Letters To The Editor

WAR ON DRUGS

It’s pot testing and it’s nonsense

The illustration for your recent article about drug testing a large drawing of a syringe was both inappropriate and telling. Drug tests, as currently done, don’t usually identify users of injectable drugs. Instead, this heinous invasion of privacy is used to keep all those dangerous pot smokers from being able to sell you a roll of duct tape.

I’m personally offended when I see “This is a drug free work place” signs.

Oh yeah? Exactly which drugs are we free from?

If an employer is going to invade workers’ privacy this way, I want to know the employees also don’t drink themselves into a stupor, load up on tranquilizers, addle themselves with cold medicines or engage in any other behavior that might impair their ability to serve me. Isn’t that the point of the drug tests?

A friend told me how his company handled the drug tests ordered by an insurance company. Knowing that half the work force would be fired if tested without warning, the company posted a notice that drug testing would take place in two weeks, giving people time to clean up. The tests were administered, most folks passed and business (and pot smoking) went on as usual.

People, speak up about this invasive nonsense. Do you really care if the office supply store clerk smokes pot on weekends? Are you willing to see her lose her job because of it? And if insurance companies can force drug tests on us what will they want to know next? Sandy Tarbox Spokane

`Dregs’ reference was out of line

Re: Doug Clark’s Oct. 24 column on Harold Davidson, retired Drug Enforcement Agency official, and his callous remark referring to dealers and addicts as “`the dregs of humanity and it’s no great loss to the world if they drop dead.”

Whose world? I, along with millions of other people, have lost loved ones to drugs. My entire life has been influenced by alcohol and other drugs, although I am not a user of either. If it weren’t for drugs, there would be a lot of people out of work.

I include alcohol when I say “drugs.” Alcohol is the most abused socially accepted drug in the world, unless you happen to be dying on the street from alcohol poisoning. Then you’re a dreg, far removed from the high-budget dude drinking himself to death in his mansion.

There’s too much money involved to ever put an end to drugs. When the DEA or any other police enforcement makes a big bust and a lot of money and capital are involved, where does the money go? Who really benefits from the drugs?

I don’t blame the “dregs” for the out-of-control drug problem. It’s the money, legal or illegal. Billions of dollars are made from drugs and it isn’t just made by the bad guys.

My son, a gifted, talented artist, was among those Davidson called dregs; so was my nephew and countless others.

People should be careful who they point fingers at because the finger can suddenly point their way. Jeannie Maki Colville, Wash.

LAW AND JUSTICE

Tucker made the right decision

Every day I read and hear about how angry everybody is about Prosecutor Steve Tucker’s decision to agree to the plea agreement with Robert Yates.

First, he asked the victims’ families how they felt about the plea agreement. Second, four more families’ uncertainties were put to rest when Yates pleaded guilty to three prior murders and led police to Melody Murfin’s remains.

I have known Melody since I was about 9 years old. She was like an aunt to me. I loved her then and to this day still love her. I thank Tucker for giving me the knowledge I needed to realize Melody is gone.

People think Yates has won. They are seriously mistaken. Melody will always be in my heart, as will all the many other victims always be in the hearts of their families. They will lead more vivid lives in our memories than he can in prison.

Why is it that friends and families of his victims are the only ones who realize that Yates’ family members are also victims? I lost a loved one and I don’t think I could sleep well at night if I knew his family had to also lose a loved one.

My praise goes to Tucker for making the best decision possible for all the families and friends involved. Kristie M. Menere Spokane

Death penalty rules senseless

If a person should rightfully forfeit his own life, after due process, for murdering another human being, one has to question the sense of justice of the Washington state Legislature, which came up with “aggravating circumstances” criteria in the early 1970s.

Why did the Legislature decide that the perpetrator’s life is so much more valuable than the innocent victim’s? Why does a “common plan or scheme” have to be shown, beside the fact that a murderer deprived 13 people of their lives, before he is required to forfeit his own life?

It is past time for the Legislature to revisit this injustice, restore the value and equality of everyone’s right to life and provide for proportionate and appropriate punishment for those who murder. R. Paul Unger Spokane

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Crosswalk not worth much

Your article on pedestrian safety in Airway Heights failed to mention that my wife was killed in the crosswalk in front of the Airway Heights Police Station in August 1999. It was 8:10 in the morning.

