Be smart to combat swine flu

The Spanish Flu back in 1918 decimated local and world populations. Estimates of fatalities run to 50 million globally, with 675,000 on the North American continent. Many of its victims died the same day they began showing symptoms. It struck all age groups, including otherwise healthy adults.

The Asian Flu hit in 1957. It killed 1 to 2 million people around the globe, with 70,000 deaths in the United States. In 1968, the Hong Kong Flu first appeared. By the time this third pandemic ended, there had been 700,000 deaths worldwide, with approximately 34,000 in the United States alone. Advances in medicine saved literally millions of lives.

The figures are not in for H1N1, or the “swine” flu pandemic threatening the world today. Preliminary statistics indicate that, like its yearly cousin the seasonal flu, it can still be lethal to specific parts of the population. However, if present trends continue, it will still be less deadly than any of our previous pandemics. That said, of course, it probably won’t be very comforting if you’re one of those who contracts it.

The best ways to combat this most recent outbreak are much easier to figure out than our current economic condition. If you’re sick, stay home. If you cough, cover it by coughing into your elbow (think of Dracula covering his face with his cape!). Wash your hands — a lot. Get a flu shot if your doctor recommends it.

Don’t be afraid.

Kenneth Field

Burlington

Don’t sanction harmful lifestyle

This letter is to urge the citizens of the state of Washington to vote “no” on Referendum 71. This referendum will destroy our state’s historical understanding and definition of marriage. Civilization has proven that the natural family of father, mother and children is the ideal environment for the future generation.

Recent studies by Rutgers University report that in the Netherlands, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2000, marriage between two men lasts on average 1.5 years, and during that time the men have an average of three other sex partners per year. That same study found heterosexual marriage to last an average of 10 years. Not long after same-sex marriage was legalized, the first legal marriage of a threesome occurred. In Hawaii, there is an organization that advocates triad marriages in the U.S. — this is a logical consequence. After all, if it is discriminatory to restrict marriage to one man and one woman, then you have to allow any arrangement of marriage.

It is also noteworthy that prior to 1973, homosexuality was mentioned in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual as a psychiatric disorder, until political activism forced its removal. Scientific research confirms this — a typical, active homosexual male will have hundreds of sexual partners during his lifetime. It seems that gay men cannot be faithful. Further, it is evident that the homosexual lifestyle is enormously destructive, with gay men suffering from high rates of drug and alcohol abuse as well as suicide. Some say that this is caused by society’s intolerance, but these statistics are just as prevalent in so-called “tolerant” areas such as San Francisco and the Netherlands.

Our gay friends, family members and co-workers need our love and support, but that does not mean sanctioning a lifestyle that has severe emotional, spiritual and physical consequences.

Margaret Barton

Anacortes

A voter’s recommendations

As sure as the signs of fall weather, those with political ambitions have put up their political signs all over our town.

Many in our community are not in favor of the need for growth as has been proposed by many of the electoral candidates, so I would like to suggest to voters the following for each of the contested political offices up for election this fall:

Re-elect Mayor Maxwell. In response by Mayor Maxwell at a recent debate to his opponent’s comments about the need for growth, he said, “We are not desperate and one of the jobs of the mayor is to protect the quality of life.” When re-elected, Mayor Maxwell will need to stand behind his statement.

Re-elect Port of Anacortes commissioners Bill Short and Keith Rubin, as was recommended by the Anacortes American. But also consider that both of their opponents are developers whose port commission votes on development issues could be directly or indirectly a conflict of interest. Roger Born is also the best choice. Congratulations to our current port commissioners for steps taken to bring Anthony’s restaurant to town. Anthony’s is the right business in the right location. The port has shown me they do have a vision for the future.

Karl Yost is the best candidate for the partial term left by former Anacortes School Board member Chris Anderson because of his past teaching experience. His opponent, our very fine port manager, Bob Hyde, currently has a job position that can influence public policy.

Also, vote yes for the swimming pool. The cost is a very insignificant addition to our property taxes and adds a lot to our quality of life.

I will be happy when fall leaves have been raked and the political signs removed. But, don’t forget to vote!

