Libraries change lives
Like a starry sky, our libraries are quiet wonders that can unexpectedly light up our work like a comet. We recently had a life-changing experience at the Ridgefield Library. Like most libraries, it’s a community jewel we too often take for granted.
My 18-year-old daughter, Lauren, has cerebral palsy and reads at a second-grade level. The subject matter in books written at that level hasn’t appealed to Lauren so she’s had little motivation to read. I shared my frustrations a few weeks ago with librarian Ann O’Reilly, who (after taking copious notes and doing research) came up with the idea of pairing a chapter book with an audio PlayAway book of the same title that could be set at a slower speed. The next day, Lauren listened to the entire book while reading along and loved it. Wow — it’s been a few weeks now and Lauren is working on her fourth set of PlayAway books that staff members have found for her. Needless to say, we are thrilled.
In this age of Google and Kindles, it’s important to remember that you can’t digitize the hands-on support, broad knowledge and encouragement that wonderful staff members bring to our lives every day at the library.
Barb Blystone
Ridgefield
Transition off coal dependency
Did you know that Washington state gets about 20 percent of its energy from burning coal? The TransAlta coal plant in Centralia is the single largest source of global-warming pollution in the state. Burning coal is a health hazard that we are all exposed to. It is linked to four of the top five causes of death in the U.S. — heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. It also emits toxic mercury which is especially dangerous for children and future mothers. Washington state estimates that coal will cost the state more than $19 million in health costs over the next decade. This is totally unacceptable.
I urge you to learn more and get involved in telling our elected officials we want to transition off coal as soon as possible. Visit http://www.coalfreewashington.org to learn more.
Erika Johnson
Vancouver
Seek dog-free shopping elsewhere
In reply to Curt Ross’ April 15 letter, “It shouldn’t be a dog’s world,” he can do the right thing by staying home from the farmers markets. The dogs will appreciate it.
Ron Kent
Vancouver
Beyond a call of duty
I have multiple disabilities and use a power wheelchair to move around. Several weeks ago I had a flat tire while shopping at a grocery store. Fortunately, I was able to contact someone who goes to my church to secure help in inflating the tire.
While I was waiting I was approached by two firemen who were in the store. They were making sure that I was all right. Soon the rest of the their crew joined us. Eventually, they all made certain that my chair was temporarily repaired, and that I made it to my bus stop to go home.
I feel that it is important to share this story because I never called the fire department. The crew from a fire station just happened to be in the store. They took it upon themselves to make sure that I was cared for in my time of trouble.
Harry D. Kiick
Vancouver
Give back by sharing our wealth
Americans should take more responsibility in contributing to aid in underdeveloped countries in financially smart ways. Thousands of people in underdeveloped countries die every day of diseases that are preventable. Often governmental aid does not go to the right places. “Too little aid reaches countries that most desperately need it; and, all too often, aid is wasted on overpriced goods and services from donor countries,” according to a Global Policy Forum in 2005.
This is why, as Americans, it is important that we give in the right way. It can be as easy as skipping a latte one day a week and donating that money, because every penny makes a difference. Approximately15 percent to 20 percent of international aid is given by private, nonprofit organizations. Without this aid, diseases would spread even more, causing more death. America is the wealthiest and most influential nation and as citizens of this country we are responsible to represent our development and give back.
Kelsey Speelman
Vancouver
Trust in senators
My thanks to our Democrat senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. It took guts to vote the rational and moral way on the health care reform bill with so much poison coming from the special interests. Many people may not know it at present but they have saved our future “bacon.” Thanks so much from one who has trusted my senators all along.
Gerry Dunne
Battle Ground
Learn by example of youth
The Columbian published the April 13 story “Israeli youth spread message of peace.” I am the co-founder of Hand in Hand, the Israeli organization that has created these unique and inspiring schools that bring Arab and Jewish children and families together.
In today’s views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it’s all too easy to become pessimistic about chances for peace and reconciliation. But when one is able to see how young people can overcome decades of conflict and become friends, partners and leaders, such as the students who visited Portland from Jerusalem, it makes us believe that change is possible.
In addition to Hand in Hand, there are many other wonderful organizations in Israel that work to bring Arabs and Jews together in partnership in fields such as economic development, environmentalism, cultural programs and sports.
Individually, none of these programs can create peace, but together they are making an important impact on the lives of those who participate and on the wider community as well.
It was an honor to have been able to bring a group to visit the Portland area to build this international connection with local youth and community leaders. For more information, please visit http://www.handinhandk12.org.
Lee Gordon
Portland
Obama is worst leader yet
According to Toni Jacobson’s April 16 letter, Sarah “Palin is under-equipped to lead,” Well, I think President Obama doesn’t know the word equipped. It seems to me that he can’t even give a speech without a teleprompter.
Obama is the worst leader since Jimmy Carter. He has only one desire and that is to bankrupt the USA. Then the U.N. comes in to save us and take over. Then we will have a new revolutionary war to protect the Constitution of the United States.
Roy Rapier
Vancouver
