In high school our science teacher taught us about a "voltaic cell." He grabbed our attention by inserting copper, steel, aluminum and lead spikes into a lemon. To our surprise there was a different voltage between any pair of the four spikes! He explained "electronegativity," as the power of an atom or group of atoms to attract a shared pair of electrons. Just like a battery there exists a polarity and voltage difference depending on the spikes chosen.

State Sen. Adam Kline is simultaneously sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills to criminalize some of the firearms that honest citizens own and use to protect themselves against violent criminals; at the same time working to eliminate the death penalty for those violent perpetrators who prey on honest citizens.

I wanted to write in and share with the public why it is so easy for children's identities to be stolen. I just spent an hour at the Social Security office waiting in line to reorder my 6-year-old son's Social Security card with a name change on it. I however was unable to do so. I couldn't change his name, because even though his birth certificate has his new name on it, I did not have the documentation from the court showing why it was changed.

The city of Richland should have had a mandatory recycling program in place years ago to produce much less waste and prolong the life of the current landfill site. The city council could have studied successful programs and incorporated the best ideas into their own program. Instead, there will be an optional curbside recycling program for $5.70 a month and a rate increase for basic trash collection. That is a lose/lose situation for Richland residents.

I'm grateful to Michael Anderson for speaking the truth about the foundation of our country in his recent letter, "Christian nation." No matter what one wants to believe or not believe, this country was founded on Christian principles. Our forefathers left England and landed here so they could practice their faith in peace. Just because someone doesn't agree with it now doesn't mean they can change history.

A slogan for the U.S. touts "equality for all." At least that is our aspiration. Take the time from your worries over the employment/economy situation and take a positive step for equality by supporting same-sex marriages. The denial of this right is offensive to those who truly respect equality for all. I know more than a few same-sex couples, and have attended blessed union ceremonies that are not now protected by law. They need and deserve marriage protections very much.

People on opposite sides of the question delve into the Constitution and read not only what is in the written record but also try to second-guess what was on the founders' minds. Good luck! I find this whole debate ludicrous. In my mind there can only be individual Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews and atheists who can try to fill their traditions with whatever meaning they can manage.

These are tough economic times and the U.S. Economy is in terrible condition As a result, Washington state's economy is in terrible condition. Unemployment in the U.S. is at record highs. As a result, Washington's unemployment rate also is high. With no clear indication that the U.S. economy (therefore the Washington state economy) is poised for growth, it has become impossible for Washington state to balance our budget without tax increases or massive reduction in services.

The state of the union is weak, bankrupt (financially, morally and ethically) and in decline!

I am a huge freedom of speech advocate but believe that right, like every other right in the Constitution, belongs to individual citizens, not corporations. Corporations are artificial creations and have no rights, only powers specifically granted to them by us.

Listening to all of the president's State of the Union address, I am still confused from start to finish. There was no clarity on any, any issue most important to our nation! Jobs, economy, the selling of the country to foreign countries, the Constitution?

The Supreme Court justices are guests at the State of the Union speech. Having said that, the president and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., should be ashamed of themselves for berating and degrading them in public. They deserve more respect, and your paper should be more respectful when it publishes such articles.

In the State of the Union address, President Obama specifically and emphatically said the nation should build clean, efficient nuclear reactors. I almost fell out of my chair given the feelings of many liberals on this topic.

Oh Supreme Court, why has thou disenfranchised me?

Numerous readers have recently submitted letters stating that the Founding Fathers were all Christians and that they intended our nation to be Christian as well. If any of them had done their homework, they would have found this to be completely inaccurate.

The greatest of human achievements had been the subordination of government to law. America was admired for doing that first. Now, thanks to the "conservative" Supreme Court -- 200 years of effort by the "American corporate royalty" has succeeded in their goal of controlling the government, the news media, the courts and the economy now that those laws have been bypassed.

I am writing in support of the Kennewick School District levy. This is a replacement levy and would continue to allow the school district to offer enrichment programs. Both my daughters were in the orchestra program through the Kennewick schools. This was a great program for them and offered them an opportunity to learn how to play the violin and compete. Programs like these are the "hook" for some students to go to and stay in school. For a little over $3 per $1,000 of assessed value, we can continue to support our Kennewick schools and students!

On Jan. 22, the West Richland Chamber of Commerce had an award presentation acknowledging people who do so much service in our community. I am proud of the people who organized and worked so hard with the decorations, dinner and entertainment. The people of West Richland are lucky to have people like May Hays, Char Doty and the chamber members. West Richland is a small town, but I will say they put all their efforts in to keep up with the times. We are proud to say, "Yes, I'm from West Richland." My congratulations to the people who received the awards.

Some of you may have heard that the funds for the special intervention/prevention program at our Washington state high schools are being cut. I am writing this to please ask you to help the students and families that have benefited from this program not only because it helped out those families but also because of the families that have yet to benefit from it.

Tuesday is fast approaching. Please remember to mail in your "yes" votes for the Kennewick levy. The replacement levy is very close to cost-neutral, set so as to continue the needed support to offset the state shortfall. With the state facing a budget deficit, local levy dollars become even more important. Our district has been fiscally conservative and will hopefully avoid some of the draconian cuts incurred in other areas. A levy failure would hit our children especially hard through the programs that would be affected.