Tim Walters

Anacortes

Ragan vote a sound investment

As a resident of Skagit County, I would encourage Mount Vernon residents to vote for Dale Ragan in the upcoming City Council election. What happens in Mount Vernon greatly impacts much of Skagit County and its residents. I have observed Dale Ragan study all sides of an item on the agenda, listen to each argument at great length and depth, seek the opinions of knowledgeable people on each subject, then tactfully voice his opinion based on the facts and what is best for the people, no matter the source of the opposition.

Dale Ragan doesn’t represent just one ward of the city as do each of the other council members. Dale Ragan is the council member at-large, representing everyone. While I may not always agree with the conclusions he comes to, I am truly impressed with his sincere search for win-win solutions to not only the major items that present themselves, but the concerns for individuals needing a voice and an ally when dealing with the bureaucracy of city government. Dale is an advocate of regional excellence and cooperation in a society that is too vested in a “me and mine” mentality.

A vote for Dale Ragan is a sound investment in Mount Vernon and Skagit County alike.

Susan Riedel

Mount Vernon

Support Anacortes pool levy

Besides the health and recreational benefits offered by the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center, it also provides economic benefits to our community, especially important during this period of economic downturn. The pool provides year-round jobs and summer jobs, valuable for young adults who work as lifeguards and swimming instructors. Just think of the skills and good work habits those young employees gain from working at the pool.

Then picture the pool parking lot filled with cars on a weekend when the pool hosts a swim meet. Meals are purchased at local restaurants, hotel rooms are rented, families from other communities are introduced to Anacortes, the great place we call home. The pool and fitness center also attracts people from nearby communities who do not have facilities like ours. Those users pay extra fees for the opportunity to swim, take classes, and use the fitness equipment.

From a broader perspective, Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center is one of the significant community resources that attract new people to Anacortes. I know firsthand how important this is because my husband and I moved to Anacortes last December. As a recent retiree I was especially interested in the health and fitness resources in town. I knew about the Fidalgo Pool long before we moved because I found it on the Internet. I couldn’t believe a town the size of Anacortes had such a wonderful indoor pool with an ozone water purification system. Three weeks after we arrived in Anacortes I was in the pool enjoying every minute.

Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center benefits children, young adults, working adults, retirees, snowbirds and business owners. Please vote yes to support the pool levy this November.

Gay A. Woods

Anacortes

Return Ragan to MV council

The purpose of this letter is to remind people of the importance of the city council. This is the part of the bureaucratic system that serves as a checkpoint so that the mayor and his staff are privileged to other perspectives about how things should be done to best serve the people. It is important that the council is made up of independent people with different areas of expertise.

We are fortunate to have Dale Ragan on the city council. His honest ethics and tactful methods help produce good decisions, resulting in a better place to live.

The residents of Mount Vernon pay a substantial amount in taxes and Dale Ragan is there to help ensure that these monies are spent giving the citizens a fair return on their investment. Dale has an excellent background in finance, having served as financial officer for several successful companies. The people of Mount Vernon have made a wise decision electing Dale Ragan to a position on the city council and have been well served. It is necessary for good government that qualified people with good intent are elected to these important positions. Dale Ragan is one of these people.

Please vote for Dale Ragan.

Mike Reeves

Mount Vernon

Omdal the smart candidate

I am writing this in response to Fire District 6 candidate Steve Omdal. Steve has been a friend of my family for 45 years and has the integrity to converse/discuss any needs of our local city.

In today’s economy money is tight, and Omdal has the initiative to watch and implement it for Fire District. 6. He is in touch with many local persons: the farmer, business owner or local citizen. Steve is and has been actively involved with many groups in our city.

It would be an honor to have Omdal represent our community. He would be the smart candidate who cares about our future.

Please cast your vote for Steve Omdal.

Gretchen Horen Barden

Burlington

Be prepared if it snows

I’m responding to Janet Moore’s comment in her letter wherein she suggested it was Mayor Maxwell’s fault that she couldn’t get to work during last winter’s snowstorm.

Each of us is responsible for preparing our cars for winter. Buy (and use) a set of tire chains. I’d bet that’s one of the things that municipal road maintenance workers do in order to reach their jobs at oh-dark-thirty on cold snowy mornings; way before most of us smell the coffee. They’re expected to show up for work and they do what it takes. If we all did that, we might not blame someone else because it snows on our fair city from time to time.

Mike Keller

Anacortes