Letters

Wed., June 27, 2012

Letters policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters of no more than 200 words on topics of public interest. Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. We accept no more than one letter a month from the same writer. Please include your daytime phone number and street address. The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and republish any material submitted for publication.

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Spokane, WA 99201

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A pain in the neck

Congratulations America: Your vote in 2010 has unleashed the vampires on the middle class of America.

Dorothy Pickett

Spokane

Firefighters earn their pay

Let me comment on Gary Olmsted’s June 21 letter (“Need more pay data”). He states he needs more information on firefighter wages for the public to decide on contract negotiations. This information only needs to be known by union and city negotiators. They are the ones who make contract decisions. Just how dangerous the firefighters’ job is should have no bearing on how much they are paid. The most dangerous jobs vary from one year to the next depending on how many were killed or injured. The firefighters are facing injury or accident every time they respond out of the station.

They have careful, experienced drivers but are often hindered by uncaring drivers hoping to beat the fire apparatus. Try climbing a ladder up and onto a roof where there is fire coming out below you. Olmsted questions how much a firefighter gets for retirement. Let me tell you this: It’s not enough.

I’ve had eight surgeries for cancer that doctors say were related to my years as a firefighter. Some night, when you may need to call 911 for a fire or aid crew, just remember how much you think they should be paid for helping you.

Len Champion

Spokane

Salute vote on trains

In response to “Council asks impact study of coal trains” (June 19). Thanks to the Spokane City Council for unanimously approving, on June 18, an extra impact study for Spokane in advance of the proposed surge of coal trains running from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin to the coast.

Now we will learn what this enormous increase of rail traffic ferrying toxic cargo will mean to the people of this city. Some of these consequences will undoubtedly include increased childhood and adult respiratory disease, filthy air, the roar of mile-and-a-half-long trains coming through day and night, traffic congestion at rail crossings, and more.

So thanks. Good work. I salute this vital and timely action.

Pam Larratt

Spokane

Odd secrecy views

One can only marvel at the hubris of the Democrats. This administration deliberately permitted the sale of large quantities of modern firearms to the most vicious criminal elements in North America. Our attorney general sees nothing wrong with dispensing selective justice. And sensitive classified information relating to intelligence assets is released for political purposes. But the president’s personal information, including his educational and passport records, are protected at great cost from access by we, the people.

Isn’t there something terribly wrong here?

George A. Bratina

Spokane