If you read this paper every day, you have read many letters and articles about the upcoming school levy election.

Every two years, Prosser School District voters face a very critical issue affecting the quality of education in our community. It's the replacement maintenance and operations levy.

I would like to encourage residents of Benton/Franklin counties to take advantage of the free tax preparation help from AARP.

Sen. Patty Murray was recently quoted as saying that she now wants to create jobs. OK, why doesn't Sen. Murray quit obstructing the development of our natural resources and propose a plan to develop our oil production?

On a daily basis there are letters in here with people's opinions on the Kennewick school levy. No matter the opinion, they are all from adults or parents who are not directly receiving the services provided by the levy. Well, what about the us, the students?

In response to the Jan. 18 letter, "History Lesson," by Laurel Piippo. Our Founding Fathers provided legal equality for all religions, Christian and non-Christian, and the founders believed a democracy could not survive without being based on religion.

I vote NO on the Pasco school levy.

I am coming to you as not only the president of the Prosser Parent Teacher Association, but also as a parent of three children in the Pros-ser School District to remind you to vote YES on Feb. 9 for our children.

I'm not a journalist, but I'm going to report a major national and international story that the Herald and many other news organizations failed to report. On Jan. 22, a chilly day in Washington, D.C., an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 ardent and peaceful Americans participated in the 37th March for Life! Three days prior and in solidarity with their American friends, 25,000 took part in the sixth Paris March for Life. Americans and Frenchmen in union over an important human rights issue and little major media reporting?

If you live in Pasco, you have received your ballot for Pasco School District's maintenance and operation levy. This levy replaces the expiring 2008 levy and will be collected for 2011 and 2012. It is not a new tax. Levy dollars make up the difference between the cost of educating our students and the funding received from the state and federal governments.

After reading the Jan. 25 article "Gang infighting leads to 12 arrests," I have come to realize that the people in our community are angry at the wrong situation. For years I have heard firsthand that illegal immigrants are nothing but a nuisance and they need to go back to Mexico. But the truth is, without them, our agriculture industry in the Tri-Cities wouldn't even exist.

Frank Lockwood (Letters, Jan. 20) would have you believe that government is a provider and not a predator. In a sense, he is correct. Even though this country was founded on rugged individualism and self-reliance, the Progressives/Socialists/Marxists have convinced a good portion of the population that they can't succeed without government assistance.

In Jim Forbes' recent letter opposing school levies, he states, "The amount of money we spend per student is obscene." I would agree if Mr. Forbes meant obscene-ly low. Washington is 44th nationally in state funding per pupil.

I read that the Women's Media Center does not want CBS to run a Focus On The Family ad during the Super Bowl, which reveals that the mother of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow was encouraged by doctors to abort him because of a medical complication. She didn't and he was the result.

I recently attended the varsity basketball games at Kamiakin High School because I wanted to watch the daughter of a former student play. I no longer attend many high school sports functions, but I was impressed by the great facility, the crisp uniforms of the players, the fun, upbeat pep band and the vigilance of staff and volunteers overseeing the activity.

I am writing to urge Finley residents to vote yes on the ballot that they should have received in the mail recently. I was horrified to hear that only 44 percent of the parents of Finley voted in the last election two years ago. This levy affects your children and our community in a variety of ways.

I just received the Richland School District Levy Voter Pamphlet, indicating an increase of 10 percent and 5 percent over the existing levy for 2010 and 2011 respectively. This increase is three times more than the increase of Richland's cost of living.

I encourage Kennewick residents to support the upcoming school levy. As a longtime substitute teacher and school volunteer, I can assure the community that students benefit each day from levy dollars. This money is well-spent on music teachers, librarians, P.E. instructors, student academic clubs, technology and sports teams.

Is the U.S. a Christian nation? President Obama said whatever we once were, we're no longer a Christian nation. At least not just. We're also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, Buddhist, etc. One could easily infer that even by Obama's reckoning at least we once were a Christian nation.

Washington's Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell ought to have learned a lesson from Massachusetts' Republican Scott Brown's recent senatorial victory.

There is no doubt that the future of our community and even that of our great nation is dependent on our children's access to a quality educational system. The prosperity of any community anywhere throughout the world is inextricably linked to the level of literacy within that community

Why bury Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh's idiocy back on Page A8 (Herald, Jan. 15)? Robertson is a demented old man still waiting for God, who talks to Robertson every day, to bring disaster to Dover, Penn. (the evolution thing), and to Disney World (a gay day years ago); and Limbaugh is a prematurely senile multimillionaire with a massive following of bigots. Put their rants out in the open for everyone to see; might even wake up a few of their followers.

Social Security (FICA) taxes are collected at a rate of 7.65 percent on gross earnings up to an earnings limit of $106,800. Employers pay an additional 7.65 percent. The self-employed pay at a rate of 15.3 percent. Most workers never reach the limits, and very few in our community are finished paying their FICA taxes before the end of the year.

Hurray! Clint Didier is running for the Senate! I believe him to be a man of great integrity (which is sadly lacking in most of our politicians). I agree, yes, we should "drill here, drill now." What a great way to stimulate jobs. America should take her independence back. We should not have to rely on foreign oil, when we have such an abundance here. Good idea, Mr. Didier.

