Letters

No Labels

My wife and I have been peripherally involved with No Labels practically since its inception, so last week’s column by Bob Franken about this organization struck a chord.

One of the greatest contributions the United States has offered the world was the notion of truly representative democracy. Politics here have always been rough-and-tumble, but in the past, the good of the whole has usually triumphed.

In today’s polarized political climate we seem to have lost our way. One of the ideals on which this nation was built–representative government–is an endangered species: it is in danger of going extinct, being liquidated, sold to the highest bidder.

No Labels is trying to help us avoid this disaster by bringing opposing viewpoints into reasonable dialogue, discourse shorn of any preconceptions generated by labeling. Labels are a convenient, but mostly meaningless, sound bite used to tar broad segments of society with the same brush.

As Americans, we come from disparate ethnicities–racial, national, religious, economic, educational backgrounds–but we’re all part of the human family. As in the best families, we need to learn to get along, to appreciate our diversity rather than disparaging it.

The people who govern our representative government need to understand this clearly, because they truly do represent our diversity, whether they like it or not. They should be looking at the greater good for all those they represent, not just those who contributed to their campaigns.

Elections are coming next month. Perhaps it might be well for all of us voters to keep these ideas in mind when casting our ballots. Are we voting for a label, or are we voting for someone who will represent not only our own interests, but the best interests of the entire electorate?

Pete Haug,

Colfax

Proud to back Pakootas

In meeting Joe Pakootas, I observed several things that make me want to support him for the Fifth District Congressional seat. One, he has a personal grasp of the issues, local and national, which makes him less likely to march in lock-step with his party leadership, as the incumbent has done. He knows the Fifth District and its needs.

More importantly, Pakootas has experienced tough times and hardship in his own life, which, instead of making him cynical, have given him a strong sympathy with the struggles of ordinary citizens. Imagine a public servant who has a fierce drive to help his constituents!

Lastly, Pakootas has risen by his own efforts to prosperity and prominence. In doing so, he somehow retained his humility, and, instead of developing a sense of self-entitlement because of his success, he has worked tirelessly to lift his community as well.

There are no doubt many versions of the American Dream, but in my view, Joe’s dream exemplifies the very best of our country’s aspirations. I would be proud to have him represent our Fifth District in the U. S. Congress.

Richard Law,

Pullman

Right place

This letter contains remarks remanding the letter from Bill Skelton, published in the Gazette on September 11, 2014. While I am a member of the United Methodist Church, these remarks are my own reaction to Mr. Skelton’s letter and not necessarily the reaction of the other members of our church.

Mr. Skelton was angry because the pancake breakfast at the United Methodist Church was $7.50. I am sorry that Mr. Skelton feels as if we were overcharging him. The pancake breakfast is our annual fund-raiser for the benefit of the Whitman County Chaplain. While the price of the meal may seem excessive to Mr. Skelton, the Chaplain is an important part of our community and must be supported. The breakfast is a fun way to contribute to the Chaplain, have a good meal and visit with friends.

My suggestion for Mr. Skelton is that he attend the Community Dinner on the last Thursday of each month at the Methodist Church. The price will be right for Mr. Skelton because there is no charge for the dinner which was established over three years ago by Donna Brost. This meal is also a chance to visit with friends and neighbors so it is a joyful time.

I would like to commend the members of Plymouth Congregational Church who helped us with the Pancake Breakfast and their continuing support of the Community Dinner.

On another subject, I greatly appreciate Shawn McAdams, all of his staff and Rosauers who are so very supportive of every event in our whole community.

Mikki Tague,

Colfax