March 22 Letters to the Editor

Real beneficiaries of AIG bailout

AIG’s executive bonuses, reportedly $165 million, are approximately 0.1 percent of the total government bailout of $173 billion. What about the rest of the money — $172.835 billion? Where did it go?

According to a Wall Street Journal report, it went to Deutsche Bank (Germany), HSBC Bank (United Kingdom), Societe Generale Bank (France), Royal Bank of Scotland (United Kingdom), other foreign and domestic banks, among other recipients.

It’s nice to know the foreign bankers got their bonuses, too.

Tim Sutinen

Longview

Death with dignity

In response to Alice Hack’s (March 17) letter, I can respect her opinion on the recently passed death with dignity law, but I just have one question for Hack: How many times has she been terminally ill to the point of making the decision of sticking it out to the bitter end or just ending it all?

I can only surmise that the answer is never. How can anyone justify sitting by a loved one’s bedside and watching them suffer when there is an alternative and death is imminent?

I can tell you from the experience of having watched my stepmother suffocate to death over a period of several days that it would have been justifiable to help her cross the threshold to wherever that particular doorway may have led.

I have also experienced a loved one committing suicide. With a gun. In the head. No note. No closure. Violent suicide tears families to pieces and leaves too many questions unanswered. I know that I could never convince Hack that there is a difference between suicide in a violent manner and with the way death comes about in a civilized and controlled way, so I won’t even try. But isn’t “pulling the plug” the same thing as “assisted suicide”? We have been doing it for years. The result is the same. And someone else did it at the request of those who are unable to get off their death beds in order to do it themselves.

Just my opinion.

James Gunter

Longview

Care was appreciated

In reference to Kim Young’s letter to the editor on March 13 regarding Community Hospice, I agree completely with her comments. My beloved wife, Charlotte Johnson, was at the Hospice for 10 days in January until her passing away peacefully on the 30th.

During that time, I observed the loving care and compassion she received from the nurses and staff. Her family and I thank Hospice. Our area is so fortunate to have this facility available.

Thank you and may the Lord continue to bless your good works.

Al Johnson

Kelso

Taking back America

Everyone that loves America and agrees with our Founding Fathers and the Constitution needs to watch Glenn Beck on Fox News and also go to the new Web site, The912Project.com, which are the nine principals and 12 values that America was founded on.

Stand up to Washington, D.C., and their harmful new spending and laws they are passing. We need to hold our government accountable for their actions and greed. They are not there to get paid by us to take our money and make us do what they decide; it is supposed to be the other way around.

Contact all your senators, representatives, etc., and let them know people are tired of it. We do need change, but not the kind of socialistic changes they are making — we need change to go back and live as one nation under God.

Karen Baker

Kalama

One way to lower jobless rate

What do Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower have in common? A great way to lower unemployment. Here is something that should be of great interest for you to pass around. I didn’t know of this until it was pointed out to me.

Back during the Great Depression, President Hoover ordered the deportation of all illegal aliens in order to make jobs available to American citizens that desperately needed work.

Truman deported over 2 million illegals after World War II to create jobs for returning veterans.

And then again in 1954, President Eisenhower deported 13 million Mexican nationals so that American World War II and Korean veterans had a better chance at jobs. It took two years, but they deported them.

Now, if they could deport the illegals back then, they can sure do it today.

Reminder, don’t forget to pay your taxes … 12 million illegal aliens are depending on you.

Nick L. Specht

Kelso

Can’t buy ‘cool’

In the March 15 paper, I read with interest the column by Meghan Daum of the Los Angeles Times, “Pay Pals.” She wrote, “The nerds became billionaires.” That was very true, but I felt I should speak up in favor of us somewhat poorer, yet still “cool guys,” and all the money in the world can’t buy cool. If you grew up in the Kelso-Longview area and can truthfully answer yes to any of the following =points, you can qualify for the title, “Cool”:

• You cruised 15th and Commerce Avenues in your own car.

• Stopped or passed through Capn’ Yoby’s, DJ’s, Irby’s A&W, Two Clowns, and the Triple X.

• If you were ever stopped for having an “illegal beverage” and claimed it was purchased by a merchant seaman.

• If you took your brand new “Shellson brogues” shoes to Campbell’s Shoe store to have them turned up, cleated, and half-soled.