YES to the Hanford Reach located in Columbia Park! YES to the water park located in Columbia Park! Turning an obscenely underused, potentially beautiful riverfront space into something so centrally located and so visually stimulating near a main Tri-City arterial makes so much sense! Kudos to those who thought this one up! Destination Tri-Cities! Destination riverfront! Bulls-eye!

We are very fortunate that the Massachusetts election came out as it did. The in group there were the elitists whose motto is: "I'm smarter than you so let me tell you how to live and what to do, especially with your money." These are the same "ins" as in Europe. They are anti-democracy and want to restrict your freedoms and cramp our ability to restrict their salaries.

I have had lots of heartache due to people I care about choosing to kill their pain and problems with drugs. And the people who sell them the drugs not realizing all the lives that are being ruined, all the hearts that get broken, the tears and loneliness it causes. Sometimes there can also be verbal, mental and physical abuse. Families getting destroyed, children whose hearts ache.

Pasco schools, largest employer in Franklin County, provides occupations for your family members, friends and/or neighbors. These people spend money locally to support our economy by paying mortgages, taxes, purchasing groceries, household items, etc.

Re: Senate Bill 5476 proposing abolishing the death penalty.

An education is an opportunity. When I was young, my mother and father worked long, hard hours to earn enough money to put food on our table. They taught me that there is never an excuse to sit and expect something -- I must always be willing to go out and work for what I need. I remember how our life changed when my dad went back to college in his 30s. He worked, wrote papers, went to class and still managed to take us fishing once in awhile. His example provided me with the inspiration and will to attend and graduate from college, also. I chose to work as an educator because I believe that given the inspiration and opportunity, kids will rise to accomplish marvelous things.

Re: Mr. Hunziker's complaints about everything American (Letters, Jan. 14).

The Jan. 21 editorial, "Note to GOP legislators: Take one crisis at time," was the epitome of "head in the sand." Ignore Tea Party malcontents GOP lawmakers; who do you think you work for anyway? Olympia has more urgent priorities (like finding something they haven't already taxed).

I am a second-grade teacher at Whittier Elementary School in Pasco. Last Friday, after a lesson on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, I gave my students an in-class writing assignment. In response to the question, "If Dr. King were still alive, what would you say to him," Giselle Fabian, 8 years old, wrote the following:

The elementary school is running on bare bones from cuts that have affected all of the students. These cuts have been made without many of the parents knowing about them.

Concerning Clint Didier: Isn't it a wonderful thing that people like Mr. Lockwood and Mr. Didier can both speak their minds in an open forum. It seems they are at opposite political polls but share one common interest -- preserving our American way of life.

I suggest that in his efforts to proclaim the USA a Christian nation, Jeff Marshall (Letters, Jan. 22) continue his reading about the religious beliefs of our founding fathers. A good place to start is The Faith of Our Fathers by Alf Mapp, Jr.

Anyone who listened to the State of the Union speech last week has to be proud of our president or brain dead.

I am writing to post a very important reminder to cast your ballot for the school levy vote. Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Shining sunlight on university funding and blunting pay excesses of a few top officials through HB 2859 sponsored by Rep. Larry Haler is praiseworthy but may have little effect on taxpayers (Tri-City Herald, Jan. 20).

Every news story of disasters reminds me that it's not just the government that needs a plan, I should have one too. As we've seen in Katrina and Haiti, outside help may take hours, days or even weeks. The Red Cross has a handout that gives great tips. Here are a few ideas:

This year has been a successful year for the Finley School District athletic programs. At River View High School, the football team placed third in the league and finished in the top eight in the state. The volleyball team placed fourth in the league and went to the district tournament.

Pasco is a great place to live. Having been residents off and on for over 40 years, we are proud to call Pasco our home. Part of that pride comes from the great activities, people and education that can be found in the area. The Tri-Cities has ample opportunities for individuals to grow. Pasco Schools have been a strong part of this for more than 100 years. As a former student, current parent and educator, I have found that Pasco Schools have supported community growth by providing education and support programs for all of its residents. They have also been a backbone of entertainment and the arts in our community. Concerts and athletic activities have been a place for many generations to gather, compete and catch up on old times.

Benton County wants to increase horse stall rent two to three times more than Waitsburg, Grants Pass, Portland Meadows. Do county officials realize the impact racing has on the community?

I would like to lend my support to the Prosser School District replacement maintenance and operations levy. I live on a fixed retirement income and do not always agree with the school board's decisions. However I believe that it is important to support the education of Prosser's youth. This is especially true in this year of financial crisis at the state level. The threat of the governor's budget to K-12 funds and to levy equalization funds makes local support even more crucial.

Please mark Feb. 9 on your calendar and join me in voting yes for the Kennewick School District maintenance and operations levy.

If you have walked through the halls of any of Pasco's schools and seen how clean and well-kept the facilities are. If you have been greeted by the students in these halls with smiles and enthusiasm. If you have attended a music or theater performance and been amazed by the talent and discipline on display. If you have attended a sporting event and cheered the Bulldogs or Riverhawks, or if you have met a Pasco student who is the first of her family to graduate from high school and never dreamed she would be going on to college, then you have seen your levy tax dollars at work.

