12/03/08 Letters to the Editor

Yakima Herald-Republic

Will miss Pabisz

To the editor -- My wife, June, and I would like to give a big thank you to Pabisz Motors and Tim Pabisz for all the many years of good, honest service he and his team gave this Valley. We will really miss all of you. Thanks for a job well done.

 

ED NEEL

Yakima

 

Credit YVCC students

To the editor -- The recent front page Associated Press story and Yakima Herald-Republic editorial in regards to the 10th American Viticultural Area for Washington in Naches Heights missed a critical element. This was the culmination of two students' project from the Yakima Valley Community College Learning Center Program, which consists of Agriculture Science 131, "Terroir of Washington," AGSCI 120, "Introduction to Washington Wines" and Business 275, "Wine Marketing" classes.

Kathleen Kinkead and Carol Weideberg took my AGSCI 131 class project to heart, researched the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau process to the hilt and pulled the required information together for submittal of the package necessary for review/approval of Naches Heights AVA Status. When the TTB package was returned for further information required, these students again seized the moment and gathered the additional information necessary to get the package approved.

This collaboration demonstrates the benefit of having a strong college curriculum based on Yakima Valley Agricultural Industry needs available to fill specific wine industry demands. In this case kudos go to all involved to make this a reality, as it is a win-win-win situation of the students/college/vineyards to attain this status and increase their marketing potential.

 

GARY COX

Ellensburg

 

 

Lift 'Global Gag Rule'

To the editor -- On his first day in office President-elect Barack Obama will have the opportunity to use his executive authority to overturn some of the policies that the Bush administration adopted. One of these is the "Global Gag Rule," which was first instituted by President Ronald Reagan, repealed by Bill Clinton and re-instituted by George W. Bush. The GGR's intended use is to keep U.S. dollars from funding support for abortion overseas. Since this is already illegal under the 1973 Helms amendment, the effect is actually just that the GGR restricts funding for comprehensive family planning services. It does not affect the abortion rate at all, because it does not affect the incidence of unplanned pregnancies.

Everyone should reflect on this issue because family planning saves people's lives by reducing the instance of abortion by providing public health services such as contraceptive counseling and access, providing maternal health care, sexually transmitted disease prevention and education, cancer screenings and education in nutrition and sanitation, which in many impoverished communities is the only basic health care option available. Promoting access to reproductive health care is going to be one of the first steps our new president is going to have to take toward repairing our global reputation.

 

KRISTIN WHITMAN

Yakima

 

 

Display raises issues

To the editor -- Raising tomorrow's productive, engaged citizens starts with thinking about how to support our children today. As parents we constantly have to fight against unconscionable Internet assaults on our children and ads for cigarettes and alcohol that specifically target young people.

This morning at a newly opened convenience store, I was inundated by racks of "adult magazines" and an elaborate exhibit of drug paraphernalia openly displayed at the front of the store; aesthetically designed, colorful glass bongs and water pipes, small glass, stone and ceramic crack pipes unabashedly for sale on top of the counter and in a glass case. There was of course, a sign stating "for tobacco only." If you have to make a sign, what does that tell you? In our society these items are used to inhale cocaine, PCP, methamphetamine and marijuana.

The use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by young people has far-reaching effects that touch not only young people themselves, but also their families, communities and society as a whole. Responsible, ethical business owners know this and contribute to community improvement efforts rather then create negative impacts on our children and undermine neighborhood safety and revitalization efforts.

 

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Selah

 

 

A 'Twilight' glow

To the editor -- I'd like to offer something positive and nonpolitical. This is partly a thank you for Mercy Theaters, which showed the incredible new movie, "Twilight," at 12:05 a.m. Nov. 21 for all those "Twi-Hard" fans. I was one of the eager ones waiting out in the cold to get great seats. The way they handled everything from advance ticket sales to the way they lined us up, to the way they let us in for seating, was done very well. I had an amazing seat and was able to watch this long-awaited movie the exact way I wanted to. There were people of all ages there from 6 or 7 to a nice elderly couple seated in the back just as eager as the rest of us. It really was great to see the excitement of everyone else in the Valley, and of course the excitement of my fellow "Twilighters."

So for all those out there who haven't seen this movie yet, I suggest getting there as soon as possible. Let go of all these negative views of our world and let yourself be engulfed in the "Twilight" era. You just might be surprised how much you will love it.

 

CRYSTAL PADILLA

Yakima

 

 

Sanchez appeals

To the editor -- Junior Sanchez, sentenced to life in prison for the execution style slaying of 21-year-old Ricky Cansor and his 3-year-old daughter, Mya, is appealing his conviction, even though he could have been sentenced to death.

Everyone has their rights, even his lawyers who amassed over $2 million in defense of this case. It seems the lawyers cannot be charged with anything because of sealed records. Was justice served in the Sanchez case? Will justice be served regarding the two lawyers? I don't think so! Just make sure everyone is accorded their rights when it comes to the judicial system. I hope all the rights have not left if I ever have to go before the court.

 

WALLACE KREUTZMAN

Yakima

 

Beat holiday blues

To the editor -- Depression is a hot topic, especially around the holidays. I believe in home remedies. My home remedy to knock out depression is to do something for someone else. The more someone elses the better.

You must make the first step. You, like me, have to join an organization that helps other people.

I belong to Apple Valley Kiwanis. From Dec. 1 until Christmas, we are bell ringing for free for Salvation Army. We just helped stuff hundreds of Christmas bags for all the nursing home residents around Yakima. I also belong to St. Joseph Church. Last Sunday, we made 1,620 meat and cheese sandwiches, which are delivered right to the homeless. We do this every month.

To knock out your depression, join an organization that helps others, service clubs like Lions, Rotary or Kiwanis, or the church of your choice that helps others.

But, it's not enough to just join. You have to get on a committee and really make a difference in some people's lives.

Only then will your depression leave and you can smile your way through the whole year. I even laugh (a lot).

By serving others, you will have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

DENNIS E. HUNT

Yakima

 

 

Uninsured motorists

To the editor -- Just before my mother passed away five years ago, she gave me her car to use as a trade-in or down payment on a car. I have always had vehicles suitable for carrying my kids and car seats and booster seats. I got a 1995 Mustang and took perfect care of this car.

On Sept. 29, as my son and I were coming home from the fair, we slowed for a red light at First Street and Nob Hill. A vehicle hit us from behind, sending us airborne onto the sidewalk and into the Bonnie and Clyde's parking lot. The driver didn't stop, but ran the red light. He was located soon after. The police report listed him as intoxicated and the insurance was listed as "unknown."

We have to do something about the high rate of uninsured motorists in this state. It shows a lack of responsibility on their part.

I want to remind others: Be responsible and carry insurance. If you are involved in an accident, stop. If you run, consequences are much higher.

One more thing: Please don't follow another car too closely. Too many people tailgate me and they are an accident waiting to happen.

 

ROBERTA GROWNEY

Yakima

 

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