Lighting marijuana conversation

One would think that with all the miles that Rick Steves has traveled, he would choose to be an ambassador for something more worthwhile than Europe’s permissiveness with pot smoking.

What is his point, really? Viewing decriminalization from a cost savings perspective is narrow-minded and smacks of the worst sort of naivety. American society is just coming to terms with many of the health problems that we have ignored for years. Now he wants to throw a little legal pot smoking and all its associated health risks into the mix?

For all his imagined good intentions Steves exhibits one of the trademarks of one who has partaken too long himself of the “herb”: an altered perception of reality. I believe the story about how the Ford dealership is trying to make things work in this tough economy is more inspiring, and much more worthy as a front page story. My advice to Mr. Steves is, if you want to toke, go back to France or The Netherlands.

John Navroth, Kirkland

Cyclist in stable condition

I read this story from last July with great interest, as I was the cyclist who was hit. I am frankly a bit disappointed that neither the Redmond Police spokesperson, nor the reporter noted that the driver was negligent in making his turn. Worth noting is that according to the police report, the driver saw me prior to making his turn, directly in front of me. According to the police report, I had less than a second to respond, not enough nearly time to avoid the truck. His poor judgment put me in the hospital for a month, and subjected my family and I to a difficult and lengthy recovery process. Additionally, the driver in this case was not insured.

With a great deal of determination and inspiring support from friends and family I have come a long way back.

The quote from the spokesman focuses on wearing a helmet (good), and on “being aware of your surroundings”. As an experienced cyclist, I am indeed aware of my surroundings, and really wish that more motorists were as aware of their surroundings.

Your newspaper missed an opportunity to remind motorists how important it is to be very aware of cyclists, and to exercise good judgment. The tone of the article seems to gloss over the motorist’s responsibility as they pilot vehicles that have such power to alter and take lives.

Paul C. David, Kirkland

More arts coverage

Though I know space is at a premium, I would like see a monthly column on the arts in Kirkland. The Kirkland Artist Studio Tour is coming up and that tour highlights nearly 50 artists.

Joanne Shellan, local artist