We may all have a general knowledge of geography, but there's nothing like a war or disaster to bring things up close and personal.

Vote "yes" on Feb. 9 for our schools. Our children are worth the investment. The levy helps pay for music, sports, librarians, para-educators, counselors, curriculum and much, much more. Without your support, schools will suffer and so will our children's education.

Doc Hastings, it's time to leave. It's time for someone else from our community to represent us. You've done your part and you've represented us for seven two-year terms and mostly I've agreed with you. It is now time for new blood to step up and participate in our legislative process.

Here we go again, Kennewick home, land and business owners. Kennewick School District already gets a budget from ongoing taxes on homes, land and business owners. KSD needs to trim the fat from the school district. We all have had to budget better and cut out things due to economic times. This is even more true for people on fixed income such as senior citizens. Why can't KSD do this as well?

Prosser School District's current school maintenance and operating levy will soon expire. On Feb. 9, a replacement levy will be on the ballot for our schools. I urge all voters in the district to support our schools and community by voting yes for the levy.

For the past year the main topics around our household have been: unemployment, health issues, family issues, lack of money, Wall Street, executive bonuses, automotive manufacturers, "Cash For Clunkers," the Democrats, the Republicans, talk radio, "drive-by media," Rush, Glenn, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, "What, gas is going up AGAIN!!??," medical reform, war, national security, people with bombs in their underwear or shoes or the baby's diaper or wherever. Panic! Panic! Panic! Whine! Whine! Whine!

I am a local business owner and I want to encourage you to vote yes for the Kennewick School District levy. This is not a new tax. It is known as a replacement levy in that it will replace the 2009 and 2010 levy that was approved by voters in 2008. This levy pays for programs not fully funded by the state such as librarians, music teachers, sports teams, academic clubs, etc.

There really isn't a pressing need to vote on the school levy. Recent changes to the state constitution requirements allow for a simple 50 percent plus 1 to pass, thereby increasing the property assessment of every property owner in the Pasco School District. If past history is an indicator, this will be as few as 3,000 voters. This school district alone employs enough people with a vested interest in this levy to pass it.

As our first child was getting ready to start kindergarten a few years ago, we knew we wanted him to go to Ridgeview. We missed the boundary by one block. We decided to buy a new home, and move three blocks away, so he could go to Ridgeview. Less than two weeks before school started we received a letter stating all "new" children enrolled in Ridgeview would be sent to Vista. Not all of the kids in the neighborhood, just the "new" kids.

I recently came across an interesting bit of information from the Zenit News Agency. It seems that the hundreds of thousands of Americans who marched for life on Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C., were joined by international pro-life leaders. They were protesting our president's reversal of the Mexico City Policy on Jan. 23, 2009. This action on President Obama's part allowed federal funds (our tax dollars) to support organizations that promote abortion outside the U.S.

It is stupid to build another bridge over the Yakima at Duportail when there is a perfectly adequate bridge over the same river ending at the same place less than a mile away.

I am writing to ask the citizens of Kennewick to join me in voting "yes" on the upcoming Kennewick School District replacement levy. On Feb. 9, we have the opportunity to once again show our pride in our local public schools and support the many opportunities that local levy dollars provide for our children.

I want to encourage the citizens of the Finley School District to support our maintenance and operations levy. This is a mainstay for many programs in our district. This is a replacement levy, not a new levy.

Jan. 19, 2010, another shot "heard 'round the world."

I have read some unwitting letters to the editor, but Laurel Piippo's letter stating that America is not a Christian nation and never has been is really incredible. And Piippo admits to being a retired teacher.

It has been my privilege to work with the students and staff of the Prosser School District for the last two years. The city of Prosser, its school district and its school superintendent have taken the courageous step of being proactive about teaching and encouraging kids to make good choices about life, gangs and their future.

Regarding the Jan. 20 letter, "Didn't like headline" from Rich Sargent : In my opinion, his letter has topped the charts of some recent complaints written to the editor. The massive complaints regarding the roundabouts and misspelled signs have been exhausting enough. Sargent's letter was the heavy-hitter.

As a Pasco senior citizen, I'd like to make two points regarding the forthcoming Pasco school levy.

Why would you take a holiday that represents love and affection and turn it into a negative by requesting stories of break-ups? There is enough negativity in the world as it is. It breaks my heart that your paper would not take this opportunity to share a little love in a positive way.

Starting a New Year can be joyous and exciting. However, when a person is grieving it can be a time of remembering a loved one who is no longer here. Painful remembrances of days without the one who is now missing from our table can make happy todays sorrowful for the griever. Just a phone call to say, "I'm thinking of you," can be enough to soothe bereaved persons.

I would like to encourage everyone to support the upcoming Kennewick school levy. We are very pleased with the quality programs that the Kennewick School District is currently providing for our children. My family has witnessed firsthand the dedication and encouragement the teachers give to our children on a daily basis.

I encourage all my friends and former patients to vote yes for the hospital technology levy, coming up soon in the Waitsburg-Dayton area. I commend the hospital district administration for its foresight in bringing this technology to our hospital and clinics at this time. It is needed! Indeed it is imperative that we plan now for putting this in place in order to remain competitive in the medical care arena and to offer our patients top care.

