Birds deserve all the kudos they've received

The problems around the permit for the unique and spectacular Bird Invention and Air Museum may have caused Forrest and Pam Bird a bit of hassle. But there is a very positive side.

At the Planning and Zoning meeting and before the Bonner County Commissioners dozens of neighbors and citizens who have has their lives touched and enhanced by the Birds came to provide words of support. Those expressions of love and respect, in such numbers, are something most of us will never experience for ourselves, because such accolades are only uttered at funerals! Forrest and Pam got to hear all that love and affection; respect and admiration while they are still alive! And no one deserves that more.

There are Americans who are respected and admired by our country. And there are those Americans beloved in their own community. But it's rare to have in Sandpoint a person who has lived a life where both are true!

FOSTER CLINE, M.D.

Sandpoint