Letters To The Editor

Growth and development

Capitalism, yes, but not on autopilot

Re: “Anti-Wal-Mart effort irresponsible” (Opinion, May 29). Ken Sands argues poorly in favor of Wal-Mart. It would be convincing if he could show communities that are better off for having welcomed unbridled expansion of the Wal-Mart empire or communities that are worse off because they put limits on development.

Lacking sound evidence, Sands uses blunt and primitive tactics. By making sweeping generalizations about how ideal capitalism is, everyone will get happily patriotic and stop thinking critically. Dogma says that whatever good old capitalism brings is always beneficial, so we won’t look for an alternative when presented with a false dichotomy between allowing big boxes in the city or having them bleed us of revenue from outside the city limits. Or the false choice between low-wage jobs and no jobs. Love of capitalism blinds us to flaws with the Darwinian reasoning that says having small businesses be devoured by leviathans is beneficial.

If Wal-Mart defies us by locating just outside the city, why not include the county in our law? If regulation is bad economically, why are some of the most regulated regions, i.e. the San Francisco Bay area and Puget Sound, so rich? Maybe all those high-tech millionaires want to live in such places because those communities have some real neighborhoods, not just bland strip malls and parking lots. Maybe for an educated work force we must pay enough to send kids to college.

Americans are pragmatists. We know we don’t have true laissez faire capitalism. We let market forces work when that gives us what we want. But when regulation works better, we regulate. Dennis L. Bratland Spokane

Washington state

All bums and in need of throwing out

I read with amusement the variety of articles you publish pertaining to the re-election campaigns of our current political incumbents. Whether it be local, state or national, the story seems to be the same. These officials always proclaim themselves our champions and protectors while pandering for our vote. Once elected, however, they appear to withdraw into the den of rascals and ignore the wishes of their constituents while delving into the realm of self-interest and power.

Aren’t these the same folks who denounced term limits, with one in fact suing the people of Washington? Aren’t these the same folks who denounced and belittled the people of Washington for Initiative 695? Who, in fact were raising fees and taxes in order to circumvent this measure, even before we voted?

Perhaps Gov. Gary Locke expressed Olympia’s mindset best when he stated that the people were right about the overexaggerated license fees, but we surely didn’t want to vote on all those pesky tax increases, even though the message from us was clear regarding matters of new taxation. Could a state income tax be very far off?

It doesn’t matter what political party you prefer, you can’t change a tiger’s stripes. Instead, you replace him with a new breed of cat. J.W. Esco Liberty Lake

Support tax initiatives

State and county governments were financed by property tax from statehood until the 1930s. The sales tax was introduced in 1933 and the B&O tax in 1935 to lower property taxes.

Since 1944, property taxes have doubled every seven to nine years. People are faced with selling their homes because of rapidly increasing taxes and valuations. The Legislature failed to provide any relief during its last session.

The “son of 695” initiative (I-722) guarantees reasonable and predictable property taxes (and rent) and will limit property tax increases to inflation or 2 percent (without voter approval). Replacing your roof, siding, doors, windows or painting your buildings will be exempt from property tax as long as there is a sales tax on building materials. I-722 also exempts your car from property tax.

I-745 provides ways to build and maintain roads without raising taxes.

The Republican Party recently endorsed I-722 and I-745 as the way to reduce taxes and improve our roads without a tax increase. Sign I-722 and I-745; get them on the ballot and vote for them in November. Leo Jack Fagan Spokane

In the public eye

Real threat is quashing program

Re: “A second opinion” commentary about Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s proposed TV show.

You really got our attention (May 28) when you featured an enlarged, full-face mug shot of smiling Dr. Laura in living color! Who doesn’t recognize this woman? Just mention her name or flash her face on TV or in the newspaper and a large majority of both men and women will instantly acknowledge this celebrity doctor. Why? Because she believes in the longstanding traditional values of marriage between one man and one woman, and the wonderful blessings children can bring to that marriage union, even if an unplanned pregnancy occurred. She aids us in keeping those perspectives strongly in focus today, even when authors, screenwriters, editors, news media personalities and producers of current movies, TV sitcoms, etc., are striving to influence the public otherwise.