Other cars were already stopped at the crosswalk. The driver who hit her admitted he saw her but he didn’t slow down. He told the Washington State Patrol he didn’t know what a crosswalk was. The accident report indicated he was at fault and that he had plenty of time to stop.

The vehicle was only two years old, had no insurance and the registered owner was deceased. The driver was not drunk, so no criminal charges were filed. So what is the point of the crosswalks in Airway Heights? Kim Menane Airway Heights

Emergency dental care a challenge

Our neighbors are new to Spokane. When their 5-year-old grandson fell and seriously damaged a front tooth on a Thursday evening, they asked our assistance in finding a dentist who could see the boy.

Two hours of phone calls led us to believe that no facility was available or would see the family. Even the emergency dental office wasn’t an emergency facility. Minor emergency clinics and hospitals were unable to help. Numbers left on pagers did result in calls from two dentists who were willing to talk with the family. They were of great help.

This city has remarkable emergency medical facilities for people. There is even an emergency clinic for our pets. If there is an emergency dental facility, it should be more clearly noted in the Yellow Pages. If there isn’t, this service, or a 24-hour on-call number, would be a great benefit to our community. Janie Selley Spokane

Guilds’ school shouldn’t be hampered

I write on behalf of the Spokane Guilds’ School.

My son was born with cerebral palsy and it was through this fine school that I witnessed the work of professionals. Not only was I instructed on Justin’s condition and care, but to watch these people in action was a great eye opener. Although Justin’s condition is mild for the most part, we realized how much was accomplished not only for us but for all who entered this fine school. The staff continuously works with children in need.

The Spokane Guilds’ School is the best facility for this type of work. The facility has the tools at hand and an incredible staff. We are very fortunate to have this fine school. The school should grow with the community instead of suffering from the stagnant benefits made in federal regulatory changes.

I only hope the changes planned will not hinder the positive effect the Spokane Guilds’ School has on the children who need it. Tim Villarreal Spokane

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

Critical parent wields a broad brush

I applaud Walt Jackson and his wife for doing a fine job in raising their children (Your Turn, Oct. 28). He needs to know, however, that there are successful parents in this `enlightened society” (his term) too.

My husband and I chose to live on one income while I was a full-time, stay-at-home mother. I entered college when the youngest of our two children went to first grade. My classes were planned so that I was always able to take my children to and from school.

I work at a college where our two children now benefit from free tuition. Our son will graduate with a psychology degree this spring and plans to go into a Ph.D. program. Our daughter will study in Nicaragua next year in preparation for mission work in Latin America.

So you see, my husband and I wound up with very successful children too. But I, unlike Jackson, know why. Our children’s needs were always put ahead of our own. I ask Jackson to please not make such sweeping generalizations of other generations. They have their share of good parents too. Roberta Garner Spokane

How do we prevent cruel idea of fun?

I loved target shooting with my BB gun when I was 12. But tonight, my dear, sweet cat Pumpkin — the one my girls bottle fed three years ago when his mother was taken away before his eyes opened - became the target. When the hole is in the side of a bleeding, frightened animal, it just doesn’t seem like so much fun.

Pumpkin’s lucky. The tiny metal orb ripped into his side, tore through muscle and came to rest on his spine, without piercing any internal organs or damaging the vertebra. Rare in these cases, the vet tells me. If infection doesn’t take him, he should make it. He’ll be in the animal hospital overnight, two weeks on antibiotics after that.

But how do I protect him when he gets home? How do I safeguard the rest of my pets or my windows or the vision of my children from a kid with a “harmless” gun and parents who must not care enough to supervise him?

I can clean the blood off of my window sill, mop up the crimson drenched shelf. I can bleach the stained bedding, wash the clothes I wore as I comforted and restrained him to be shaved, prodded and X-rayed and stitched. But I can’t change the casual attitude that makes this whole scenario possible.

I don’t have the answers but God I wish I did. I wish I could convince everyone to take a breath to stop and care, even if it is for only a cat. Kelly Milner Halls Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Anger can perpetuate victimhood

My wife and I agonized as we watched the recent courthouse drama on TV. We felt the pain and grief of the victims’ families. We could understand their rage against confessed serial killer Robert Yates Jr.

