DIALOGUEletters
In response to the The write stuff
January Debate, Thank you for the article on Arielle Eckstut and
“Should the federal David Henry Sterry’s book Putting Your Passion into
Print (“It’s All Write By Me,” November 2005). For
government support months I’ve been trying to find people like Arielle
communities built in and David who assist a
areas susceptible first-time author in
to natural disaster?” navigating the bewildering world of publishing a manuscript,
and there they were in
The Costco Connection!
I bought their book,
devoured every word
and contacted David,
who is also a book doctor and media coach.
Now, the dream of David Henry Sterry
putting my passion into and Arielle Eckstut
print is one step closer to reality. Who knows,
Debate goes on
Odds and ends
changes
YES. The federal government should help Americans maybe one day my magnum opus, I Found All the
recover from catastrophe. But, as Mr. Moore points Parts: Healing the Soul Through Rock ’n’ Roll, will
out, reasonableness must play a significant part grace the tables of my local Costco. That would cer-in the process. If people insist on rebuilding in tainly be a dream come true!
high-risk areas, they should receive less assistanc e Laura Faeth, Superior, Colorado
and at a higher cost. Those who choose the higher
ground should be given maximum assistance at a
minimal cost.
Don Connelly, Green Valley, Arizona
NO. When people move into areas susceptible to
natural disaster they are responsible for their decision. Taxpayers should not have to subsidize their
choice. For example, people who build close to
the ocean on Fire Island on Long Island, New
York, know that they are susceptible to hurricane flooding as well as high tides, yet they build
and rebuild with taxpayers’ money. If they want to
live there they should pay for rebuilding themselves.
Lorraine Wright, East Rockaway, New York
YES. It’s imperative that those living in disaster-prone areas get help in the short term, and, certainly,
help in relocating. Help can take many forms,
including toughening building standards, replacing
levees and dams, and, sometimes, moving communities to safer areas, especially in areas prone to
flooding. Promoting the welfare of the community
is the main reason we have government.
Marilee Henneberger, via e-mail
NO. Before any federal dollars are spent to repair the
effects of a natural disaster, an engineering survey
performed by a nationally recognized, competent
engineering company should be performed to
determine the cost-benefit risk of such an investment. For example, many homes along the Gulf
Coast have been rebuilt multiple times using disaster relief funds. This should never happen. If the
results of the analysis do not indicate that such
investment is feasible, then no federal money should
be made available.
Calling all
family
businesses
RESEARCH SHOWS that
more than 80 percent of
all businesses in North
America are family businesses.
Yet, studies also find that fewer
than half of family businesses
survive into the second genera-
tion. If your family runs a busi-
ness, The Connection would love
to hear your story and possibly
feature your business in an upcoming issue.
What unique challenges and benefits do
you experience from working with your family?
What steps have you taken, or do you plan to
take, to see the successful transfer of leader-
ship from one generation to the next?
Please write to us with information about
your business at: Family Business, The Costco
Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-
1088; by fax to (425) 313-6718; or by e-mail to
sponder@costco.com.
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New address Delete
Don’t miss out on the latest
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Mail to:
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CORRECTION
The Cameron Park Dining
Collection featured in
January’s Connection
(page 47) includes
eight chairs, not nine. The
collection is now available
in most warehouses.
Have something to say?
Robert Bentley, Hacienda Heights, California
Readers are encouraged to submit letters to our editors on any topic or issue
covered in The Connection. Please include your full name and phone number or
address. Send all letters to: Dialogue, The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088,
Seattle, WA 98124-1088; fax to (425) 313-6718; or e-mail to dialogue@costco.com.
The editors reserve the right to edit letters for publication.
