Actions speak volumes about our community

I am writing to the Daily Bee to express my gratitude but cannot fit all that I want to say in to the front page "kudos" column.

First, I want to thank Publisher David Keyes for taking time out of his busy day to let me voice my concerns regarding a recent article that I read in the Bee. His attentive demeanor and proactive style were apparent as we spoke on the phone.

Because he represents our community via media, it was heartening to me that he was fair and accessible to a scrutinizing newspaper patron (our conversation could so easily have turned into a hot debate.) Having a voice in the community, and then having that voice be heard by the local media, is a freedom. We are fortunate to have that here in Sandpoint and surrounding communities.

My second thanks goes out regarding an instance that recently occurred at Cinema 4. On Friday, July 9, I attended the first showing of Fahrenheit 9/11 at the local theater.

During the first third of the moving, a lone man sat down in front and continually shouted bigoted remarks — take your pick: racial, gender, etc. An older theater patron near me approached the "shouter" regarding his behavior. In turn, the younger man disregarded him and continued being disruptive.

The older man then left the theater and returned with two theater employees, who quietly ushered the younger man out of the theater. First, thank you to those two employees who were so helpful.

Next, thank you to the older gentleman who agitated for social changed by confronting the young guy. He acted on his own behalf, and in turn for the whole of the audience. I appreciated it very much because I attended the movie alone and, as a female, was unsure about approaching the situation.

So thank you very much, old-timer/agitator/protector of meek movie geeks.

LYNETTE HILAND

Sandpoint

President needs to use dictionary

Since we all know President Bush was a poor student, and still is, there is no excuse for his high-priced counselors to continue the use of the word liberal with disdain in their zeal to disregard its meaning and rely on the apathy of voters to question that use. However, it is never to late to "crack the books" and learn.

The word liberal, as defined in the dictionary, means favorable to progress or reform of political affairs; progressive representational form of government.

He should be reminded that as the president of this country, he is charged with the concerns of all the people rather than those who further his own personal interests.

So, consult the dictionary — look it up, look it up.

ETHEL KURLAND

SandpointDevelopment hurts Dover, community

I used to walk on the beautiful bluff overlooking Dover every chance I had for 15 years before it became illegal to do so. A unique geological, botanical and archaeological feature, it offers stunning views of the lake and river.

This is to be the centerpiece of Ralph Sletagar's new mega-development, and the sandy beach next to the bluff, which has been used and treasured by generations of Dover residents for nearly a century, is to be parceled into nine prime waterfront lots, sold for millions and put forever off-limits to the descendants of those who worked in the mil and built this town, and the same goes for the deer, elk, bear, moose, coyotes, beavers, ducks and geese, and all the other critters that seek refuge here and call it home. They'll have to go.

The entire project includes hundreds of homes and condominiums, which most likely will be bought up by rich tourists as investments. All of this on land that has been designated "wetlands" lying in the floodplain of the river. This land teems with wildlife and wildflowers and offers a much-needed green space in an ever-more crowded river valley.

And what are we trading this little piece of paradise for? Well, for starters, we'll have a thousand or two new residents with all of their noise, garbage, sewage, lawnmowers, lawn chemicals, streetlights, SUVs and Jet Skis and a significant boost in the car and boat traffic. A giant marina also is planned.

In short, we'll have a huge dose of congestion, sprawl and blight that is readily making our area unlivable. And then there are the tax increases sure to be precipitated by our rich, new neighbors and certain to drive some of us away.

Oh yeah, that sounds like a good deal. At least it does to the wealthy backers of this insanity who stand to make millions and millions at our expense.

For the residents of Dover, Sandpoint and Bonner County, it really stinks.

If this development is legal, there is a serious problem with the law.

ROLAND TAYLOR

Dover