Join Walk for Unity
Sunday, January 20, 2008 11:56 AM PST
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I'm writing to applaud Cody Wells for his recent letter reminding us to take the time to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 21. No matter who raised us or how, regardless of our race, religion, political point of view, age, sex, marital status, culture of origin, education, current circumstances or future prospects we can unite around the common value of respect for all people.
For those, like Cody, who value all people, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is more than a national holiday. I hope that Cody, and others who share his perspective on tolerance, and his appreciation for diversity will join members of the Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network in a Walk for Unity and Tolerance at Lake Sacajawea.
Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network is hosting a free event at the Longview Women's Clubhouse at 835 21st Ave., Longview. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and walkers will head out at noon. The event continues until 3 p.m. and includes a speaker, music, films, children's activities and informational booths. All are welcome.
Carole Eby
Kalama
Personal apology is due
This letter is a response to the article that appeared in the Tuesday edition of the Longview Daily News. I felt it was well written. I am the athletic director at Warrenton High School.
I was disappointed to learn of the behavior of a few of our students at the Warrenton-Rainier girls basketball game on Jan. 12. I would first like to publicly offer my personal apology to Brittany Wright and her family for what happened at our gym. I would also like to publicly apologize on behalf of Warrenton High School.
It sounds as if she is a strong individual and has learned to rise above such conduct from others and did so that night. There is no excuse for what happened at that game, and I assure you that behavior is unacceptable and not an example of the level of "class" demonstrated by 99 percent of our student body. We do not condone this activity and we are dealing with the individuals involved. It doesn't matter where you are, there are always a "few."
It appears Brittany is an outstanding young lady and sounds like she can, and has, taught those around her a little about playing life with the hand you're dealt. The support of her teammates and the community was something she earned, nobody handed it to her. She will be successful in life despite the antics of those who chose to feel better about themselves by belittling others.
Maybe someone will learn from this incident, maybe nobody will. I just know Brittany deserves to get on with things and be a kid, have a good time, and keep on playing sports.
Doug Calvert
Warrenton athletic director
On a familiar road
We aren't told it, but we're echoing Germany's road of fascism, imperialism and ruin:
1. The downfall of a democracy usually begins with a traumatic event and scapegoats. German fascists exploited Jews and a suspicious burning of the Reichstag for their legalized take over. Bushies exploited Muslims and a suspicious 9-11 for their legalized take over.
2. In 1939, Germany made an unprovoked attack on Romania for oil and empire, and then attacked Russia. In 2002, we made an unprovoked attack on Iraq for oil and empire, and may attack Iran.
3. Both countries had corporate control of politicians and a trusting populace. Both used media, fear, lies, patriotism, secrecy, spying, detention and torture. Both had collaborators and stooges.
4. The Germans ignored Hitler's Mein Kampf. We've ignored PNAC, the neo-cons' Project for the New American Century.
5. History shows that all imperialistic powers, from the Romans to Germany and the Soviet Union, have fallen. With our economic problems, we could be next.
War, debt, greed, $3-per-gallon gas, recession - if you like the road we're on, then vote Republican.
Bill Kasch
Longview
'Spent' fuel isn't ...
Your Jan. 17 editorial, "Candidates need to present voters with real solutions for nuclear waste," was a useful commentary on the Yucca Mountain "spent" nuclear fuel storage dilemma. However, two crucial observations were omitted that really belong in any discussion of "spent" nuclear fuel.
First, "spent" nuclear fuel is anything but "spent." Fuel rods remain in the reactor at Columbia Generating Station in south-central Washington for six years before they are removed ... with more than 90 percent of their energy potential remaining. They are anything but "spent," just as the Trojan fuel in storage is not "spent." Accessing the energy in the used fuel requires recycling ... just as we recylce aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and more.
Second, the prohibition of recycling "used" nuclear fuel was ordered by President Carter and removed by President Reagan. Whether we recycle nuclear fuel here in the U.S., or ship it to France where it has been done safely and efficiently for decades, doesn't it make sense to reduce by 90 percent or more the amount of used nuclear fuel requiring storage?
Lastly, for those who oppose recycling nuclear fuel for fear it will make enriched uranium available to terrorists, consider that buying such materials on the overseas black market is likely easier, faster, cheaper and safer than trying to run away with a multi-ton container from a secure recycling facility.
Brad Peck
Energy Northwest
Richland, Wash.
New political condition
Electile Dysfunction: the inability to become aroused over any of the choices for president put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.
Burt Harwood
Longview
Sad but thankful
Between my three sisters and oldest friend, I have 13 nephews and nieces and love the job. After Thanksgiving, my sister sent a text message announcing her pregnancy. Since then the excitement grew, until Monday night, when I overheard my co-worker, at the answering service I work at, take a message from my sister. My fears were justified, while my sister and I shared tears on my break.
One friend says you shouldn't talk about a baby until after the first trimester, but I want to thank my sister and brother-in-law for sharing with our family. The news reminded us of when the kids we have were babies. We have shared stories and answered questions. Their play-acting changed to include babies in their tummies.
I giggled with them when they pulled stuffed animals out of their shirts and listened to them use small words to describe big feelings now that this baby won't be here to play with.
I see we are sad but thankful my family works together and glad there is always someone to share the load with.
Summer Clemenson
Longview
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