I remember a long, long time ago, we were heading to the Hermiston water park. We had a blast. In fact, the only thing that could have made it better is if it was right here in the Tri-Cities. I propose that we build one. I propose we build an indoor water park.

Recent newspaper articles have reported that there are now 330,000 federal employees making over $100,000 per year and the average for all federal employees is $71,000-plus. Of course this doesn't include very generous health care, retirement benefits and annual raises, which are only offered to them.

Please join me in voting "yes" on the upcoming Kennewick School District levy on Feb. 9. This is a vote of support for Kennewick students!

As an 11-year-old, I think that it is great to add a water park here, because we need something to attract more people. A 60-foot water slide will help! One time I went to a water park and had fun in the wave pool. I spent my whole time in there getting knocked over by the waves.

I read the delightful, contextually accurate letter written by the astute retired educator, Laurel Piippo (Letters, Jan. 18). For those who do not share her acutely perceptive analysis of the Constitution, I suggest reading it for the first time, or rereading it so as to refresh its actual wording. We are not a Constitutionally Christian nation, no matter your personal desire.

It's that time of year again. We must pass a replacement tax on the property owners of our communities to support the absolute needs of our children or so your letters to the editor writers would have us believe.

Enough with the school levy nonsense already!

Jerry Votendahl (Letters, Jan. 15) is very "confused on warming." Well, it's a complicated subject and the media have trouble with it, too. His idea that "pro-global warming experts" tell you a hot year proves global warming, but a cold year doesn't, means he is listening to poor media reports instead of climate scientists, who always say it takes at least a 10- to 30-year trend to see climate changes.

Let me add my congratulations to the River's Edge students who did so well in the We the People contest. No one should be surprised that River's Edge's Jackie Ives and Denise Brimmer produce excellence. Students benefit from the small classes and personal attention that the regular format cannot deliver. All of the staff at River's Edge has high expectations for the students. The reasons for students to attend an alternative high school are as varied as their stories. Don't reduce your expectations of them because they don't fit into the usual model.

Everyone should have received a flier that provides information on what the Prosser School District maintenance and operation levy pays for. I would like to point out, as others have, that this is not for building new schools; it is for the day-to-day operation that provides the children of Prosser an excellent education.

We currently have one child in the Kennewick School District and one soon to be. Therefore, we are fairly new to the scene. So far, we are very impressed with what a great school our son is attending. We love hearing about all the activities he is a part of.

What is wrong with the world we live in? Last week my family and I were heading home on the back highway from Finley heading toward Interstate 82 when we noticed that there was a car that had rolled in the ditch. Not knowing if anyone was in the car, we stopped to check, and sure enough, there was an elderly lady in the car. She was injured as you could imagine, bleeding from her head and in a lot of pain.

As residents of Pasco for the past 27 years, we have seen many changes. One thing that has not changed is the continued community support for Pasco schools. With this dedication to the students of the Pasco School District, the community and educators of Pasco have provided not only a quality education but also extensive opportunities in music, art, sports and drama (to name a few) that prepare our children to be strong contributors to society.

Just when America would like to forget the Bush-era torture scandals, along comes Jack Bauer. Season eight of Fox's 24 recently premiered, and if the writers stick to form, Jack will be required to torture someone every 12 minutes during his frantic, terrifying day fighting fictional terrorists bent on the destruction of our major cities, our way of life, and/or our underwear.

With the number of students increasing by nearly 5,600 (63 percent) since 2000 and more than 735 additional students in the last year alone, the Pasco School District is doing a great job accommodating tremendous growth. At the same time graduation rates are up, test scores are up, and advanced placement test completion is up 125 percent since 2004! This kind of performance deserves our continued support.

I have to respond to Laurent Ecrivain's recent letter, "On church and state," which claims our founders were mostly non-Christians who wrote the First Amendment to keep the churches out of state affairs. On both counts, nothing could be further from the truth.

I live in West Richland and commute up the Yakima Valley each day via the Benton City on-ramp. I am an active recreational cyclist and commute through this area as well as frequently riding through roundabouts on Bombing Range and Columbia Trail. The Benton City on-ramp area has several problems, including two ramps, the river, a T-intersection and school bus route traffic.

Regarding gay rights and initiative petitions, I am wondering if I am the only one who will sign a petition regardless of my view on the topic because I am tired of having others make community decisions without letting me in on it.

Feb. 9 is an important date for citizens of Pasco. It's the last day to vote for the 2010 Pasco school levy.

While living in Prosser for the past 39 years, both in the country and in town, I raised five children who have gone through the Prosser School District, received a wonderful education, enjoyed a wide realm of sports, music and being in a safe environment. Now that I have three grandchildren in the district, it is my wish for them to be able to have what their parents, aunts and uncles were able to receive.

The government is no longer "By the People, for the People" as it was intended, created, established in the Constitution. It's now us/them, and anybody that thinks the government is going to give anything to anybody, health care included, is grossly mistaken.

For 20 years, our children have had the privilege of attending Pasco's schools. The board of the Pasco School District has provided exceptional resources for its students as a result of their proper stewardship of taxpayer funds: competent teachers and administrators, substantial extracurricular activities and well-maintained facilities.

