Letters To The Editor

Boaters should be liable for drunk guests

I’ve never gone on a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. However, it would seem to me that these boat operators and owners would be just as liable as a bartender or owner if one of their patrons gets into an accident after leaving their “facility.” I don’t drink, and I try to be very careful when driving, but no one can predict when a drunk person might run into them.

If a person (or persons) feel that they just have to go get drunk to have a good time, my plea would be that they do it in a place they don’t have to immediately leave. Have your parties at someone’s home or in a hotel where you can sleep it off before getting into a car. Or, better yet, come to the realization that you don’t have to get drunk to have a good time! Cindy Talley Coeur d’Alene

Brawlers deserve burden of blame

Personally, I think that the lake cruises are very fun. I attended two last year sponsored by a radio station. The people on these boat cruises are the ones with the choice of whether or not they buy alcohol and get trashed. On the cruises I attended last year, I think there was enough security. The security wasn’t hounding you or following you. They were just there in case something did happen and mostly to see to it that you had a good time.

In regards to the drunken brawl, I think it was the people involved who ought to be blamed. If they weren’t so drunk, maybe they wouldn’t have even thought of getting into a fight. As far as driving home afterward, it’s not that hard to call a cab or to call a friend. Those who choose to drive drunk are taking that chance of affecting themselves and others on their way home. Hey man, it’s easier if you call a cab. And I guarantee that you won’t look cooler by driving home drunk just because your friends do it. Sarah Allison Coeur d’Alene

Cruise boats lack security

I absolutely agree about the lack of security and the affront to public safety after the boats disgorge hundreds of drunken revelers to get into their cars after a cruise. I’ve been on cruises for company parties, anniversary and reunion celebrations that were very much in control.

The biggest problem is with the radio station sponsored events. They create an environment in which it’s expected to be a drunken party and then take no responsibility for the safety of the passengers and public.

Regarding the man who jumped overboard and drowned, I don’t believe they ever found his body, which of course is never reported on by the newspaper owned by the same company that owns the boats and controls tourism in Coeur d’Alene. Did his family ever sue the company or the radio station? Suzanne Parker Coeur d’Alene

All should pay mind to own actions

I work at Kootenai Medical Center, and we have a boat party each year. There is a large number of people on the boat and a great deal of drinking but not in excess and without event that I’m aware of. The cruises are a way for us to “let our hair down” and have fun. We are responsible adults, or supposed to be, as we would be in any establishment that sells alcohol. I think people need to be responsible for their own actions and know if they have a long drive not to drink. If you are on the water the same goes as if you own that boat. Donna Akins Athol

Let’s not let few ruin our good time

In reference to the drunken brawl aboard the cruise ship recently, I must say that I was amazed that so little trouble has been reported on these pleasure cruises. In my lifetime I have learned, if nothing else, that there always seems to be a few people that seem to set out to ruin things for everyone else.

My family has taken several cruises and have always found them to be very enjoyable and fortunately was never involved with any “rough stuff.” Please let common sense prevail and don’t let a few misfits ruin a good thing for so many people.

There always seems to be so few things that a family or just a group of friends can enjoy for an afternoon together. I believe these cruises are a wonderful addition to the community as they add jobs and entertainment to the community and are a drawing card for tourists.

I say just make the punishment for the rabble-rousers stiff enough that they won’t be so anxious to cause trouble the next time. C.L. Scauble Post Falls

Event sponsors should ensure safety

The sponsors of any event, whether it be a ball game, county fair, concert, boat cruise or a party in your private residence should monitor behavior and provide for the safety of all the people attending. Howard Martinson Coeur d’Alene

Cruise operators vs. bartenders

Even if the lake cruises are operated safely, the patrons still have to drive home.

I have been on several of the cruises and have experienced no problems such as happened recently. But I am a nondrinker; I was just there to view the scenery and to dance a little.

I do believe that the cruise operators should have at least the same level of responsibility that is placed on the owners and operators of any bar or nightclub. I believe that bartenders have a legal responsibility to stop serving patrons who have “had too much.” Does the same requirement apply to the bartenders on the boats? If not, it should. Thomas R. Macy Post Falls

Recent event a wake-up call

It seems like there should be a limit on the alcohol consumed on “party cruises” much like the airlines has. Is the cruise operator responsible for the actions of their patrons after they leave their boat just like bartenders are responsible for their customers? I live overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene and I can assure you the boats are loud and promote a “partying” atmosphere which includes drinking alcohol (because we can clearly hear the announcer over the P.A. system as the boat comes close to shore).

I wonder in general how conscientious the cruise operators are with their safety procedures. This summer, my son was a camp counselor for a resident camp that used the boats to transport the children to and from the camp. On at least one occasion, the boat that was used had railings with open sections that a young person could easily fall through. When the operator was asked if he had enough children’s flotation jackets on board, the counselor was given a flippant answer. Should these incidents be a “wake-up” call for the cruise operators? Karen Cotton Coeur d’Alene

We don’t have to listen to Aryans

I am sure most of the people in this community do not support racial prejudice a la Richard Butler and companions, and I see no problem with local people not showing up to protest; in fact, I rather resent the publicity the Aryan Nations gets when “outsiders” come to protest. I think we should boycott the Aryans’ hatemongering. They are entitled to their free speech and march, but we don’t have to attend or listen. What if they gave their “party” and nobody came? Peggy Faust Hayden Lake