Letters to the editor

	ROD MAR / THE SEATTLE TIMES Britney Spears performs at the Tacoma Dome in 2002.
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Where's Molly?

Moderate Republicans should cancel out dupes like MacKinnon

Editor, The Times:

P. Amy MacKinnon, a professed Democrat, plans to vote for Bush in 2004 ("A Democrat breaks with tradition," Times guest commentary, Jan. 5). For every dupe like MacKinnon, surely there are thousands of Republicans or moderates who bought the George W. Bush-Karl Rove image of a "moderate" and an "outsider" in 2000, or who voted against Al Gore, but are now sickened, disgusted and angered as the true nature of the Bush doctrine is revealed.

They understand that the Bush regime promotes corporate welfare, gives tax breaks to the rich, lies about the threat from Iraq, equivocates in Afghanistan, leaves poor children behind, alienates our long-standing allies, eviscerates the Bill of Rights, punishes dissent, flirts with religious extremists and devastates the environment. They know in their hearts that the Bush regime works against the American values they hold most dear.

Here's hoping these voters will support the Democratic candidate in 2004, and be part of the majority of Americans who demand our country back.
Caryn Cline, Seattle

Thanks for nothing

Molly Ivins took a vacation, and alas, we had to suffer through a reactionary guest commentary. Does P. Amy MacKinnon really expect us to believe she is a Democrat? Oh, Pa-lease, as Molly would say.

Her flaring treatise singing the praises of G.W. Bush and his insane policies in Iraq is bad enough. Then, she begs for a president who "isn't fluent in doublespeak." I'd settle for one who could speak English.

Save these armchair freelancers for a day we don't have to wake up and go back to school after a lovely Christmas vacation!
Susan Jacobs, Issaquah

Cancel that missive

When I saw left-leaning, Democrat Party suckup E. J. Dionne Jr. ("Politicians, heed the unsung heroes," Times syndicated column, Jan. 5) had temporarily replaced the incomparable Charles Krauthammer, who is on vacation, I was frothing-at-the-mouth mad. That's like replacing Ann Coulter with some liberal loony like Molly Ivins.

I decided to write a scathing letter to the editor and post it on the Web.

But on the very next page I saw that a column by Molly Ivins, who is on vacation, had been replaced by a commentary published in the Christian Science Monitor by freelance writer and former Democrat P. Amy MacKinnon, who explained why she was going to vote for President Bush this time — "a man who has shown the world what it means to lead a nation."

Never mind.
Edwin G. Davis, Issaquah

Fuel for thought

Get with the flow

In response to questions as to why there are not automatic shut-off valves at the marine fueling stations (like most automobile fuel pumps have), Lynn Thompson's article ("Oil spill threatens wetlands," Times, page one, Jan. 1) quotes Joe Langjahr, spokesman for Foss Maritime, as saying the refueling lines pump oil at 3,500 gallons per minute and are too wide to be immediately shut off.

But my argument would be that the automobile gas pumps do not cut off the gas flow immediately. They taper down in flow. They could use the same concept to make a device that measures the marine fuel tank capacity (just like car tanks) and stops the flow, slowly, the closer it gets to "full."
Kirsten Anderberg, Seattle

A gallon of prevention

Regarding Lynn Thompson's article on the recent oil spill in Puget Sound:

This is an accident that should not have happened. Considering the devastation that follows when this type of error occurs, stronger safeguards need to be put in place to prevent such mishaps.

In this age of technology, surely we have electronic monitors that even at 3,500 gallons per minute can shut off the flow before the vessel being filled is overfilled. If this is human error, perhaps we need two watchmen overseeing the transfer process.

Maybe the penalties that follow such breakdowns need to be severe enough to get the attention of the companies involved. It shouldn't happen.
Charles Hodson, Federal Way

OOPS, just kidding

If Britney can, why can't I?

I'm jealous of Britney Spears. This past week, she was married at a chapel on the Las Vegas Strip. The next day, she announced it was all a big joke and immediately filed for an annulment.

I don't get it. I've been with my partner for 13 years and the legal system does not allow us to get married, even in Vegas. And yet, any man and woman can run out, get married just for the fun of it, and then have the legal system annul it.

What gives? Is marriage as sacred as the critics of gay marriage claim?

Our Constitution calls for the separation of church and state, and yet, we grant special privileges to those who get married in churches and chapels.

I believe a solution is for governments to recognize only civil unions and not marriages. Let's reserve the sacred act of marriage for our churches and cheesy Vegas chapels.
Steve Kinholt, Seattle

Don't be cowed

All cattle, no hat

I find it interesting and amusing that David Martosko might criticize John Stauber and his book, "Mad Cow USA" ("All hat, no cattle," Northwest Voices, Jan. 4).

His comments are interesting because it allows us a chance to find out what he and the Center For Consumer Freedom represent. A Google search reveals that this organization appears to be nothing more than a front group for tobacco companies (such as Philip Morris), restaurants, meat companies and soda-pop producers. It seems Martosko's remarks against Stauber's criticism of the meat industry are merely protection of the interests that pay him and his organization.

Having read "Mad Cow USA," I can honestly say that it is insightful, detailed and eye-opening. It seems Martosko would rather have us live in blissful ignorance of such pesky details of vCJD and BSE. I suspect that, to him, questioning corporate practices is ... what were the words he used ... "anti-capitalist" and as such, probably just plain un-American.
Brett Monroe, Shoreline

Pet directive

Keep Fido, Fluffy warm

We are experiencing exceptionally cold weather these days and it is imperative that we do not forget the welfare of our pets! Regardless of the thickness of your pet's coat, it does not substitute for adequate shelter or heat. Animals can freeze to death very easily in weather like this!

So please be kind to your pets. Have a heart and bring them inside, day and night. Your pets depend on you to keep them safe and healthy!
Mary Beth Reed, Fife

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