vote within the area of tribal government affairs. Does the senator expect that a noncitizen residing in a foreign country be allowed to vote in that country? Is it not true that a noncitizen residing in a foreign country pays taxes to that country’s government?

As a noncitizen of Idaho who lives here several months of the year, I pay Idaho state taxes but am not allowed to vote in the representative government process in Idaho.

The senator also questions the Indians’ U.S. citizenship. This status was bestowed on the Indian people many years ago. I am not sure whether it was in response to a request by the Indian people. It did provide the Indians certain opportunities, such as being subject to the military draft.

In reading the senator’s remarks, I get the feeling he and the Republican Party would advocate the termination of dual citizenship for the Indian people. If so, would not that end the sovereignty of the Indian nations? Robert R. Olmstead Nordman, Idaho

WASHINGTON STATE

Republicans not nonwhites’ friends

Re: “Resolution would end tribal sovereignty” (July 3).

I’ve long suspected the Republican Party holds no special place in its heart for people of color, especially native peoples. This action confirms my suspicions. Statements about inclusion and compassionate conservatism are only sales pitches to perpetuate the illusion Republicans’ ideas are to be taken seriously as socially acceptable alternatives to altruistic values.

What if I were a native reservation citizen and felt I had a legitimate issue that could only be handled by contacting my state senator? Do you think a Republican would represent me with the same diligence as for a white constituent? Why do I, as a native citizen, whether I live on or off the reservation, pay taxes? Where’s my representation in Congress if I live on the reservation? If the issue is taxation without representation, why do Republicans feel you have exclusive rights to the issue?

We Indian people aren’t asking you to do anything illegal or untoward, only to pay your fair share for the services you receive as a member of your community.

For John Fleming, in spite of his protestations about racism, I fear it’s more than just about licensing and nonrepresentation. When the oppressor perceives oppression from the former oppressed, he finds himself in a nontraditional role and calls in the troops.

Native people in attendance at this event, congratulations! You are now official Fort Indians. Look out! Remember what politicians did to the Fort Indians? Buzz Desjarlais member, Chippewa Cree Tribe (Montana), Spokane

LAW AND JUSTICE

Shotgun approach unconstitutional

Re: “St. Maries approves drug tests” (July 20).

What a wonderful thing to teach our kids - you are guilty until you prove yourself innocent!

How much do the drug test kits cost taxpayers?

This is unconstitutional. According to Article IV of the Bill of Rights: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.”

How long are we going to let corporate America run our lives? The right wingers scream out load about “less government” but when it comes to personal liberties and individual rights, they’re willing to ignore and trade our rights all for the sake of lower insurance costs under the false perception of a dying drug war.

Shame on the St. Maries School Board! We should be encouraging our kids with positive reinforcement. Sports can be a deterrent to drug abuse. How many kids in St. Maries who may have experimented with drugs will try out for a sports team now? This kind of thing will continue until all citizens stand up and just say, No, we won’t sell out our personal liberties.

Let all the kids play. If there’s a problem with a particular student - missing practice, constant tardiness, depression, etc. - then perhaps testing and intervention would be appropriate. But let all the students be “secure in their person against unreasonable searches and seizures.” David Droll Coeur d’Alene

Drug testing? By all means

Regarding St. Maries approval of drug tests. It is a great idea. If you aren’t taking drugs, you have nothing to hide. It does give the kids another reason to say no. We take kids in who have been on drugs and anything that keeps them out of the drug life is surely something to try. Students’ rights? Do students have the right to take drugs? No, it is against the law. I can’t imagine parents being against it! Robert A. Simeone Colville, WA