"Hurry up! Get your library books and your band instrument, grab your bag and get to the bus stop. Do you have your gym clothes and what time is your game tonight anyway?" called Mother.

Our country's news media and journalists are emerging to the awakening American rage of having bought into a vast campaign of truly talented campaign trickery and outright lies one year ago. With its usual slothful trepidations and blind allegiance to the populist claptrap of the liberal political factions, Hollywood fashion ideology and the darkness of their cocoons, journalism is frantically switching gears to thrust its fingers to test the shifting winds of hot air.

Our senators and representative should not support use of stimulus funds for this disputed road project. This bridge will compromise a large natural habitat management area along the Yakima River and a small boat launch recently established by the Washington Department of Fish and Game.

The Pasco School District will be running a maintenance and operations levy Feb. 9. Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters this week. Please watch your mailbox for this important document. This levy will replace the current one, which expires in December of this year. Please consider as you cast your vote all of the wonderful programs and necessary services that the levy will continue to support.

Well, the seats are not even warm and the "new" Kennewick City Council is considering spending $14 developing Southridge, with the "hope" of new development. This sounds very similar to the police station vote, when the people turned down the vote and they went ahead and floated the bonds anyway. This time they are going straight to the bonds. What's next? They claim they can acquire $500,000 from the state to accomplish this task. Duh, you have not heard the state is broke. I thought we put in some new blood to control the city finances. Looks like we should have gotten rid of all five instead of just three seats.

I read with incredulousness the article about the migrant worker housing being finished in Pasco. I can't help but think that maybe we need to put that money into homeless prevention, counseling and life skills classes and basically to take care of the people we already have who need help.

I encourage Ron Brown (Letters, Jan. 12) to study the distinction between a National Park and a National Historical Park.

It wasn't long ago when we were being asked to vote for a raise in our sales tax to pay for more sheriff, police officers, etc. The state of Washington needs more money and is looking to raise taxes, and now the city of Kennewick spends $322,000 for a lighthouse on Clover Island. What are these people who approved this thinking? Do we need a lighthouse, of all things, when most entities are looking for funds? Where did this money come from that paid for this debacle? Shame on you.

Mr. Clint Didier in his bid for Senate makes some pretty outrageous comments: "Government is not a provider, it is a predator," and "I'd like to see Hanford under the private sector," as well as words to the effect that government does not give people the opportunity to work hard.

There has been discussion of the place in our society for the Confederate battle flag known as the Stars and Bars. This flag is the subject of veneration by some members of our community.

Congratulations, Herald. You have confirmed your position with the tabloid fervor. Why highlight the facts when you can help hype the unknown?

Re: Mr. Cloud's "Role Models" (Letters, Jan. 6)

On Feb. 9, the Pasco School District is asking voters to pass a maintenance and operation levy for the next two years. As a retired Pasco teacher, I am urging a yes vote. The levy provides 18 percent of the entire Pasco school budget. The amount of the levy is $4.55 per $1,000 -- a raise of ten cents over the last two years.

Pursuant to the Tri-City Herald's front page story, "Farmers group challenges feedlot," I must challenge what seems to be an effort to question the integrity and intention of Easterday Ranches.

We are writing in support of Prosser School District's replacement M&O Levy.

As members of the Pasco School Board it's our responsibility to set the levy amount every two years for the Pasco School District. We do this with care and understanding of our situation in Pasco. We recognize that as a property-poor district our levy amount tends to be higher than some of our neighboring districts. We put hours into making these tough decisions and ask for only that which the district needs to maintain our programs. We realize it is a sacrifice for everyone, but one that will impact our children and community forever.

As we head into a new legislative session, I am watching with a close eye how our state leaders will react to our current state budget deficit. With the potential for new taxes that would be hurtful to business, it is important that people become informed and involved.

The Kennewick School District maintenance and operations levy is on the Feb. 9 ballot. This is not a new tax, simply a replacement for the existing one. Your yes vote will continue to provide a significant part of the district budget that covers items we all consider a vital part of a well-rounded education for our children.

In my purse I carry (and reread) a copy of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

An estimated 27 million people are enslaved worldwide. That's 27 million, you heard me right. It's a huge number, can you even comprehend that? Can your mind even grasp that? That's 27 million humans. Do you know how many 27 million is?

I am retired and living on a fixed income. Ballots arrive in the Pasco mail in a few days, asking for a local levy. Those locally approved funds qualify Pasco schools for state dollars. The levy provides

I certainly appreciate the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce for the full page ad they ran in Monday's paper. As a recently retired businessman, I know far too well the ominous burden the B&O tax places on businesses in this state. An increase to the B&O tax and/or a combination with a sales-tax increase will lead to real job losses.

I feel compelled to write after reading Christi Mitchell's letter (Jan. 10). Ms. Mitchell obviously is angry and bitter over what she feels the Pasco School District has done with the boundaries of Pasco and Chiawana high schools. She is using this frustration and anger to fuel her decision to vote no in the upcoming levy (not a bond) -- for all of Pasco School District. I cannot remain quiet if this letter is used to influence other voters.

