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Part of the job

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Editor, The Times:

I am outraged about the unfortunate situation that recently occurred during Mount Si High School's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day assembly ["Mt. Si High apologizes to MLK Day guest," Times, Local News, Jan. 19].

It is shocking that Rev. Ken Hutcherson, a man who is notorious for his anti-gay, religion-based activism, was invited to speak at a public school assembly about civil rights. Most disturbing is that Randy Taylor, the principal at Mount Si, did not recognize that by endorsing a man who very publicly advocates against equal rights for all, he jeopardized the safety of some of his students. It is a principal's job to keep all students safe.

The Snoqualmie Valley School District's Characteristics of a Safe School statement reads, "Our schools shall communicate to students and the greater community that all children are valued and respected." Mr. Taylor's decision to allow Hutcherson to speak contradicts this statement. The gay students at Mount Si, as well as those who believe in equal rights for all people, were devalued and disrespected by this speaker.

The fact that Hutcherson is an African-American man who grew up facing racial discrimination is not enough to qualify him as an appropriate speaker at a public school's MLK Day assembly. The administration at Mount Si owes its students an apology.

— Meagan Elliot, Duvall

Life support

Time to help

Thank you for the well-reported story on Arthur Davis [" Autism help scarce," News, Jan. 21]. I felt the story was compassionate and balanced, and gave us a look inside the challenges of raising an autistic child.

It's very clear that families raising autistic children need much more support than they're getting in order for these children to have the best chance at leading productive lives. It is clear that when early intervention is provided in the form of intensive educational, behavioral and biomedical treatments, many autistic children improve tremendously.

It's time that the intensive services these children need were covered by insurance companies and/or the government. Families should not have to put on rummage sales or go without the help they need, or fall hopelessly into debt. Imagine if children diagnosed with Leukemia received this kind of treatment!

— Cyndi Kershner, Bothell

Call to action

Thanks for "Autism help scarce" [News, Jan. 21]. I am a friend of Arthur Davis and provide support in my limited way. It pains me to see his parents, Ned and Katrina, struggle and worry about their son's long-term care. And they are just one family out of millions.

I hope you continue to highlight the challenges of raising autistic children. Hopefully the message will get out, and it will bring more funds for research, therapy, respite and insurance coverage.

— Faith Trimble, Olympia

State of compassion

I was so sad to read "2 more boarding homes for mentally ill to close" [Local News, Jan. 18] and "State falls short in agreement on foster care, lawyers claim" [Local News, Jan. 18].

We should be taking care of our citizens who are most dependent. There should be safe housing, strict standards and plenty of oversight and funding to make this possible.

What kind of society are we to leave our very young, very old, mentally ill and developmentally disabled to fend for themselves or rot in neglect?

I like to think our state is progressive and compassionate, so why are these things happening here? Our lawmakers need to step up to the plate and make this a safe place for our vulnerable citizens; I would be happy to see my taxes go toward this.

— Katherine German, Bellevue

Questionable motives

This has got to stop

Just how sick a commander-in-chief do you have to be to send a guy on crutches into a war zone?

Master Sgt. Denny Nelson, a 19-year Army veteran who's earned the Bronze Star, was sent with his crutches to Kuwait in December despite doctors' orders that he not run, jump or carry more than 20 pounds for three months because of a severe foot injury. He was one of more than 50 soldiers deployed while recovering from wounds.

Some groups say the military is endangering soldiers to meet its goals.

When are the American people going to really support the troops and use every legal means to stop our president's war?

— Randall Winn, Mercer Island

A delicate situation

Speak for yourself

Admittedly, there are too many abortions. They should be much rarer, but young women should have a choice ["A fateful dose: Breathing might improve," Northwest Voices, Jan. 15].

If anyone wants to have the baby and keep the child, that is one choice. Another choice is to have the baby and give it up for adoption. Abortion is, and should remain, another option.

Unwanted pregnancy is a difficult situation and causes distress for the young lady and her family. She needs all the love and support that those close to her can give. It is not right that a decision this serious should be forced on anyone.

If young women believe that abortion is morally wrong, then they shouldn't have one. Don't tell others what to do, if you are not in their situation. It's easy to take a stance when you are not the one involved.

— Stan Terry, Shoreline