Our readers' views November 18

It is regrettable, yet there is a measure of comfort to hear that Vancouver Police Department has to put crime investigators back on the streets. More quality officers on patrol is always a good thing; however, the reality is that all crooks cannot be caught in the act, and too many of them know that.

On the citizen side, many victims say that they are owed an investigation because they pay taxes. This may seem harsh, but I say we are owed only the services for which we are willing to pay. I dislike taxes as much as the next person, but am more than happy to pay for police and fire protection, which includes dedicated investigators.

Just like to our veterans, don’t forget to say thanks to a police officer or fire fighter whenever you can.

John M. Benson
Vancouver

I read with interest Greg Noelck’s Nov. 15 letter, “To blindly trust is irresponsible,” concerning President-elect Barack Obama’s administration.

I agree with him that it is “irresponsible not to question the actions of any elected official.” However, to claim that there is some kind of double standard or hypocrisy on the part of Democrats and independents who are merely asking that the president-elect be given a fair shake is, in a word, laughable.

I don’t see powerful left wing officials accusing Republicans of supporting terrorists, having no patriotism, or being against God because they disagree with the incoming administration.

If that happens, then feel free to call it a “double standard.”

John C. Braithwaite
Vancouver

In my opinion, the primary function of my local government is to provide, police, fire and infrastructure. All else is, in times such as these, not necessary. How will Columbia River waterfront improvements costing millions of dollars help me now? No one probably has the money to lease the developed property anyway.

Why do we need more parks right now? Why is making downtown pretty so important? If the citizens wanted a refurbished downtown, the private market would have seen the need to develop it.

The government has already put in place enough tax hikes and that was during the “good” times. And still they don’t have “enough” money and want to cut the sheriff’s department, police, and fire? If the city had to run its business like we have to run our households, maybe the city wouldn’t be low on funds and cutting services for their pet projects.

Michael Pendleton
Vancouver

I am an attorney. I disagree that Initiative 1000 will have no effect on the personal lives of those who did not support it. Regardless of whether you supported I-1000, you may find yourself under pressures from which you were previously protected.

For example, your heirs may think it more appropriate for you to commit suicide now so you may find yourself under pressure to commit “voluntary” suicide. Applying such pressure was previously illegal (see RCW 9A.36.060).

Another problem is that I-1000 does not require a witness at your death. Read the Nov. 2 issue of Washington Times, Margaret Datiles, “A Price on Your Head,” www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/02/a-price-on-your-head/. At this time, I-1000 has yet to be implemented. Possibly regulations could be adopted to provide more transparency to discourage wrong doing. It would at least be a Band-Aid to this very flawed law.

Margaret Dore
Seattle

In Lou Brancaccio’s Nov. 14 column, “The media and the election,” he concludes that Sarah Palin is an ordinary person. Why? Is it because she speaks plainly instead of using spin and manipulation? Who is Sarah Palin?

As the 11th governor of Alaska, she is the first woman to hold the office. She is commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard. Because of Alaska’s unique strategic location, Palin has more responsibility in that respect than any other governor.

Palin is chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a multi-state agency that promotes the efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting the environment. She’s the chair of the National Governors Association Natural Resources Committee.

Sarah Palin isn’t ordinary. She is a wife, mother, successful and popular governor, and a role model for young woman everywhere. She is admired by men and women all over this country.

Anna Miller
Camas

The Associated Press published an article on the Internet concerning the overt racism exhibited across the U.S. since the election. One noted incident concerned second- and third-grade students on a school bus in Rexburg, Idaho, who chanted offensive comments about Obama, according to a district official.

Certainly those “second- and third- graders” didn’t dream up that particular chant in a vacuum. Seven- and 8-year-old kids don’t learn that stuff by themselves.

In the recent election, the majority voters of Idaho gave their votes to John McCain. Offensive chants against the winner (or loser) in a political contest smacks of Middle Eastern, or Russian, or banana republicanism. Or something. Certainly it isn’t American. Idaho is part of the Union as I recall; so, what’s the story?

Everyone should remember we have, right now, a wonderful opportunity to make this country better. And I hope we can take advantage of it, for our children’s sake.

Vivian E. van Dijk
Brush Prairie

The Nov. 16 editorial, “Bailout bad idea,” said the Big Three automakers don’t deserve a bailout. Well, no one deserves one but think of the consequences.

The economy of the Midwest would be irreparably impacted. Millions of Americans would have their pensions, jobs and way of life alternated in ways that have not been seen since the Great Depression.

The Big Three buy many goods and services that the snowball effect of bankruptcies would be cataclysmic. The tire, steel, trucking, warehousing, and plastics industries could be thrown into bankruptcies also.

Everyone wants to blame the Big Three for making gas guzzling SUVs; well, let’s take a look at the facts. We wanted SUVs. We like the ride, we like to haul things, we want to be safer in our cars. They gave us what we asked for and now we want to punish the workers. Keep the Big Three going; we all need them.

Scott Dalesandro
Vancouver