The Columbia County Health system is now in excellent shape, but we must pass this hospital technology levy if we are to sustain our quality of life here. There are many excellent reasons to vote yes for the hospital levy -- provide better care, keep maximum Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements and provide safer and better protection for your personal health information. But the bottom line is we need this one-time levy to keep our excellent health system a viable and contributing part of the community.

As a member of the community, I know how important it is to pass our levy that is coming up Feb. 9. My daughter graduated from Finley in 1999. Now, I have two grandchildren who are going to Finley as well. Without the levy, programs and staff are cut that greatly impacts our children's learning.

President Franklin Roosevelt proposed a second Bill of Rights in 1944:

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, Finley voters will have an opportunity to vote to determine the level of financial support that will go directly from our community into our schools. These levy funds are critical to the district as it faces cuts from the state in basic education funds and other programs. The possible loss of levy equalization funds makes passage of these replacement levies essential in order to maintain our current school programs.

Pro-global-warming experts will tell you that record cold temperatures across this world, which we have experienced these past years, do not disprove global warming, as indicated in the article appearing in your Jan. 7 edition.

The Port of Kennewick, commercial and city visionaries are making Clover Island an excellent place to visit. As a citizen in support of the riverfront Revitalization Plan, the new lighthouse is an interesting addition! It's an attractive fixture visible from the bridge and by island visitors. A very small portion of local tax dollars actually go to building this lighthouse. Funding comes from sources including grants such as the State Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account. The city website reports thoroughly how local tax dollars are balanced. Our property and sales taxes mostly go to fund education, municipal support, affordable housing and to charitable capital projects than it does to projects like this.

I am proud to be an employee of the Finley School District, where I can see firsthand all the achievements and accomplishments of our students and staff.

You hit the nail on the head with your recent editorial on leash laws. I've lived here all my life and I've worked with dogs since 1972. I have found all dogs, if put in a wrong situation for the individual dog, will go to the primal instinct of the pack. I think that a breed-specific regulation is a detriment to all dogs. The owner is responsible for that particular dog, whatever breed it is.

To decide if "health care reform" is a good idea requires thought about some basic ideas and laws. Before Congress decides if we should cover all citizens or tax the rich more to pay for this or should we cut Medicare benefits to pay for it or can we afford it at all, we need to ask a fundamental question. That question is: "What is stealing?"

I am writing this letter because I'm certainly disappointed in the turnout of people to support the dances held around the Tri-Cities.

As a senior citizen who has pledged allegiance to the U.S. for many decades, by reason of my citizenship under the Constitution, I should be accorded certain guaranteed protections.

We have been Pasco residents for the last 18 years and have enjoyed all that Pasco has and continues to offer. Though we have benefited from the river, parks, housing, entertainment and shopping, nothing compares to the quality of education our children received going through the Pasco School District.

Twenty years ago, my husband and I moved to Finley for the main purpose of having our three boys attend a smaller school district. All three graduated from River View High School and are college graduates. They are independent, successful, and contributing citizens.

A while back, a work crew rebuilt the intersection of Road 64 and Wernett Street. Road 48, Road 52, Road 56, Road 60 and Road 68 all have no stops at crossings with Wernett.

As a lifelong resident and product of Pasco schools I would like to ask all Pasco School District patrons to join me in voting YES for the Pasco School Levy. School funding continues to shrink. In the past year $14.1 million in state and federal funding shortfalls created serious budget challenges that was met head on by the school board. Their wise stewardship has been recognized throughout the state as our board was chosen the School Board of the Year. Most impressive is the fact that even with shrinking resources, Pasco students continue to rise to the top in academics and activities.

I cannot believe that a shortfall of $12,000 could jeopardize the racing season in Kennewick. Maybe $12,000 a race or a day, but not for a season. I'm surprised a wealthy philanthropic rancher doesn't just donate the money. Simply increasing the entrance fee a dollar could cover most of it.

A Jan. 6 letter stated that many of the framers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution "were deists or held no real affiliation to any organized faith." The historical records indicate otherwise.

A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel composed of Democrat-appointed judges (Reinhardt (Jimmy Carter), Tashima (Bill Clinton) and McKewon (Clinton), failed to recognize the real issue in the Washington felon voter disenfranchisement law. The plaintiff inmates, made up of various minority groups and religions including Islamic fundamentalists, claim they are disproportionally represented in the prisons, implying it must be the fault of social inequality. Remarkably, two of the three judges on the panel agreed.

In just a few weeks, Finley citizens will be asked to vote on the renewal of the maintenance and operations levy for the Finley School District -- a ballot issue that will have a long-lasting impact on Finley children.

Tiger Woods, through no fault of his own, has lost millions of dollars due to alleged sexual misconduct. As he lives in a country that has a litigious nature, he should sue ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, producers of Two and A Half Men, Desperate Housewives, Family Man, daily soap operas, How I Met Your Mother, Friends, David Letterman, Seinfeld, and many other TV programs, movie producers, music producers and publishers because the most popular of them blatantly suggest that promiscuity, premarital sex, extramarital sex and homosexuality are acceptable and permissible within our culture. Therefore, since our culture also has determined that we are not personally responsible for our actions -- bartenders make us drink too much, telephone poles cause wrecks, accidents caused by rotary lawnmowers when used to trim hedges are the manufacturers' fault -- Tiger should sue because he thought his behavior fit within the norms of the society and culture he sees on TV and movies, reads in novels and listens to in music.

