Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
Imagine, a city awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Imagine a city that historically resembles our own Blaine, Washington. One that is on the seacoast and has a rich heritage of fishers, crafts and trades people living around a beautiful natural harbor. A city that lost virtually all of its forest products industry and a large portion of its population over the years. A city that has a rich heritage of residents from a foreign land. And is a city in a nation that shares our common border.
That city exists and is known as “the village world famous for Peace.”
Sounds a lot like the place we live in – “right here in Blaine.” And, we have a monument dedicated to the two nations who “dwell together in harmony.” While Blaine has not been awarded a Nobel Prize, it does have the only monument in the world dedicated to peace.
What a great opportunity for two nations who “dwell together in harmony” having two “villages” sharing the same history, heritage and ideals of a peaceful world to become sister cities.
Might be worth thinking about.
By the way, the “village” I mentioned got its name from the first citizens words for “deep water.” It’s in Nova Scotia and is called Pugwash. No kidding – visit it at: www.pugwashvillage.com
John J. Choulochas
Blaine 

The Editor:
The writer of the letter to the editor in the May 12 issue of The Northern Light encouraged our young people to oppose serving in the military by “requesting opt out” forms, attending “conscientious objector training” and being “proactive in peacemaking.”
To that writer, I ask: Just how do you think we maintain peace in the U.S. without dedicated young people in the military? It sure isn’t because we “advocate for no military recruiters in schools.”
We were letting “Peace Break Out” the day before September 11, 2001, and for the first time in decades we were attacked on our own soil. Doesn’t the death of 3,000 innocent non-combatant American citizens count for anything? And in case you don’t keep up with the news, again within the last week or so, more mass graves were discovered in Iraq. The May 12 writer seems to be a moral, religious person, but evidently doesn’t recognize evil when it’s right under her nose.
It was indeed a blessing to her and her loved one if he was legitimately rejected by the military for a hearing loss. But I would think she would be more understanding, supportive, and grateful to those many other mothers who are seeing their loved ones in harm’s way serving in the military in order to preserve her freedom to complain about a possible draft.
What makes it really hard to be an American is to tolerate the freedom of speech of others when what they are saying is so unpatriotic and insensitive.
Martin Conyac, Navy veteran
Blaine

The Editor:
I feel so grateful for living in a small community where people care and are so willing to help someone in need. As I went through cancer treatment, so many people lent me a helping hand, providing me with numerous rides to Bellingham and I want to express my appreciation.
Folks from the Blaine Seniors Center, the Free Church Unitarian, and many others who know who they are, were very helpful and I would like to say thank you so very much to each of you.
Carol Talmage
Blaine

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com