LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The story of Dave Valle written by Florangela Davila and photographed by Dean Rutz in the April 13 issue of Pacific Northwest was very inspiring for me. As a big Mariners fan, I knew Dave Valle as a Mariner broadcaster, but I did not know that he was a philanthropist. I have been wondering what baseball players do after their retirement with the money and fame. I think Dave Valle sets a good example for other professional sport players. I am glad that we have a guy like him in our community.

— Kazuki Sawanoi
Bellevue

Just hang up

I always enjoy reading Steve Johnston's columns and always get a good chuckle from them.

That was a great tip on letting your phone ring four times in case it's a telemarketer (Sunday Punch, April 13)! What we do in our house is when we answer the phone and the other end is dead noise, we immediately hang up because we know it is a telemarketer. It always gives you that satisfaction of beating them at their game without having to be rude. I think your method is great and will be sure to let my phone ring four times.

Thanks for the laughs!

— Lori Owen
Vancouver, B.C.

Totem retort

I felt great sadness reading the letter from Dave Burlingame (Cowlitz Indian Tribe member, Salkum, Lewis County). I had enjoyed Ross Anderson's article ("Totems," March 2), remembering the Haida totems my family often visited in Ketchikan in the mid-1960s. In using the words "us" and "our" I read about the shared humanity he sensed in the Native totems.

Acknowledging a shared humanity is not insulting. It's only when we recognize ourselves in others (and others in ourselves) that we begin to accept them as we accept ourselves. Assimilating into a dominant culture doesn't mean giving up your heritage. It is what people share that allows them to live together and develop respect for each other. Their differences should be used as bridges, rather than barred doors.

Mr. Burlingame's letter sounds very angry. I'm sorry that he needs to perpetuate the "us" versus "them" myth that keeps us apart. None of us can change the past. We can only work toward a better future by deciding that we won't be "victims" any longer.