Wishram School does not turn anyone away
To the Editor:
This letter is in response to Leah Martinho's "Bullying is always unacceptable" letter in the Nov. 12 issue of The Sentinel.
As I was not present at the time of this fight, I cannot speak to what took place on this evening. But Wishram School would never condone actions of this nature; and if the incident took place as described, we would like to express our regret to both her and her sons.
I am the facilities manager and in charge of security at Wishram School. A couple of weeks ago, I met two young men in the school parking lot whom I believe to be Mrs. Martinho's sons. The interaction was a pleasant one, but at no time was either of these young men attempting to enroll or inquiring about taking a shower at Wishram School. The only thing these kids were asking about was using the school's weight room.
I have been working for Wishram School close to 10 years and can say, without reservation, this is an outstanding school that never turns young students away. It has not only opened its showers to townspeople who have needed it, but it has also provided an open gym, open weight room, open library, and open computer room, all free. This is an exceptional school whose goal is to create a safe place with absolutely no bullying or harassing.
Mrs. Martinho is welcome to come in and check out our facilities. We would also encourage her sons to go through the enrollment process to attend our school if they so desire. We here at Wishram School welcome the Martinho family to our town and hope that their future encounters with the community of Wishram are much more pleasant in the future. The town of Wishram really is a great place to live.
Tye Churchwell
Wishram
Why not give wood to families in need?
To the Editor:
Times are tough for many people right now, no doubt about that. The food drive going on right now is great. It will help many families in our community. I can't help but look around at all the trees with an "X" that will be cut down. That sure is a lot of wood. I don't know who is doing the cutting, how it is funded, etc., but it sure would be nice to see a portion of that wood donated to needy families who rely on wood heat to stay warm in the winter. Just a thought.
Lynn Ward
Goldendale
Let's send volunteers to Afghanistan
To the Editor,
Throughout our eight year struggle in Afghanistan, we have been hiding in our greatest national asset: the genuine friendliness of the American people.
True, our new counterinsurgency policy now emphasizes civic stabilization and the protection of civilian populations. But the principal face we present to the world is that of the battle-hardened soldier. Every friendly act, every school and clinic built, every personal kindness shown by our uninformed men and women, is darkened by the shadow of the American military might.
So instead of sending 40,000 more troops to Afghanistan, what if we encouraged 40,000 American civilian volunteers to live among the Afghan people-getting to know them, befriending them, and helping them to rebuild their lives? If genuine friendliness is America's greatest strength, why are we hiding it behind our military posture?
As unarmed American civilians living side-by-side with the Afghan people, we would, of course, be at the same risk, especially when the Taliban saw their image of the "American devil" undercut. But why shouldn't we older Americans bear some risk, at least as much as our sons and daughter in uniform?
My guess is that there are easily 40,000 retired Americans who would gladly pay their own way if asked. We did it for the Peace Corps, with Witness for Peace, the Nonviolent Peace Force, and other movements embodying the finest of American ideals. Why not now in Afghanistan?
David C. Duncombe
White Salmon
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