Our readers' views

Quality officers on patrol is comfort

It is regrettable, yet there is a measure of comfort to hear thatthe Vancouver Police Department has to put crime investigators backon the streets. More quality officers on patrol is always a goodthing; however, the reality is that all crooks cannot be caught inthe act, and too many of them know that.

On the citizen side, many victims say that they are owed aninvestigation because they pay taxes. This may seem harsh, but I saywe are owed only the services for which we are willing to pay. Idislike taxes as much as the next person, but am more than happy topay for police and fire protection, which includes dedicatedinvestigators.

Just like to our veterans, don't forget to say thanks to a policeofficer or firefighter whenever you can.

John M. Benson

Vancouver

Asking for fair shake is reasonable

I read with interest Greg Noelck's Nov. 15 letter, "To blindlytrust is irresponsible," concerning President-elect Barack Obama'sadministration.

I agree with him that it is "irresponsible not to question theactions of any elected official." However, to claim that there issome kind of double standard or hypocrisy on the part of Democratsand independents who are merely asking that the president-elect begiven a fair shake is, in a word, laughable.

I don't see powerful left-wing officials accusing Republicans ofsupporting terrorists, having no patriotism, or being against Godbecause they disagree with the incoming administration.

If that happens, then feel free to call it a "double standard."

John C. Braithwaite

Vancouver

Delay the city's 'pet' projects

In my opinion, the primary function of my local government is toprovide police, fire and infrastructure. All else is, in times suchas these, not necessary. How will Columbia River waterfrontimprovements costing millions of dollars help me now? No oneprobably has the money to lease the developed property anyway.

Why do we need more parks right now? Why is making downtownpretty so important? If the citizens wanted a refurbished downtown,the private market would have seen the need to develop it.

The government has already put in place enough tax hikes, andthat was during the "good" times. And still they don't have "enough"money and want to cut law enforcement and fire? If the city had torun its business like we have to run our households, maybe the citywouldn't be low on funds and cutting services for their petprojects.

Michael Pendleton

Vancouver

Amend initiative to correct flaws

I am an attorney. I disagree that Initiative 1000 will have noeffect on the personal lives of those who did not support it.Regardless of whether you supported I-1000, you may find yourselfunder pressures from which you were previously protected.

For example, your heirs may think it more appropriate for you tocommit suicide now, so you may find yourself under pressure tocommit "voluntary" suicide. Applying such pressure was previouslyillegal (see RCW 9A.36.060).

Another problem is that I-1000 does not require a witness at yourdeath. Read the Nov. 2 issue of Washington Times, Margaret Datiles,"A Price on Your Head," www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/02/a-price-on-your-head/. At this time, I-1000 has yet to be implemented.Possibly regulations could be adopted to provide more transparencyto discourage wrong doing. It would at least be a Band-Aid to thisvery flawed law.

Margaret Dore

Seattle

Palin is a person to be admired

In Lou Brancaccio's Nov. 14 column, "The media and the election,"he concludes that Sarah Palin is an ordinary person. Why? Is itbecause she speaks plainly instead of using spin and manipulation?Who is Sarah Palin?

As the 11th governor of Alaska, she is the first woman to holdthe office. She is commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard.Because of Alaska's unique strategic location, Palin has moreresponsibility in that respect than any other governor.

Palin is chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission,a multi-state agency that promotes the efficient recovery ofdomestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting theenvironment. She's the chair of the National Governors AssociationNatural Resources Committee.

Sarah Palin isn't ordinary. She is a wife, mother, successful andpopular governor, and a role model for young woman everywhere. Sheis admired by men and women all over this country.

Anna Miller

Camas

Who puts such ideas in kids' heads?

The Associated Press published an article on the Internetconcerning the overt racism exhibited across the U.S. since theelection. One noted incident concerned second- and third-gradestudents on a school bus in Rexburg, Idaho, who chanted offensivecomments about Obama, according to a district official.

Certainly those "second- and third- graders" didn't dream up thatparticular chant in a vacuum. Seven- and 8-year-old kids don't learnthat stuff by themselves.

In the recent election, the majority voters of Idaho gave theirvotes to John McCain. Offensive chants against the winner (or loser)in a political contest smacks of Middle Eastern, or Russian, orbanana republicanism. Or something. Certainly it isn't American.Idaho is part of the Union as I recall; so, what's the story?

Everyone should remember we have, right now, a wonderfulopportunity to make this country better. And I hope we can takeadvantage of it, for our children's sake.

Vivian E. van Dijk

Brush Prairie

Keep the Big Three doing business

The Nov. 16 editorial, "Bailout bad idea," said the Big Threeautomakers don't deserve a bailout. Well, no one deserves one, butthink of the consequences.

The economy of the Midwest would be irreparably impacted.Millions of Americans would have their pensions, jobs and way oflife alternated in ways that have not been seen since the GreatDepression.

The Big Three buy many goods and services that the snowballeffect of bankruptcies would be cataclysmic. The tire, steel,trucking, warehousing, and plastics industries could be thrown intobankruptcies also.

Everyone wants to blame the Big Three for making gas guzzlingSUVs; well, let's take a look at the facts. We wanted SUVs. We likethe ride, we like to haul things, we want to be safer in our cars.They gave us what we asked for and now we want to punish theworkers.

Keep the Big Three going; we all need them.

Scott Dalesandro

Vancouver