Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
The grave markers pictured on the front page of the June 1 – 7 edition of The Northern Light, were part of the traveling Arlington Northwest display. The display only commemorates the American soldiers killed in Iraq since the U.S. led invasion. There was an enormous typo in the caption for this picture. It explained that the 2,464 markers were for American and Iraqi loss of life in Iraq. If we were to commemorate the loss of Iraqi life, civilian and military, since our invasion and occupation there would be thousands more markers, some estimate over one hundred thousand.
It is of great importance for the public to realize that almost 2,500 U.S. families have lost a loved one in this highly controversial, dare I say, unnecessary, war. The Department of Defense reports that eight times that number are seriously injured. Some project as high as 75 percent of returning troops will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression. These estimates are barely talked about.
The Iraqi’s medical and mental well-being is not being talked about at all.
So please bow your head and honor the fallen. Honor the living that will forever carry the scars of this war. Honor my brother Joseph Blickenstaff, KIA, Operation Iraqi Freedom, December 8, 2003. But then open your eyes and ask why?
Keep your eyes open.
Susan Livingston
Birch Bay

The Editor:
Yeah, coach Foster is back and I’m overjoyed about it. I was broken hearted to hear he would not be coaching next year. What a tremendous loss that would be; not only for the school, sports and students, but for Blaine as a community. I am equally upset to hear the refusal to meet coach Foster’s request – his wants and needs regarding his teaching.
We are so fortunate to have a teacher, coach and person as rare and uniquely good as he is.
It is my opinion that coach Foster is greatly needed in the high school. Foster changes lives. He consistently, year after year, extends himself to students in need and hurting students in trouble.
High school teenage years are tough, even for those fortunate to grow up in the best, most loving and ideal circumstances – it can be very confusing, difficult and painful. So, for the many students who are not so fortunate, it’s someone like coach Foster who comes along and believes in them and gives his time, help and support to them.
He encourages and cares for them and by doing so, he makes a difference. He has changed the course and direction of many lives in such wonderful and miraculous ways. He keeps the endless good deeds quiet and to himself.
When in his presence, I feel good and hopeful about life and the people in it. I observe and listen to him every chance I get with much respect and admiration. I’m inspired by him and in awe of him. An earthly angel, I believe he is.
I do not have a personal relationship with him, nor do I think he knows me by name. Yet, I’ve learned more about who I can and want to be from him. Just by him being him, he’s made a world of difference to me and my world. He restores my faith and gives me hope. I know that you don’t come across coach Foster’s often and when you do, you need to do all you can to keep them.
Adell Estep
Everett

The Editor:
I have been reading the impassioned letters about the suggestion to join with Pugwash as a sister city. What a fabulous idea. To think that Blaine could align itself with a city who welcomed such dignitaries as Albert Einstein and other great thinkers for peaceful meetings and discussions about peace. What a concept!
Evidently, there are one or more members of city council who oppose the Pugwash suggestion. To quote the character in the film The Shawshank Redemption, “Why are you being so obtuse?” Why is your NIMBY, limited agenda more important than the wishes of the majority, “we the people” whom you were elected, or appointed, to serve?
If you are afraid of the consequences of actually taking a position on the side of peace, which is ironic since we are the home of the Peace Arch state park, then perhaps you might want to take steps to stop the annual Hands Across the Border. After all, imagine the danger of having 18,000 or more children and adults gathering in our city to do what – promote peace and brotherhood.
Oh my, what a risk. And, what violent situations occurred with all those people here this year? Nothing. Trading of souvenirs, a long parade of excited children, prayers, speeches by officials and a trading of flags representing every country on the planet. What a catastrophe!
I think the city council better rethink their position. They are looking the fool. What possible alternative could they be considering if not peace and any activity, city or country that supports that endeavor?
Karl King
Birch Bay

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