Spirit of local woman worth emulating
The Nov. 29 Columbian story “Inspiring instructor: Athletic club’s assistant fitness director refuses to let lung cancer keep her from teaching,” about Karn Anderson-Hodges’ battle with lung cancer, was truly inspiring. Perfectly uplifting and juxtaposed to a story about arson, “Mosque fire inspires fear in Muslims,” Anderson-Hodges’ story highlights her dedication as she continues to teach her advanced step aerobics class, despite her terminal illness. As Thanksgiving reminded us to be thankful, this story gives us something extra to be thankful for during this spirited time of the year. Even though it hurt her to even breathe, Anderson-Hodges never stopped pushing through.
It’s nearly time for New Year’s resolutions and exercise will undoubtedly prove the focus for many; it’s so motivating to share a story like this to help jump-start our engines. If Anderson-Hodges can find solace through exercise during her battle, I can certainly find motivation during my own fortunate good health. Staff writer Kathie Durbin did an excellent job of putting out a story that at least one man needed to hear. As we move into the Christmas season I hope we continue to hear inspiring stories like that of Anderson-Hodges.
Mike Kofford
Vancouver
Resources remain strong with Murray
In a Nov. 28 letter, “Reflections on wins and losses,” Rolf Knapp deplores Sen. Patty Murray’s re-election. I am thankful for Murray because she has worked diligently for Washingtonians while still making decisions that are right for Americans. A U.S. senator’s job is not only to look out for the interests of her own state, but to be responsible to our nation.
Because Murray holds a position of power and influence in Washington, D.C., she can get things done. She is respected for her competence and integrity. Why would anyone want to toss away such a great resource simply because we have had it for 18 years?
Mollie S. Smart
Ridgefield
Sowell’s column was misguided
Regarding Thomas Sowell’s Nov. 30 guest opinion, “‘Security’ measures an abuse of power,” does he really believe President Obama personally directed the TSA to poorly train folks? Does he think what works in Israel’s three international airports will scale here? I’ve thought Sowell’s opinions were ill thought through before, but now he’s qualified as a nut job and inconsistent. Can’t profile anti-abortionists (who have committed and encouraged terrorism) but can profile Islamists? I love America, I am a patriot. We need to protect ourselves from people who would make us something else. Calm down, and think. Get facts, not sound bites.
Jackie Lane
Battle Ground
Columnist’s insight was spot on
I found Thomas Sowell’s Nov. 30 opinion, “‘Security’ measures an abuse of power,” regarding the TSA’s new airport security measures, insightful reading. Identifying threats and focusing our screening efforts would be far more effective at reducing risk vs. the ridiculous and wasteful random process used currently.
Unfortunately our obsession with political correctness will push off implementation until after the next successful terrorist action.
Kevin Ratliff
Vancouver
What happens when the lights go out?
I go to Clark College by way of the city bus routes and after 6 or 7 p.m., it tends to get very dark at this time of year. A few times this quarter I have become very nervous when walking down to the bus stop because the light near the bus stop flickers or goes out every few minutes, so I started wondering about who monitors and repairs streetlights. Does somebody check every month that the lights are working?
According to the Traffic and Electrical Operations Branch of the city of Vancouver, there’s approximately 30,000 streetlights. There’s a phone number to call for problems with lights, but do they also check regularly or do they wait for someone to complain?
Until they fix that light, I’m carrying a flashlight.
Brittson Haphey
Vancouver
Schools are too easy a target for cuts
In this day of a failing economy, home foreclosures, and growing unemployment numbers, we know that these are some tough times. And in these tough times, unfortunately, schools are taking huge hits.
Teachers are getting paid less and less when our society and world would be nothing without them. They are, in fact, educating the children who people call “the future.” Without teachers, what becomes of this future we’re hoping for and dreaming about? Not only are their budgets being cut, but many of the teaching positions are being removed.
I’d like to sit down with the voices of government who make these decisions. Do they realize that making numerous budget cuts, cutting out physical education, sports teams, and extracurricular activities, they are taking away from children?
Imagine a student who is relying on a sports scholarship discovering that the sports program has been cut. How is that budget cut helping them?
It’s time for officials in our governments to get their heads out of the sand and look around at the permanent damage they’re creating.
Alyssa Emery
Vancouver
Keeping the bottom anchored
Peter Callaghan’s Nov. 28 guest opinion column, “Board of Education hits the books,” would have been more accurately titled, “Washington’s schools prepare their students to be at the end of the line when job hunting.”
The Board of Education took three years of studies to learn that Washington is “in the bottom 20 percent of states with kids entering post-high school education.” A motivated student could have earned a bachelor’s degree in less time.
Meanwhile, qualified employees are being found in other places. If a foreign worker in H-1B status quits or is dismissed, here’s the situation: “Most popular H-1B Address: One Microsoft Way, Redmond, (WA) 98052. Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.” Visa Sponsor: Microsoft. 2009 H1B Visa Petitions: 4,165. Average Salary: $92,329. Visa Petitions(2000-2010): 33,396. Reference: http://www.myvisajobs.com/Visa-Sponsor/Microsoft/356252.htm. Hundreds of H-1B employers are listed.
New graduation requirements are promised for the class of 2016, but the Washington Education Association asserts, “We support moving forward with the whole package only when the current system is fully funded and cuts restored.” The WEA blocked changes that resulted in our state losing $250 million in federal Race to the Top funds.
Merv Murphy
Vancouver