• Been a spectator or directly involved in a “contest of speed” on Reynolds’ Road.

• Drank coffee with your pals at the Lotus Cafe.

• Attended dances at the Longshore Hall, AWPPW Hall, YMCA, The Armory, or the “Big One”… Crystal Pool (bonus points if you were involved directly in a fight).

Bottom line, you can’t buy “cool,” and most of these folks turned out to be good people and some actually made a good living.

Mike Kaipi

Longview

Service is appreciated

I have lived in Longview for four and a half years. I find many things to appreciate, such as a moderate climate, recreation, a wide choice of restaurants and churches, etc.

One of the best things Longview provides for eligible seniors and disabled is CUBS. This bus service is available Monday through Saturday. First, I would like to commend the skilled office staff who do the difficult job of scheduling as many as 200 people per day and keep it all running smoothly.

If the passenger is not ready at the appointed pick up time, the driver will wait a reasonable time, then call or even knock on the door, so no one is left behind. They are truly professional, patient, courteous and helpful in every way. I have discovered, as I ride the bus, that they know all the passengers’ names.

I think I can speak for everyone who rides the bus when I say thank you, Longview, for providing CUBS. We are truly blessed.

Della Townsend

Longview

Free trade?

My congratulations to Mark Kent of Kelso on his letter to the editor of March 15. He stated the “true” feelings” and results of this political boondoggle.

The U.S.A. has always been strong and will continue to be as long as long we don’t delude ourselves. CEOs are driven by shareholders and tend to grasp on to any straw (new graduates with no experience) to what will enhance their bonus package and the bonus packages of corporate officers. It’s name is greed.

If corporations were truly interested in the U.S.A., they would cut the bonuses (such as AIG) and say to those who are getting bonuses, “So sue me. The tail is wagging the dog and it is time we put a stop to this rape and plunder of the working citizen.

Pick up the pitchforks and attack the castle, people. I have had enough.

Mike Baughman

Ryderwood

A great hobby

In times like these, people need something to take their mind off the troubles of the world. Some people turn to TV to lose themselves in, others fix things or work on a project.

I would like to introduce the people of Longview to a great hobby that you can share with your children to create some bonding time, or just take your mind off things. It’s called Tabletop Gaming and is a fun and social activity you can play with friends. It involves the painting and assembling of plastic/pewter miniatures that you then use to participate in the game, or display them in your home. There’s a local retailer in town who would be able to get you started, and the craft shop in the Triangle Plaza sells great supplies. Describing what exactly Tabletop Wargaming is would take up too much space, but if you and your kids are looking for a fun alternative to TV, then I suggest you look up the Web site www.gamesworkshop.com. If you find yourself interested, drop me an e-mail at mattman154@hotmail.com and I’ll help get you set up.

Matthew Warren

Longview

Asking too much?

Regarding breast feeding in public — emphasize “public” — is expecting a nursing mother to cover up really asking too much?

Are there really women out there who want to, ahem, expose themselves to sniggering boys, blushing girls and leering perverts? Are there really women who would disregard the sensitivities of visiting foreign dignitaries and other tourists? Do some women want so much to be rude and discourteous to their neighbors and fellow citizens, as to require legislation to do so?

If the answers are yes, then these are the women represented by Ms. Kessler, the bureaucrat in Olympia, who finds the concept of human dignity puerile.

This leaves the rest of us to wonder how many more layers of civilization are to be legislated away, before someone finally says, “Hold — enough.”

Sharon Ashford

Longview

It’s not the paper’s call

Reps. Dean Takko and Brian Blake and Sen. Brian Hatfield had a negative commentary (March 15) about the LNG to be built in Oregon. The Daily News said, “That’s not their call” (March 17 editorial).

The editorial on March 17 about the LNG and the statement that The Daily News determined the facility and pipelines were a net plus is amazing. It’s not for The Daily News to make any call, either.

Then in the editorial, the comparison of importing of automobiles to the importing of LNG is to deviate like apples vs. oranges.

The state of California will not let any LNG plant be built within its borders. Not even offshore.

Later on, if the LNG plant is built, I am sure the LNG will flow south to California. The other three/four plants wanting to build in Oregon might also in the future want to ship to a bigger market south of Oregon.

Charles A. Olsen

Longview