Your published commentary by Diane White (Boston Globe) left a lot of questions in our minds but we basically agree with her premise “…allow Dr. Laura’s TV show to go on and watch it - and her - fail miserably.”

Of course, we’re not convinced the TV show will fail. No one really knows. But, many are outraged by the extreme measures of censorship pursued by those people/organizations who hold opposing viewpoints from hers. As it stands now, we’re more alarmed by their intolerant tactics in attempting to circumvent her freedom of speech rights on both TV and radio. That is really scary and we should all be concerned! Clyde and Marleen Clutter Spokane

Other topics

Let’s have more `nonscents’

Re: “There’s nonscents in the air” (May 27).

As a doctor, researcher, writer and victim of multiple chemical sensitivity, or MCS, I salute Halifax, Nova Scotia, for its citywide ban on fragrances. More cities should be as concerned about public health.

I, however, cannot believe the ignorance of the opposition. It’s not about giving up rights, it’s about exercising them and taking personal responsibility for our actions. Chemicals kill - or make you wish they had! I have witnessed thousands of clients exposed to fragrances, and the devastating effect on the quality of life, not to mention life-threatening exposure for some with severely weakened immune systems, due to chemically induced disorders. Wearing scented products in public is no different than smokers blowing it in your eyes. What right does someone have invading personal air space without consent?

People with MCS are special people who are asking for human rights, not special favors. Sadly, it apparently takes experiencing the same symptoms, or living with someone who is, before one can appreciate what life is like for these special people who for years have been the invisible wounded at the whim of others attempting to make a bed of roses for their noses.

These victims do not want pity. We are the ones to be pitied, for being uninformed, insensitive, selfish and judgmental. We, as a modern society, should be embarrassed by our ignorance of chemicals. I am. Gloria Gilbere, N.D.,D.A. Hom.,Ph.D. Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Better to believe with an open heart

Re: “Some Christians prone to condemn others” (May 27). I find much truth in Clark Morphew’s observations of condemnation by Christians and it causes me great sadness. I, too, have encountered the instance of being rebuked, albeit not to the extent of Morphew’s experiences. In these days when we hear the catch-phrase, “What would Jesus do?” being tossed about, I am comforted knowing that Jesus would forgive.

Christ looked at sinners and saw souls needing compassion, love and acceptance. The condemnation any of them felt was due to their rejection of his forgiveness and thus brought upon themselves. And yet, I find instances when I hesitate to speak on matters of faith with certain people I know to be Christians because I feel I’ll be judged by every word I speak that doesn’t agree with their interpretation of the Bible. The act of judgment is God’s alone.

I find it wonderfully refreshing to attend worship services in different congregations and participate in the diversity God has created. I may not interpret the scriptures exactly as they do but I accept their faith in the same God and hope they accept mine. Usually, this is the case. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share my faith by trying to live it and not use it as a measuring stick for another’s faith.

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” applies to us today. Let us not be judged by the standards we attempt to use on others, lest we condemn ourselves. Jane Orto Coeur d’Alene

All graduates should be proud

Springtime - that happy time of year when the flowers bloom, the birds chirp and the graduation song is played as happy and proud seniors walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Valedictorians get to give their speeches on 4.0 grade-point averages and students are honored with honor cords for having years of above-average academics.

But what about those students who, although they tried, just never made it into the honors bracket? The students who came in early in the mornings to receive extra help and sometimes stayed later just to get projects done? To them, or to us, I tip my hat. When you walk across that stage to receive your diploma, proudly hold it up. For you have received more than just a diploma, you have received life skills. May these skills take you far in your journey. May you always be proud of what you have accomplished. Jennifer M. Hake Rogers High School senior, Spokane