We’re all citizens now

Recently our state legalized marriages between homosexual partners. Many Christian groups have indicated their disapproval with our state passing legislation that grants marriage rights to homosexuals. Many Christians who came to the United States seeking protection for their religious beliefs are now protesting applying the federal Constitution protections to other U.S. citizens.

“We the people.” Brave words, aren’t they? They come from the preamble to our federal Constitution. But yet, at our nation’s inception, those words applied to white males. Women, blacks and Indians were largely excluded from that Constitution.

It would take a major Civil War and the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the federal Constitution to eliminate slavery, and to state that all citizens were to be treated fairly, equitably and uniformly. Unfortunately, these laws would not be put into practice until the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and would take over three generations before the vast majority of our people would accept equality for all of its citizens.

Homosexuals are citizens, many of whom fought bravely in our nation’s wars to protect and defend our freedoms. There is no reason to deny them full citizenship rights that all other citizens enjoy.

Mark Johnson

Nine Mile Falls

Progressive talk silenced

On March 26, the voices of progressive talk radio in Spokane fell silent after “The Ed Schultz Show.” What a tragedy!

Following my disappointment with the 2004 elections, I discovered that station KPTZ provided the progressive side of politics, giving listeners the only chance to participate, learn and articulate important differences between the Democratic and Republican parties. In addition to Schultz, Thom Hartmann, Randi Rhodes, Mike Papantonio, etc., guests provided superb educational information in an enjoyable format.

Clear Channel’s decision to drop these shows was a huge disappointment to many faithful listeners. As was their failure to notify listeners of their decision to cancel the programs, which required us to call the station and confirm that the country-western music was their response to poor listenership in the Spokane area.

Clear Channel obviously has no concern for their loyal listeners, and its actions were cowardly and inexcusable.

Cleo M. Clizer

Spokane Valley

Please protect TANF

I am a veteran parent of the child welfare system, and I am concerned about the proposed cuts to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Working Connections Child Care. As a parent who has been through the system, I assert that these programs are vital in providing the financial stability that a family needs to successfully exit, and remain out of, the child welfare system.

After my child was returned home, my family still had issues to work on. I was out of work, and we were facing foreclosure. TANF and Working Connections Child Care helped me bridge the gap between ruin and recovery by providing funds for child care, food and basic needs.

Although I went into bankruptcy to save our home, my family was able to transition off public assistance shortly afterwards because employment resources were also provided. I worked hard, found a job within seven months, and four years later I am still working.

Across our state, parents like me work with child welfare professionals to ensure the safety of children. We are pleading for no more cuts to TANF or Working Connections Child Care because these will deeply hurt vulnerable child welfare families.

Jeremiah Donier

Spokane