Political tirade marred wonderful concert

CHUCK SPILLER

Sandpoint

I have never been so mad at the lady in charge of the microphone on the final evening of the Festival at Sandpoint. She lets this guy talk about a community leader and a Festival special person, who has passed away. Then, out of the clear blue, he goes into this political tirade. I don't care if this person is Republican, Democrat, orange, green or whatever. He should have been thrown off the stage right then and there. But no, she let him go on and on. I hold this lady responsible for turning a beautiful evening into a nightmare.

Fun run/walk makes difference for father

I would personally like to thank Julie Walkington and her friends for a fantastic Celebrate Life Fun Run/Walk on Aug. 14. It was well organized and for a great cause.

I am a 77-year-old cancer survivor, and I ran for "Spot," my pet name for the beautiful daughter we lost to cancer. It is my hope that people like you, Julie, will make a difference and others will not have to see their daughter or loved one die of cancer.

Thanks again, Julie. You and your sister are special people.

JOHN HOWARD

Priest River

Where is support for country, troops?

Recently, my wife and I traveled to northern Idaho for a class reunion at Clark Fork, and because I was raised in Hope, we always come to Sandpoint, to the cemetery where my parents are buried.

This year, however, we were really saddened by the attitude of the people in Sandpoint. We went to the cemetery to honor my parents with a flag for the Fourth of July. We found a sign stating that we weren't allowed to adorn the cemetery with any kind of decoration that wasn't a living thing. How very sad, considering we honoring not only my parents but, because I served in Vietnam, I couldn't honor my country on the Fourth of July.

We then drove through the town of Sandpoint two days prior to the Fourth and we saw a total of two flags throughout the whole town. Now, maybe it was a little early, but most people look forward to flying the flag. Where was the patriotism for our country in time of war? We have been in turmoil for more than a year in Iraq, where is the support for our troops and their families?

Sandpoint, I say, "shame on you" and for your residents who can't fly a flag for freedom all year long.

RON and DEANNE LANCE

San Marcos, Calif.