SHOLEH: Thanks for compelling farewell column

As a former resident of Coeur d’Alene, I remember well the thoughtful writings of Sholeh Patrick.

THANKS: CAP to the rescue

My husband and I loaded up our pickup truck, with difficulty due to our age and infirmities of the moment, with refuse and recycling to take to the Ramsey Road Transfer Station.

TRUMP: Done more than any Dem

In reference to Paula Neils’ comments on Sept. 11: We have chaos in our Democratic run cities and streets because of mayors and governors who will not do their jobs.

DIVISION: Let’s cross the line

During this turmoil raging through our country, instead of spewing vitriol aimed at opposing groups, let’s reflect on why this is happening.

EASTWOOD: High praise over parks

Coeur d’Alene has been made a better place by the parks, trails, and additions that Doug Eastwood has overseen. We noticed a definite difference when Doug took over and began to manage and grow our recreation areas throughout our city.

FRUIT: Don't buy misguided blame

Good grief! The news media, politicians, and citizens continue to confuse an apple with an orange, blaming Social Security and Medicare insurance programs for our $15 trillion national debt.

BON APPETIT: Top chef at senior center

We have a great chef at the Lake City Senior Center. After taste testing through four different cooks in eight months, our palates are pleasantly pleased. Not only is the food excellent, the presentation is a visual bonus. Our senior citizens lunches are a feather in Coeur d’Alene’s cap.

Community Thanks May 20, 2012

CHAMBERS: China trip is shameful

I am more than disappointed to learn of our local area Chamber of Commerce in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Sandpoint encouraging more businesses to invest in China.

CRAPO: Stance on debt laudable

Now is the time for leaders to stand up and address our burgeoning national debt. Idaho has such a leader in Senator Mike Crapo, who has made the bold step to support the current proposal by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. The measure seeks the first comprehensive pathway to a fiscally responsible future for America. Is it perfect? No. Is it incredibly important for securing our children's and grandchildren's economic and peaceful well-being? Absolutely!

TROOPS: Get out of Afghanistan

More than 10 years after the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, I see little evidence that the current U.S. military strategy is helping to bring peace or stabilizing that country. I am heartened by reports that our country and our European allies are considering accelerating the withdrawal of military forces and focusing on the long-term development both inside Afghanistan and in the region.

UNITY: Coverage appreciated

Thank you to the Press for its recent coverage of the Parliament of World Religions on Dec. 5 by Devin Heilman, as well as the profile about me on Jan. 3. These articles have greatly increased Unity’s exposure, as evidenced by new people attending our services, classes, and programs. On behalf of myself, our staff, and Board of Trustees we are most grateful.

POLICE: Deserve our appreciation

This letter is to inform Brandy Vincent Smith that nowadays, our police officers put their lives in danger by just being in the public with their uniforms on.

GARDENS: Tour thanks

Thanks to all who participated in the Garden Tour on July 15. It was a success all around.

ANTHEM: Snapshot of patriotism

Kudos to NBC for airing our National Anthem (CBS and ESPN will not broadcast our national anthem) last Sunday for a pre-season game at ATT Stadium in Arlington, Texas, between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. A high school color guard presented the colors after a moment of silence for the passing of Senator John McCain. A lone trumpeter played “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

WOMEN: Legislators in waiting

In regard to the piece on Sweet Victories, my opinion is that more women need to be in legislatures. Idaho needs women to represent our state. Marijuana is not legal in the state of Idaho. It is a mind-altering drug. Yet, pot is still smoked in Idaho. Our beautiful, great state is becoming fueled by the marijuana drug.

DUNCAN: For commissioner

Leslie Duncan’s realistic and optimistic understanding of our community’s issues and needs, and her willingness to investigate the dilemmas and listen carefully to the public’s questions and concerns, sets her far apart from the other candidate. Our county needs more than predictable politics and talk; we need consistent representation.

KNEE: Love vs. hate

Everyone has been watching athletes taking a knee during our national anthem as a protest against what they see as a litany of wrongs with America. A large portion of the viewing public is angry at their disrespectful behavior toward our flag and anthem.

EDITORIAL: Right about Norris

Thanks for Friday’s editorial supporting our Prosecuting Attorney and our Sheriff, they EARNED it by their fair and just application of the law.

MEDICARE: Send message to feds

This is an open letter to all senior citizens. If you are having a difficult to impossible time locating a general care doctor who still accepts new Medicare patients, it is because the same government we trusted with our paycheck withdrawals so we would have health coverage in our older years is NOT paying the doctors.