Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
A pro-Bush letter writer in the Bellingham Herald recently implied it is unpatriotic to criticize the President. I disagree. It is our patriotic duty to thoughtfully speak the truth.
Let me quote General Anthony Zinni, a registered Republican, former head of Central Command fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Bush’s former special envoy to the Middle East.
“Look, there is one statement that bothers me more than anything else. And that’s the idea that when the troops are in combat, everybody has to shut up. Imagine if we put troops in combat with a faulty rifle, and that rifle was malfunctioning, and troops were dying as a result.”
“I can’t think anyone would allow that to happen, that would not speak up. Well, what’s the difference between a faulty plan and strategy that’s getting just as many troops killed?”
He said previously: “I blame the civilian leadership of the Pentagon directly. But regardless of whose responsibility I think it is, somebody has screwed up. And at this level and at this stage, it should be evident to everybody that they’ve screwed up.”
It is President Bush and his civilian Pentagon leadership who are wasting our blood and money, not Americans who thoughtfully speak the truth.
Barry Bowen
Ferndale

The Editor:
Closing Day for the Blaine Youth Baseball 2004 season will be Saturday, June 5. As well as scheduled games there will be trophy presentations at 1:30 p.m. at the Pipeline Field complex. At this time we will be holding the board of directors elections for the 2005 season.
Over the years this organization has held together and done a great job for the kids of our community. To ensure a great season for next year and the years to come, it is very important to have a full board of directors. Please take a moment and read through the following positions and consider volunteering for one, or discuss it with a friend and join the board together. Meetings are usually once a month.
This is a great way to be involved in your child’s activity as well as to enrich the lives of other children. If you are interested and have questions you would like answered, or want to be nominated for a position and are unable to attend on June 5, please call Troy Olason at 371-3079. The following positions need to be filled: president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, insurance coordinator, game scheduler, field maintenance, equipment manager, registrars(2), concession stand coordinator.
In closing I would like to say thank you to all the coaches, parents, kids, umpires, sponsors, donors, concession workers, and everyone who helped make this year possible. You all did a great job for 256 kids for a successful 2004 season.
Christy Olason
Blaine

The Editor:
It is with interest that I read the letter from Mr. Maser who resides in Gibsons, B.C. He was visiting Blaine, heading north on the truck crossing, when he was given a citation from a Blaine police officer for making a right hand turn from the truck crossing onto H Street going east. He mentioned the faded signage on the road and the overhead sign not being in sight.
I was at that same sign last Monday night when I witnessed a Blaine police officer pull over and ticket three cars for the same infraction. This would tell me that there is considerable confusion regarding just what vehicles, other than trucks, are supposed to do as they approach the light at H Street on the truck crossing.
I live here. I am familiar with the signs, however, when they were first introduced I, too, found them hard to understand and see. If there happens to be a container on the back of a truck heading north in the truck lane, you cannot see a sign and when you get to the light it is too late. It would appear that police officers are not extending grace at these infractions, which I might add, are $101.
If we are spending all this money on enhancing the entrances to our town and encouraging outside visitors to stop and stay awhile we need to correct this problem. This is not the first letter that I have read regarding the same problem.
C’mon Blaine, we can and need to do better than this. Is there not someone on city council, the police department or planning commission that could make this their priority and do something to correct this. I would think that we want visitors to speak well of us because we have a lot to offer, if this problem is not corrected that will not be the case - just ask Mr. Maser!
Sue Richmond
Blaine

The Editor:
In response to the comment made last week - “Been Stung Lately” I too am sick - sick of all the whining received from Canadian drivers who have no regard for our town or county.
When you’re a driver, it means you observe signs and notices at all times, tourists, and yes some ignorant citizens don’t care less about signs, courtesy, speed etc.
Whatever happened to turn indicator signals, driving in the right lane, unless passing, pulling over for emergency vehicles, doing the posted speed in miles per hour not kilometers (we’re not metric) in all areas and turning from the proper lanes.
Just because you get pulled over for a driving infraction does not mean we do not want your business or to see you visit our great country. We fly your flag right alongside ours, cater to your dollar and our police do give a lot of leniency to your bad driving habits.
When in Canada we are expected to obey all your driving regulations, I’ve seen numerous police officers in hidden locations as Mr. Maser puts it “nabbing another victim.” I could say American but let’s be reasonable our police are nabbing anyone disobeying the laws not just Canadians. If Mr. Maser calls police hiding waiting for victims a “despicable and irresponsible” practice then he should look at his own side of the border. When in Canada we don’t see our flag flying at very many locations and we are treated in an uncourteous manner when we present our currency and told they cannot give exchange on it, we’ll have to go to a bank. When in another country, you abide by that country’s laws, like it or not, if you can’t abide by their laws, then yes, stay home.
Carol Kinney
Blaine

The Editor:
“The amazing bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann has won considerable notice for his dynamic performances . . . gripping . . . Kuuskmann played stunningly.” So stated a review of his performance published recently in the New York Times.
Imagine a musician of this caliber performing right here in little old Blaine! Martin Kuuskmann will be presenting works by Gershwin, Mozart, Saint-Saens, Villa-Lobos, and Piazzolla at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street, June 9 at 7 p.m. Fortunately, he will be accompanied by pianist Mary Anne Unrau, certified examiner with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Canada. For my part, given my failing health and declining finances, I wish to thank Martin Kuuskmann and Mary Anne Unrau for bringing quality music to Blaine that I will be able affordably to attend.
I know you will be excited about this announcement, and you’ll surely be there. Admission is free, but don’t jump to the conclusion that it will be an inferior recital for that reason. I know, too, that you will spread the word!
Richard E. Clark
Blaine

 

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com