I was very impressed by the editorial page in the Oct. 16 Wednesday’s News-Times. Two columns, one light and one heavy, made some valuable observations that deserve a wider audience than just Whidbey Island.

Two years ago, as a first-time pick-up owner and a fairly new Washington resident, I asked my life-long Washingtonian friends what the rules were regarding kids riding in the back of the truck. I thought to myself, “They must be confused; their explanation of the law doesn’t make any sense!” Now I understand it’s the law itself that doesn’t make any sense. Jim Larsen’s column was both humorous and informative. It was very clever in the way it drew out all the ironic implications of the current regulation.

On a far more serious topic, it was refreshing to see an editorial that reflected an awareness of the horrible consequences, both of going to war with Iraq and of not going to war with Iraq. If we prevail in Iraq, how are we ever going to establish order among a people who hate us and do not want us to liberate them? Hussein may be an oppressive and maniacal dictator, but at least he’s their oppressive and maniacal dictator.

If we don’t use force against Iraq, what — other than wishful thinking — gives us any expectation that Hussein will not become harder to deal with and that more people won’t suffer in the long run? I am very concerned when I see makers of policy, shapers of public opinion and average citizens who are in denial about either of these realities.

Marshall McBride

Oak Harbor