Bear-hunting clod a real winner

As one who grew up in Alaska in a family that hunted in order to eat, and killed only what it would eat, I can’t imagine how thrilling it must have been to others to read in your New Year’s Day edition an effusion about a Montanan who blew a fortune on a new high-powered rifle, spent a fortune on a guide in Alaska and went with the guide to eye a congregation of brown bears peacefully feeding on salmon.

This Great White Hunter shoots the largest bear but is so poor a shot he has to riddle the bear with fevered repeat shots because the bear, taking umbrage at being whacked with a bullet while simply trying to fill his tummy with fish, charges.

By golly, a pity the bear didn’t knock the head of this bumpkin in revenge. That would be true recreational reading. I guessed the guide also probably fired a few rounds into the bruin when it became obvious his client might end up in a bearskin and not pay his bill.

Then, I read, this hapless nimrod and his guide abandon the carcass, afraid the other bears might be angry. But they return the next morning to skin it. Must have been a great time, flaying a bloated, rotting carcass. Whee, there’s civilized recreation for you. Clings to you.

John (Jack) de Yonge
Concrete

Gregoire nails immigrant issue

According to an article I read in the newspaper, our governor has suggested that all illegal immigrants in our jails and prisons be removed and deported back to their countries.

The reason behind this is that it is very costly to feed, house and give these prisoners medical care. I wondered why it took so long for anyone to recognize this problem.

Over the past several months, I’ve spoken to many people concerning various problems in our country. At last, one politician, our Gov. Chris Gregoire, has finally recognized this problem!

There are millions of illegal immigrants from many different countries who are receiving totally free medical care in the United States. This should not be happening! What is the cost of this for legal Americans?

Who do we blame for all this? The federal government.

Roy B. Naylor
Mount Vernon

Let’s improve retail atmosphere

Your recent article regarding Bruce Springer and others investing in their communities is good news for Skagit County. Now the residents need to get out and support these local small-business owners, as well as those who have been here for many years.

Sure, it’s easy (and maybe cheaper) to go to the big-box stores and chain eateries, but the hearts of our communities lie in their downtown areas.

Anacortes and La Conner have combined the arts, restaurants and retail successfully, and there is no reason other county towns cannot do the same. It takes the retail sector working together with the restaurants and the city leaders to create the atmosphere that encourages shoppers to visit the downtown stores.

In Mount Vernon, how about closing First Street between Kincaid and Division from 6 to 9 p.m. and create a pedestrian mall (this works very well in Europe) — at least on weekends.

With Bruce’s Emerald Ale House, his brother Paul’s The Trumpeter and The Porterhouse, and IL Granaio, Skagit River Brewery, the Thai House, Pacioni’s Pizzeria, the Lincoln Theatre, etc., there is life in downtown.

How about a Bite of MV similar to the one in Anacortes? In the evening, parking is not a problem, and even if you have to walk a little, remember, it’s good for you.

Here’s to a prosperous new year to all small-business owners, and thanks for being here. Cheers.

Joe Best
Mount Vernon