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I cannot understand why Idaho Lands Management is not granting Mr. Hagadone a permit for an extended dock at his summer home. The barge company (Murphy) next door has a grossly extended dock - why not Duane? His property is probably 1200 feet of shoreline; and if each 50 feet were a cabin, we would have 960 feet of docks in the bay instead. An extended dock would certainly be no or much less hinderance than all the pilings, trash and logs owned by Simpson Lumber Company are. It would hardly be noticable and, in fact, would be a great attraction.
A helipad would also be a great attraction on the shoreline, as would his tour boats coming and going, and would harm no one. We have a seaplane that ties up in Greensferry Bay and it is nice to watch it come and go.
For Pete's sake, Carl Washburn (Supervisor, Idaho Lands Management), start working with Duane Hagadone instead of against him. No one has done more for the City (of Coeur d'Alene) than Duane Hagadone.
J. Peters
Post Falls, ID
February 2008
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What was the cost for 15,510 Washington State taxpayer-sponsored abortions in 2006? $8,528,000! Only California and New York spend more money to destroy the unborn, according to the latest Guttmacher Report.
Now why would our legislators pass HB2697, authorizing the Department of Health to turn down $800,000 in Federal money for promoting abstinence? Why would the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, along with their friends and prime sponsors of the bill, Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Representative Eileen Cody, so adamantly oppose abstinence programs that are working to reduce teen pregnancies? Obviously, there is a lot of money in the abortion industry.
In a recent Zogby poll, sixty percent of parents approve of the abstinence approach, while only 30 percent approved of the explicit "comprehensive" message. Ask your legislator to save a life, accept the Federal money and award it to authentic Abstinence programs.
Tell Governor Gregoire to veto HB2697.
Mrs. Lehinger
Spokane, WA
February 2008
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The Spokesman-Review called traditional marriage a “form of favoritism” (Jan. 28, 2007) while supporting gay unions with special benefits. But, just as our skeletal structure is a foundation for our bodies and we “favor”, protect, and nourish it, there are reasons why heterosexual marriage is foundational to society and should be favored.
Marriage is a rich personal resource for children and their parents. It protects them from poverty and sexual and physical abuse. It improves their physical and mental health. It helps them do better educationally. It helps them stay away from violent, criminal and sexual behaviors. Marriage protects kids from substance abuse. Marriage protects our welfare systems by reducing the number of young adults who have dropped out of school, don’t work, or who are having children as teenagers. Police are rarely bothered by kids with married parents. Marriage produces healthier children who do not stress our nation's medical system and insurance costs.
If we are to concern ourselves with the welfare of children, we have to be concerned with the health of marriage in our culture. For, as marriage goes, so go our children – and with them – the future of humanity. Say no to SB5336 and HB1351.
Mrs. Lehinger
Spokane, WA
February 2007
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Animal rights activists based outside Washington State are, again, sponsoring legislation to ban many species of wild animals kept in Washington. On the surface the uninformed would think this is a good thing. However, the reality of it is that federally licensed facilities are being excluded and the gene pool of endangered and threatened species will be further compromised.
The Senate and House bills (SB 5379 and HB 1418) are poorly written, do allow inhumane treatment of animals and assign unrealistic responsibilities upon law enforcement and animal control agencies.
Shelleen Mathews, Director
Wild Felid Advocacy Center of WA
Olympia
February 2007
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Am I the only one that has noticed how aggressive Dodge truck owners drive? I and others that I know firmly believe the testosterone, southern-hillbilly ads Dodge puts out appeal to a class of people that have very little regard for human lives. When they are in the driver seat of a big Dodge 4X4 or SUV, they become very dangerous. The wreck yesterday (Jan. 19, 2007) near Riverside on Hwy 2 is an example of my point. It was reported to be a white Dodge truck that rear-ended a van and pushed it into on-coming traffic, where a Toyota Tundra broad sided it and killed three people.
I know the investigation is not complete, but the WSP said they thought the Dodge was following too close. This appears to be a common thread for Dodge drivers. If you happen to be in the passing lane, which they think they own, they will pull right up on your bumper; and you know if you have to stop quickly, they will ram you. I would like to see The Spokesman-Review investigate this and publish their findings.
Some people driving other SUV's and 4X4's are also aggressive, but the worst offenders by far, I believe, are the drivers of Dodges.
Ed Cowgill
Spokane Valley, WA
February 2007
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I grew up in Spokane, have not lived there for several years, but visit often to see family and friends. Last week, while strolling along the Centennial Trail in Riverfront Park, it occurred to me that the Spokane River has been thoroughly hidden from public view, even more so with the erection of the new convention center.
I realize that this area has been reinvented mostly due to Expo '74. But what if.. the majority of the Expo buildings, especially the Opera House and original Convention Center (and DoubleTree Hotel) had been built on the north side of the river? A greenbelt could have been placed along the south side of the river, allowing sweeping views over to the river itself from downtown.
Take a look at the park along the Deschutes River in downtown Bend, Oregon, for a vision of what could have been. Realizing that, of course, we can't turn back the clock, those landowners, developers and government planners should take into consideration the fact that urban aesthetics are an important component to quality of community and life and to preserve the natural features and beauty as much as possible in future public and private development in downtown Spokane.
There appears to be increased interest in downtown living throughout the country and in Spokane, also. Be thoughtful in the process, as once the natural beauty is altered, it may never be reclaimed!
Jim K.
JimK1423@aol.com
December 2006
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