11/16/08 Letters to the Editor

Yakima Herald-Republic

Angels raking leaves

To the editor -- Why God's gifts of love surprise me I'll never know. He gives them to us every day.

Raking the leaves as a senior citizen is no easy task, and as I worked at it the old muscles began to rebel and I was about to give it up when a car pulled into my drive and two young people asked if they could help. Thinking they were looking for work, I explained I couldn't pay much, but even before I finished speaking, they refused payment and said they just wanted to help. And help they did. They not only did the carport and drive, but the entire yard. They even supplied the black bags and set them on the curb for pickup.

They refused my offer of payment and as they were leaving, they said they would check on us occasionally to see if we needed anything.

I'm still in awe. God sent his angels. I thank God for reminding me of his love.

 

HERMINE FISH

Yakima

 

 

A warm feeling

To the editor -- It was a sunny Sunday afternoon when my husband and I experienced an awesome, first event of its kind in our lifetime as senior citizens. Cars began parking in front of our home, adults and children exited carrying rakes and reporting for duty to bag fallen leaves from two huge maples.

One and a half hours later, 25 biodegradable bags were lined up along the curb, ready for pickup by the city.

We wish to thank two Discovery Lab School teachers, family members and several students for warming our hearts through their loving care. God bless you, each one.

 

BEA MASON

Yakima

 

 

Let's make schools great

To the editor -- The National Education Association's 87th annual American Education Week, today through Saturday, spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education. "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility" reflects NEA's vision of calling upon all Americans to do their part in making public schools great for every child so they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

Today's students bring many challenges into the classroom, and educators do more than teach basic skills. They help students learn skills not always measured by a test, such as critical thinking, conflict resolution, cooperation and problem solving, all of which are essential life skills for students. School employees, inside and outside the classroom, make significant contributions for our students. The willingness of all school staff to go the extra mile in educating students is truly worth celebrating!

There are many exciting opportunities, as well as challenges, in public education today. If you have not seen "education in action" lately, take the opportunity to attend an art/music/drama event, an athletic contest, a school board meeting, a community forum or a classroom presentation. Partnerships between parents, community members and educators are critical to the success of children.

 

VICKI DWIGHT

Yakima Education Association

 

 

Love it or leave it

To the editor -- The people in Eastern Washington couldn't find a better place to live anywhere in this country. From the Canadian border to the Columbia River is a cornucopia that is unmatched in America. We have a great variety of fresh food that is a food pyramid of the best quality. But, sadly, we also have a variety of the most negative and contrary people in the country who will destroy the environment to enhance their riches. (Contaminated groundwater is only one example.)

This is the 21st century and there are still people who believe that a low state tax rate translates to a higher annual income. If this were true, Kentucky and Idaho would have the highest income and be the most populated. (How would you like it if every state were exactly like Kentucky and Idaho?) Duh!

It is a mystery that so many people choose to live in a state they hate.

Split the state in two and see the taxes go down, wages go down and quality of life go down and the complaints and demands go up.

This is Washington state. Love it or leave it, but please don't try to turn it into another Kentucky or Idaho.

The utopia you desire does not and cannot exist.

 

JAMES E. PRATT

White Swan

 

 

Weeping in celebration

To the editor -- Thank you, America! On Nov. 4, in the company of millions, I wept in celebration.

I look forward to the level of leadership that created our great country, reasoned consideration, the understanding that the president must embrace the best interests of all citizens.

The recent economic downturn has Americans feeling the unfortunate effects of wholesale deregulation. Deregulation only works if everyone follows the Golden Rule. Trickle-down economics only works if those at the top respect those who labor for them. Our country will be paying the price for unregulated greed and gluttony for years. Barack Obama understands that if the workforce shares in prosperity, their spending power benefits everyone.

Obama ran championing change. His campaign embodied change by not dividing voters into red states and blue states. He campaigned in all 50 states. By this method he won across arbitrary party boundaries and started reuniting the American people.

Wisdom, unification, leadership: Is it any wonder I wept with joy and am filled with hope and the belief that I am part of a brighter future?

Thank you, America. And thank you, President-elect Obama. I feel blessed to have a man of such intellect and wisdom willing to take on this job.

 

MARY MILAM

Yakima

 

 

Aquatics center concerns

To the editor -- I totally agree with Union Gap Mayor Jim Lemon's concerns about the proposed aquatics center noted in the Nov. 12 article.

If I were going to a bank to request financing a mortgage, I'm sure the bank would want to know what piece of property it was financing, let alone a detailed list of expected costs.

One need only remember how may sites were considered for our new county jail, only to be told after it was built that it was cheaper to let it sit vacant than to actually use it.

The city of Yakima needs to finish the planning before asking voters for financing. A concrete plan needs to be in place. The public deserves nothing less.

 

FRED THOMSON

Union Gap

 

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