The Religion of science

Dear Editor,
 
Stepping on my new digital scale, I learned I weighed 200.8 pounds. Thinking that reading was high, I moved it a few inches and learned I was 198.6 pounds. Still being out of line with expectations, I moved it again. That time it read 196.2 pounds!
Even so, that was much more technologically advanced than my old analog scale which, for 30 years, would give me the same reading no matter where it was placed. How unimaginative is that?
But not all techno-discoveries can be shuffled aside as easily. Yesterday, I learned we are being bombarded by “dark matter” called Weakly Interactive Massive Particles or “WIMPS.”
In a recent article, science editor Charles Choi said we can’t really prove this matter—which “makes up 5/6th of the universe”—exists, since it is silent, “invisible” and “intangible.”
Choi went on to say “Billions of these particles rush through us every second”; and, later, “Roughly 35 impacts between dark matter particles and atoms in [our bodies] should happen annually.”
With billions passing through our bodies every second, resulting in only 35 impacts on human atoms per year, one must assume these little fellows are lousy shots, we are made up of mostly nonhuman atoms or Choi needs to brush up on his research.
But then, this student of scientific methodology is also Christian, so what would I know? If Christians believe in intangible things whose influence can only be felt, we are called superstitious fools—archaeology and documentation notwithstanding.
Yet, when we consider “the Big Bang,” wherein the entire universe once fit in a space the size of the head of a pin—in a gulf of nothingness, because nothing had been created yet—and in WIMPS, it seems many scientists are guilty of creating their own religion—fraught with even more intangibles, fanciful notions and beliefs that can’t be proven.
 
Bill Cook
Lake Stevens

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Be careful what you post on Facebook

Dear Editor,

Facebook has become such a part of our lives that I believe people, young and old alike, are losing their filter on what should be posted and what should not.  
Facebook, in my opinion, should be used for social purposes like how are you, what are you up to, sharing your pictures, etc.  
It should not be used for hot topics, sensitive topics or personal issues that one may be going through or experienced with someone else.  
If you cannot confront a person to their face about an issue, you should not hide behind “the wall”!  Before responding or posting anything you should ask yourself, is it kind, is it the truth and is it necessary.  
Facebook is a fun communication tool but it also can turn into a very dangerous weapon. Use it with care, kindness and maturity.

Dawn Watson
Lake Stevens

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We need your help at City Council

Dear Editor,
 
I do not know how many years we have watched people come around East Lakeshore Drive too fast, even during the events in the city. 
Our neighbor has had cars end up in his yard a couple of times and we have had our yard destroyed also.   
When we moved here we saw many  people parking on the street almost get hit by cars while trying to get their kids out of their car. 
So for the past 12 years (since we moved here) we have provided free parking in our yard for Aquafest, Ironman, and rowing events.
 While in the beginning we provided it for free, some people wanted to give us a donation so we accepted.  While our purpose is to provide safe and secure parking, all of the donations go to an organization that helps orphanages.  
Over the years many have parked in our yard and thanked us for the service.
We also provide a service for those who have lost their homes and try and help them get back on their feet, and have garage sales to raise funds for that.
Now, the city administration has put us in a corner, and said we can have only four events on our property per year.
Do we have the garage sales, which many like, or do we provide parking? That is our dilemma. 
The Mayor and city council made it so we can no longer provide safe parking for those coming to the events, since families and kids walk down to the events, if there are cars on the side of the street they are forced into the street. 
We want to thank all for your consideration as we made friends parking during the events. Sorry but unless the city changes their minds we cannot park cars in our yard anymore.
We will be meeting with the City Council on May 14 at 7 p.m. and would like anyone who supports us to come that evening at the Lake Stevens School District building.
 
 John Worley
Lake Stevens

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State needs to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars

Dear Editor,

“The Olympian” reported about 429 state employees who are receiving more salary than the top pay for their position, totaling over $2.5 million.
The average over-payment amount is $6,000 but around 30 employees receive between $15-$20,000 more.
I want to ensure we have a smart, hard-working, dedicated workforce within the state government but when your position is downsized then so must your pay.
The $2.5 million could have been added to programs that are struggling to survive or used not to layoff employees that were needed.
The Governor is bragging about lowering the Washington Management services from 5,300 in 2005 to 4,065 in 2011 but at around 60 of those were moved to non-management positions while still maintaining their pay.
I realize that $2.5 million is a small amount in a $30 billion budget, but it just shows how little our state government is serious about being wise stewards of our money.
 
Todd Welch
Lake Stevens
 

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Apartment dwellers do pay property taxes

Dear Editor,
 
A letter in the April 25 Journal complained about apartment dwellers who, according to the letter, do not pay property tax but can vote on taxes. 
This is a common misconception.   While apartment dwellers may not write out a check to the treasurer each year, they DO pay property tax through their rents.
I’ve owned my own home for many years but in my younger years, when I rented, the rent went up one year.  When I asked the landlord why, he told me it was to cover the increase in property taxes.
It only makes sense that any landlord would consider all costs, including property taxes, when setting the rental fees.
 

Carol McDonald
Lake Stevens

 

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