War

Disagreement should be a little more civil

The 4/11 article “War supporters and war protesters want voices heard” makes an excellent point about the importance of free speech to democracy.

What you didn’t mention is that after peaceful vigils had happened weekly since December, some pro-war demonstrators who targeted us not only expressed their views, but screamed obscenities, blocked traffic, threatened to “confiscate” our signs, shoved us, and drove a car over the curb into us. After three weeks of reports by peace group members, we were grateful when Lake Forest Park Police Chief Peterson assigned officers to ensure both free speech and public safety.

Police presence has helped tremendously, especially in combination with news reports about what happened when KVI began using pro-war demonstrations as a marketing tool, and some advertisers cancelled their contracts when KVI’s “fighting 570th cavalry” was sent to “disrupt” neighborhood vigils with “Bush doctrine shock and awe.” Peace vigil members have welcomed conversation with nonviolent pro-war demonstrators, several of whom have apologized for the rude and violent actions of their group. I appreciate that the city of Lake Forest Park is protecting free speech, especially as Patriot Acts I and II threaten civil liberties. It is crucial that citizens be able to talk together about the complex issues facing our country.

One of the many dangers of Mr. Bush’s “good vs. evil,” “with us or against us” worldview is its affect on our neighborhoods, where KVI’s version of this view has incited pro-war demonstrators to intimidate and even assault those who disagree with them. Our democracy, and decisions about America’s role in the world, will be better served if we remember the words of a different president, Theodore Roosevelt, who said “To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”

ELIZABETH SIMMONS-O’NEILL

Lake Forest Park

Mountlake Terrace

Alterations make

fire station unsafe

On March 13th, Mountlake Terrace City Council discussed the structural stability of City Hall, which houses Fire Station 19, because the city manager had stated the City could be threatened with legal action. I thought we all agreed that there was no imminent danger and we could take our time in making the right decision. I was surprised when two days later there is a “Dangerous Building Declaration,” placed on three firefighter sleeping quarters, by Shane Hope, the city’s building official. We were rushed into getting a trailer, which the firefighters can use only for sleeping and has no bathrooms.

This all seemed so odd to me that I decided to grab my tape measure and tour the facility right away. I was accompanied by six fire personnel.

Observations of that day…

Sleeping room number one measures 20’x12’ and has a window to the outside.

Sleeping room number two measures 14’x13’ and has the second exit door sheet rocked over from the inside but not from the outside.

Sleeping room number three measures 10’x12’ and does not have a second door but I wondered if it had been walled off, as was the case in room number two.

My other observations were large newer bathrooms for men and women with oversized showers, a large common area with big screen TV and overstuffed recliners, a large kitchen and dining room and in another area a huge exercise facility that would put our Recreation Pavilion to shame.

I have found the station large and comfortable but what scares me is that alterations have created an unsafe environment for our firefighters or have been allowed to exist by Fire District 1, the very people we hire to keep our City in compliance with all existing fire codes.

ANGELA AMUNDSON

Mountlake Terrace City Council

Edmonds City Council

Olson would make good councilmember

I am immensely pleased to know that Peggy Pritchard Olson is running for a position on the Edmonds City Council. Four years ago, I voted for Lora Petso for that position. I thought that it was a good idea for a woman to be on the council, and Lora appeared to be both bright and concerned. Appearances can be deceiving.

While I applaud Ms. Petso for being “resolute in her beliefs, and let the shrapnel fall where it may” (Edmonds Beacon, March 27) – because I am much like that myself – I know that such resolve is not a positive attribute for a problem solver. It may not bother Ms. Petso to be “on the short end of more than a few 6-to-1 council votes” but it bothers me. It is indicative of rigidity and an unwillingness to move from a position in order to develop creative solutions.

I will vote for Ms. Olson in this election based on personal knowledge of her skills. It takes a willingness to compromise and to work as a team member to solve the significant problems that face our city these days. Ms. Olson works hard to become and stay informed, and is willing to listen to all sides of an issue. She is highly principled while remaining diplomatic. She is even willing to change her mind when facts warrant it. I have worked closely with her on library issues and in opposition to King County (Brightwater). She is intelligent, creative, and effective. She will make a wonderful Edmonds City Council member.

LAURIE DRESSLER

Edmonds