Letters

Congresswoman Rogers

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers sent me a form letter that contained a falsehood. She said, “Be assured that I will continue to promote the most effective techniques to keep our communities safe from harmful drugs.”

The most effective program that I have found is reported to have cut the rate of new addictions by 92% (heroin, cocaine, and meth).

She refused to look at it. The rest of her letter is dedicated to basically continuing the War on Drugs, which appears to have multiplied the rate of new addictions. It’s a harmful technique.

For a look at the program, search “Widnes program domestic version on facebook”.

If she’s ignorant, will someone please educate her? If she’s malicious, let’s replace her with someone who cares about our young people.

Wiley Hollingsworth,

Pullman

Volunteer

With regard to the Pet Peeve stating that much attention was paid to the Perkins House by the Historical Society before the Ice Cream Social, but not so much afterwards: If I might comment.

There are two problems. One is, volunteer labor is doing much of the work there. The Society contracts with the city for lawn mowing and major work; but there isn’t additional money for hired gardeners. The weed pulling and plant care is done by those willing to do it for free. And right now, that’s only a few of us.

The other problem is the heat. It was cool enough in the weeks before the Social you could work much of the day. Now volunteers risk heat stroke if they do that; only during the early morning or very late evening is it safe. Those of us with property of our own often have to use those hours to do our own work. There are also family, business and other obligations cutting into available time. Not to mention, the heat is causing extraordinarily rapid plant growth. The Virginia Creeper that dominates both sides of the front entrance to the grounds was hacked way back before the Social; now, it’s back and getting bigger.

Also, part of the mess is that the huge Black Walnut tree that has provided so much shade and beauty to the front lawn of the Perkins House for decades is shedding leaves and seems to be dying. This is very sad, because this is one of the few remaining original trees, and it may have a condition that’s both untreatable and lethal. I suspect the same heat that is making the grounds hard to maintain triggered the tree’s sudden collapse. An arborist will tell if there’s any hope.

If people want the Perkins House to look as nice as possible, rather than being peeved, they could contact the Historical Society and volunteer some time to help keep it in tiptop shape, as gardeners, tour guides, housekeepers or general workers. Such help would be greatly appreciated, and welcomed with open arms and many thanks.

Frank White,

Colfax