However, I couldn’t understand the total lack of forgiveness they expressed in that courtroom. Some wished his soul to rot in hell, others wished him torture and misery the rest of his life. But when we fail to forgive, we become the victims.

The better way is to leave judgment to God. “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Forgiveness is not easy. But when I do forgive, the bitterness and anger gradually disappear. To forgive Yates doesn’t excuse his crimes. He must answer for every evil thing he did. But a bitter spirit torments the victim and can even cause ulcers.

I hope and pray that the victims’ families will find release from their anger. I was grateful that one mother turned and said to Yates, “May God have mercy upon your soul.” Let’s turn this man over to the mercy of God and get on with our lives. Larry Clark Spokane

Broadcasters, we need your help

My family was visiting while the World Series played in the background. Then came the words, “Honey! Quick, turn off the TV.”

I looked over to see my wife, hands full with our 1-year-old, trying to distract my 3-year-old son from watching a commercial for the movie, “Blair Witch Project II.” The tag line was, “so frightening, you’ll be disturbed for life.”

Please, not my child.

Research has proven that children under 7 cannot distinguish TV make believe from reality. Joanne Cantor, Ph.D., in her book “Mommy, I’m Scared,” documents such research with scores of case studies where young children have been scared so badly by a movie or TV show that they can’t sleep, eat or be left alone. In a study of college students, 25 percent admitted that they still struggle with irrational fears based on a childhood viewing of a scary show.

Papers warning parents of television violence have been issued by the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and National Television Violence Study. The Federal Trade Commission recently documented how the movie industry purposefully markets sick R-rated violence to children well under 17.

As a parent it is my responsibility - not the TV station’s - to protect my children from viewing unsuitable programming. Fine. But baseball?

We need to ask TV stations to use better judgment. As a first step toward curbing this madness, I’ve joined the Northwest Alliance for Responsible Media (tvalliance.org). Mark S. Westbrook Spokane

Libraries should protect children

Monica Hillard advocates filters on public computers in schools and libraries for good reasons (“Should Congress require use of Internet filtering software?” (Opinion, Oct. 20). When our libraries are turned into red light districts, they become unsafe for both patrons and librarians. Dangerous Access documents over 2,000 incidents of library patrons using library computers to access pornography. In fact, the 1997 Internet Online Summit reported that 70 percent of children viewing online pornography are doing so in public schools and libraries. Many of these incidents included adults deliberately exposing children to the obscenity they were viewing. In some cases, children themselves were accessing the pornography.

Schools and libraries have never provided unlimited access to all of the books and information in the world. Therefore, it is not unprecedented for taxpayer-funded libraries to limit access to illegal information that harms children and places library staff at risk. New technology called artificial intelligence filters graphics and text more appropriately and effectively than ever before.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act would merely require our public libraries to filter only one computer per library from illegal obscenity and child pornography for library users under the age of 18 years, using the filter of its choice. Thankfully, the Valley libraries and our public schools are already in compliance with this act.

I look forward to the new city library director prudently protecting our children from easy access to obscenity and child pornography in the city’s libraries, also. Penny A. Lancaster Spokane

Support our splendid trail

Recently, SCOPE and COPS volunteers donated many hours gathering information from Centennial Trail users. Two-hundred and three people completed surveys covering 14 questions about their use and suggestions for improvements. One question was, “Are you a member of the Friends of the Centennial Trail?” Thirteen said yes; for 166, “no” was the disgraceful answer.

A few years ago we were privileged to spend six months traveling many states in our RV with our bicycles on board. We saw many beautiful areas, museums, battlefields, historical sites, etc. We met many interesting and friendly people. We covered almost 20,000 miles and rode our bicycles in every state we crossed except Rhode Island.

We belong to Rails and Trails, a group that helps communities convert abandoned railroads into beautiful trails. We carried its handbook and rode on all the listed trails we were near. We have also ridden on trails in San Diego, Seattle and the Lewiston-Clarkston area.

Our Centennial Trail is superior to all of them! If you enjoy the trail as we do, please support the trail with your membership to help maintain and improve it. Friends of the Centennial Trail is a nonprofit organization of volunteers. Its phone number is 624-7188. Del and Rojean Flory Spokane