Global Warming
Film’s reliability disputed
Referencing the veracity of a documentary on British television’s Channel 4 as somehow bestowing proof of its conclusions is a bit like referencing the National Enquirer to prove aliens exist. (“Controversy still clouds the issue,” Letter to the Editor, Jan. 16). OK, maybe not that bad, but you get the point. Channel 4’s editorial scrupulousness around the truth leaves a lot to be desired. Although the documentary was welcomed by global warming skeptics, it was criticized heavily by many scientific organizations and individual scientists (including two of the film’s contributing scientists who said their views were seriously misrepresented). I have seen the documentary, by the way.
Whether or not global warming exists is beside the point. The pollution that industrial nations — and I include the rapid growth of developing nations here, too — spews out and into the delicate atmosphere we all live in and breathe is causing widespread destruction. To Mr. Larson’s point about what we do being based on real truths, this is not a theory; this is happening on a massive scale across the world. If we don’t like the cost of cleaning up our act, I know we won’t like the cost of the repercussions. We never do.
Wally Bell
K2 Commons
Community has unrivaled chance
The Beachcomber has been full of good articles and commentary about issues and projects that will have a big impact on the future of the Island. So, here’s my two bits worth on one of them.
The K2 project is too good an opportunity for the Island to mess up because of personal agendas or fear of change. Sure, questions about water and zoning need to be answered.
What will happen to Sunrise Ridge, where the Vashon Health Center and Granny’s Attic are located? Does the location of the library outweigh the quality of the library? Do we want indoor space for kids sports: soccer, lacrosse, baseball, even perhaps bowling? Might we want to get really radical and build the new high school there? These are all legitimate questions and should be debated.
What really can’t be argued about is the fact that K2 Commons offers the cheapest space for all of these functions. This huge shell will allow us to afford spaces that we could only dream of if we were looking at building new free-standing structures. If the project is successful and fills up, it will also offer the most exciting space on the Island.
The potential for creating a world-class community space is very real, especially so with Janet McAlpin and David Godsey’s announcement of a great performing space next door. If Dick Sontgerath and Truman O’Brien and their team of Islanders make some money for their skill and effort and vision, so be it. The Island will be richer for it, too.
Will there be unforeseen consequences? Sure there will, but if all the parties do a good job of planning and executing, most of the consequences will be good.
Steve Abel
Ferries
Riders sending wrong message
Viewing the news coverage (KONG TV, Jan. 16) of the recent Vashon/Southworth/Fauntleroy Washington State Ferries schedule changes, I was struck by the comment made by a WSF representative that she was impressed by the “understanding” and patience of the ferry patrons.
Well, how much understanding are we, ferry riders, to offer before we are labeled “complacent” and “unduly tolerant.” The WSF has had 60 years (since the Blackball Line Strike) to get scheduling and customer service straight. Gov. Gregoire’s administration has twice siphoned voter approved tax funds for new ferries (several ferry boats were to be delivered this year), and there is no reason to believe that her administration won’t do this siphoning a third time.
Now is the time to stop being “understanding” and demand accountability and removal of personnel, in positions of implementation, who fail to improve ferry service. Ferry riders, let’s not be so accepting of our situation! This complacency sends the message to WSF and to the state officers that we are willing, and almost happy, to accept mistreatment.
Dave Burton
