by Inlander Readers
Summing It Up
Regarding The Inlander's political endorsements, perhaps it would have been easier for your publication to have simply said, "We are liberal, vote Democrat." This would have saved you lots of paper and accomplished the same thing.
Patrick Hurley
Spokane, Wash.
Our Hearts Are Bleeding
With columnists like Arianna Huffington, Jim Hightower, etc...and your constant bashing of anything Republican and your total support of the Democratic candidates, why don't you be truthful to the public and change the name of your paper to, "The Inlander, the Voice of the Democratic Party." I am glad that your paper is free because I would never pay for so one-sided journalism.
Jerry Thronson
Spokane, Wash.
It's Not All Red or Blue
Seeing "Fahrenhype" 9/11 made me realize how difficult it is to evaluate "facts" if each side proclaims to tell the truth. I don't think we ever will find out why we actually invaded Iraq -- was it oil, corporate pressure, humanitarian need, protection for the USA, a conspiracy plot, democratic ambitions?
What I did learn is that media tricks are used by all sides, which makes fact evaluation even more difficult. I believe that both sides, i.e., Republican and Democratic, respect our soldiers, want to protect our freedom, intend to relieve suffering in suppressed countries, and want to spare parents the grief of losing their children due to war. I also believe that politics in general, regardless of party orientation, is controlled by corporate interests.
The question we all have to ask ourselves before the election is whether waging a war in Iraq is really making us safer? The bulk of "Fahrenhype" 9/11 is based on this assumption. If that point was really irrelevant, and relieving suffering in the world is our main intent, then why are we not invading Sudan or all the other countries with widespread human rights violations?
Stating that President Bush's strong pre-emptive action is a much more responsible act than the USA's failure to intervene at the earliest possible time to prevent World War II is really comparing apples and oranges. Granted, both Hitler and Saddam committed hideous human rights violations, but to claim that Saddam had imminent plans to invade the world (or perhaps more important, the United States) would be stretching any amount of facts we have. Wasn't it the USA that was last to join WWII? The rest of the world was fighting Germany already. How come the majority of other countries were not supporting the Iraq invasion? How come international resentment against Americans is growing? I know for a fact that it is more dangerous to travel abroad as an American now than it was before the Iraq invasion. Are we really safer at home?
Gabrielle Duebendorfer
Sandpoint, Idaho
Vaccine Hype
This whole "flu vaccine" thing has whipped the public into needless hysteria and panic. The elderly are standing in lines for several hours, and for some it has been detrimental to their health. Physicians have been verbally threatened by patients. Vaccines have been stolen.
Price gouging has been noted and people are going to Canada to get the shot.
Did you know that the "cure" could actually be harmful? Vaccines are full of toxins like mercury and aluminum. Thimerosal, a preservative in the flu vaccine, includes mercury. Researchers have found such toxins to be linked to childhood autism and adult Alzheimer's disease.
Even the Centers for Disease Control admit that the flu vaccine is not working. People die from the flu because they are already sick and have compromised immune systems. Congressional representatives have been told by the director of the CDC that, at best, the agency may eliminate thimerosal from the vaccine by 2009. Meanwhile, they continue to recommend and administer the flu vaccine.
Actually, the best news is that Chiron Corp. in England has spared 50 million adults and children in the U.S. by being unable to ship their contaminated supply.
In order to stay healthy and out of the doctor's office, there are a number of things one can do. First, avoid sugar, since sugar breaks down the immune system and makes it incapable of fighting viruses like the flu. Eat nutritious foods and avoid junk. Eat fresh garlic, which is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. Get plenty of rest and adequate exercise. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Stay home if you feel ill with flu-like symptoms. Wash your hands frequently. And finally, if you do get the flu, use a capful of hydrogen peroxide in each ear, several times a day. It is cheaper, less toxic and more effective than any flu vaccine.
Natalie Buchberger
Spokane, Wash.
Publication date: 11/04/04