Letters to the editor, Sept. 16, 2009

Why the anger?
All seemed right in our world when we drove from Bainbridge Island to Hurricane Ridge this past weekend. But, when we arrived in Sequim, we were greeted by vitriolic sign-carriers who did not have any consistent message other than the message that everyone carrying a sign was angry about “something.”
The hatefulness on people’s faces made us very uneasy as we drove through the angry mob. Some people were invoking the name of Christ, and I wondered if they’d considered WWJD (what would Jesus do). Jesus’ message was always one of peace and love, in times of  trial or prosperity.
Jesus would have wept if he could have seen the hatred on people’s faces that day in Sequim.
Later that day, after a lovely tour of Hurricane Ridge and Crescent Lake, we saw some of the same hateful people in downtown Port Angeles. Perhaps they’d moved on from Sequim to a new location? 
That is our hope — that this hateful minority in your area was fully represented in each locale where we found them — and that there are not too many more like them in your midst.
It is so important in our wonderful country that all people are heard when they make their votes and comments.  Meaningful and thoughtful dialogue on all issues is crucial in a democracy. Dissenters’ opinions need to be considered. 
But, we need to draw the line when ill-informed people spread absolute lies and dispense a destructive form of hatred.
We just hope and pray that the citizens in your area know the difference between honest dialogue regarding, and blind-sided opposition to, what our president is trying to do for our country.
Kristen Lahner
Bainbridge Island

Support family
Classic casuistry is defined as the use of unsound reasoning to support moral dilemmas.
In Washington state, this autumn, there can be no better example than the opposition to Referendum 71, which would expand the rights and responsibilities to same sex couples and opposite sex partnerships, ages 62 or older.
The opponents of Referendum 71 (who are themselves responsible for putting it on the ballot, all while attempting to obfuscate this ingredient, to their advantage, at the ballot box) are asking Washington voters to recreate a two-tier citizenry in our state by denying basic rights to all committed couples. Classic casuistry.
If this is about elevating the commitment to the American family, then the opponents to Referendum 71 should instead be standing tall with gay and elderly American couples to promote a solidity of all relationships.
The opponents of Referendum 71 insist that there is a gay agenda meant to thwart their religious community. Classic casuistry. If an agenda exists, it seems to be entirely in their ballpark. The gay and elderly partnered community, who happen to pay the same amount of taxes to and stand as one with the same country, simply wish to live their lives with the identical rights, responsibilities and dignities enjoyed by their brothers and sisters.
The opposing side seem ardent and eager to press their own religious principles on those who do share their personal spiritual convictions
Adjoined to this former misinterpretation, the opponents of Referendum 71 would insist that this extraordinary Democracy erected by Washington, Adams, Jefferson, et al, is meant to promote a single religious ideal. Same old; classic casuistry.
The founding fathers of our country, acutely aware of the perils of co-mingling state and religion, created a secular society in order to safeguard the principles that continue to make our society “more perfect.”
There is an overwhelming belief among all gay and elderly partnered couples of our state that all religions should be afforded the opportunity to celebrate entirely within the incorporeal precepts they have adopted. Part of this celebration, however, does not nor should not include any obligation or prerogative to impose that dogma upon members of society outside of their denomination.
Despite the fear that has been and will be promulgated by the opponents of Referendum 71, those who understand the intent of our Constitution, the benefit of supporting “family” in all of its inherent and wonderful variation as well as the risk of empowering those wishing to impose their unique and heartfelt religious conviction upon society at large, will approve Referendum 71 in November.
Disapprove classic casuistry.
Approve American spirit, compassionate brotherhood and support for everyone aspiring for an indomitable sense of family in our great country. Approve Referendum 71.
Daniel J. Hinkley
Indianola

Veterans buried with honor
On behalf of the families of local veterans that have passed away, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the VFW Post 4760 “burial detail” for their time and devotion to the surviving family members.
All local veterans are entitled to these honors, which include the formal flag folding and presentation to the designated family member.
The leader of this “burial detail” is VFW chaplain and Marine Corps veteran Dale Butler. Dale himself suffered the loss of a loved one in 1943 when his older brother was killed on a bombing mission over Germany in World War II.
Chaplain Butler coordinates between 25-35 funerals each year with Washington State National Guard members who are always willing to support his endeavors.
Many thanks to all veterans involved.
Donald I. McClure
Sequim

Focus on substance

Clallam County faces a huge budget deficit, our young people are leaving the area to find meaningful employment elsewhere and affordable housing continues to be a critical need. These are just a few of the challenging problems facing the 24th District. Yet Rep. Kevin Van De Wege elects to expend his energy on overregulating residents who wish to feed deer. Clearly, substance has given way to silliness. Prioritize, Mr. Van De Wege. 
Jim Taft
Port Angeles

What goes on after dark?
Regarding cutting the police department, just how much do you plan on saving?
Chief Spinks did a wonderful job filling in as city manager/chief of police.
When crime goes up within the city, who do you plan on filling the officers’ jobs with?
Perhaps it could be your home or family that is in jeopardy. When word gets out that our police department is being cut, the criminals come in, as in the recent bank robber who was from Tacoma.
Take the time to ride along with the officer on the night shift and see for yourself what goes on within the city of Sequim (you have no idea). I personally work late at night and travel along Washington and see the officers doing their jobs.
It might be an idea that someone from the press goes along and reports on activities going on within the city of Sequim.
Stop and think before you begin cutting city staff.
How easy will it be to replace them and the message you are sending to all of the other city employees.
Patricia Allen
Sequim

Keep the peace at SunLand
Open letter to the SunLand Homeowners Association
My name is Mark Warren. I have been visiting SunLand for 34 years and been living here with my wife, Lani, for a little over two years. Every time I turn in to SunLand it seems like I have entered a sanctuary, a community away from the cares and disquiet of the world.
I have watched SunLand develop over the years and I believe the reason SunLand is the peaceful, quiet and safe place it has become is largely due to the presence of the SunLand Golf Course. The SunLand community and golf course are a union. Each owes its existence to the other.
These are difficult times for all of us. The recent economic downturn has affected nearly all Americans from the largest corporation to the smallest household. I know it has affected me and all of you. The golf course, as well, is in the midst of an economic crisis. The golf course management is attempting to resolve the situation in many ways, including restructuring the business organization, increasing golf course dues, organizing weekend events for outside groups and opening the course to public play on the weekends. There are possibly other changes coming. Many golfers are terminating their membership as a result of the increased fees. This, of course, only worsens the problem.
It appears that the SunLand Golf Course may seek assistance from the SunLand homeowners in the form of a small assessment. I am not privy to any plans but have heard rumors of an amount of $300. If that amount is correct, the cost of aiding the golf course would be $25 a month. I find it quite disheartening to hear comments from golfers and nongolfers alike indicating an extreme negative reaction to providing any assistance to the golf course. The golf course and its membership are not our enemy. Many members of the golf course are our friends and neighbors. The ramifications of the golf course closing are far-reaching and could be disastrous to our property values and the wonderful community in which we live.
I only hope that when the time comes to make a decision about providing financial assistance to the golf course, we can all keep an open and receptive mind. We should recognize that SunLand and the golf course share a common goal, that is to maintain the beauty and serenity that is SunLand, a golfing community. Whether you play golf or not, whether you live on the fairway or not, the golf course’s survival is important to all of us.
Mark Warren
Sequim

Where’s the can can?
I have been unable to find any recycle place for aluminum cans or, I’ve heard, none for newspapers. The Boys & Girls Club representative said they no long do that activity. Does anyone know of a recycle spot locally for these items?
Ree Huston
Sequim