The air flowing through a wind turbine and the water flowing through a hydropower turbine are similar in the sense that both are solar energy carrier fluids. The potential energy extracted from a river was put there primarily by sea surface evaporation and subsequent precipitation in the mountains. The potential energy extracted from the wind is driven primarily by surface temperature differences.

As a resident of Franklin County, I was outraged to read the article regarding Franklin County commissioners not only taking a pay raise, but also that they are being paid such high salaries.

My family has invested in Pasco Schools for nearly five decades, since the Eltopia school was closed. Our parents lobbied to keep Edwin Markham Elementary School open during tough economic times in the mid 1970s when school closure was threatened. Over the years family members have helped do security, plow snow, raise funds, install playground equipment and provide generators during power outages.

Regarding David W. Nelson's letter on Dec. 21. Do we want to live in an America where writing a best-selling book gets you labeled greedy?

I would like our community to know that January has been proclaimed School Board Recognition Month by our governor. I have the honor to work closely with the Prosser School Board members as they address some of the most difficult issues ever facing an elected school board.

B Reactor park? You have got to be kidding. A national park is just that, a park. When did a nuclear reactor qualify for being a park? Can you go hiking there? Can you play with the dog there? Can you picnic there? I could go on forever with things you cannot do in a nuke reactor. Give me a break. This must be part of a stimulus package.

I think I have the answer to the debt problem we have in this country. Hollywood! I see in the Jan. 4 issue of the Herald that Hollywood finished 2009 with $10.6 billion domestically, easily surpassing the previous record of $9.7 billion in 2007, according to Hollywood.com.

Now a Russian blogger (www.snopes.com/politics/ soapbox/pravda.asp) says we are Marxist. What in the world makes a Russian think he could recognize Marxism when he sees it?

Well, in reference to Stormy Cloud's letter to the editor on Jan. 6, I don't think we have to worry much about our kids getting information about our Founding Fathers, as the revisionist history that they are taught now in our schools, already teaches what a terrible country we have had from the beginning, and I really don't believe that's where they are getting their "role models." Have you had a look at the movies and television lately?

In reference to the health care bill that will be discussed between the House and Senate to work out the differences, I wanted to let those retired military folks know that this bill as written will about do away with the Tricare for Life. You will start paying more and more money for not only Medicare but also what is left of Tricare (look at Article 189).

Regarding the recent Travel article, "Experience SNUBA." As an experienced scuba diver, I would submit two comments.

Reading about Mr. Elephant I felt a need to comment. Although I never personally saw this beloved children's slide, I do think that restoring and rehabilitating this attraction would be a worthwhile thing to do.

I recently came across the following writing reportedly by Cicero, a Roman politician and philosopher who died in 43 B.C.

You darn tootin'! I loved them. I'm an old guy, aka a "Geezer," and considered a menace on the road. When I'm driving my Olds (a clunker, it's called now. I like it because it's easy to get in and out of and has low miles) down the street to the pharmacy, the Lexus and Mercedes give me wide berth. I like that. I've driven a million miles without a fender bender. Now I am required to carry liability insurance. Cost is $1,100 a year because I'm old. Never needed that in the good ol' days.

When you're in your 70s, all the past seems like "good ol' days" and in one sense it is. Having been born in the good ol' USA to a loving family with the opportunity for a good education, good jobs and worldwide travel -- how much better can it get?

I agree with the recent letter concerning wrestling coverage in the Herald and on our local news. As the parent of a high school wrestler who has been wrestling since the fifth grade, I am often disappointed to find no coverage whatsoever in the Herald or on the news.

I stabled my first horse at Sundowns in 1980. I was 16 years old and have been renting space the majority of the time ever since. On several occasions, I have moved our operation to other cities, including Boise and Auburn. My wife and I always seemed to find our way back to the Tri-Cities, passing up what would appear to most as golden opportunities.

Ahhhh, the good old days. Still the same in some aspects. Politics are still an ongoing argument; who's right and who's wrong. Working and making a living, still the same, just a different level of economics. We make more, 'cause everything costs more.

As a baby boomer I think the good ol' days were the good ol' days.

Times may not have been better in the past, depending upon one's age and location. Times were not good if you had to live through the Depression or were affected by World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the current actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even though health care is a major issue, people are now living longer thanks to advances in medical technology.

Seven years ago, I began to prayerfully consider a call to serve as a pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Prosser. One of the things particularly important to me was the quality of education my children would receive.

All I saw was good ol' hard work. Guess the other days -- the good ones -- are still on their way.

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be. (sigh)

I am and will continue to vote no on any levies or special bonds for the Pasco School District.

I am writing in support of the Pasco School District 2010 maintenance and operation levy that will be on the Feb. 9 ballot. The cost of this levy to a homeowner of a $100,000 home would be $4.55 a month. Passage of this levy is important to maintain a quality educational program for all Pasco School District students and to avoid painful cuts that will have a direct, negative impact on the students.

My New Year's wish for myself, all mankind, and the Tri-City Herald is that we all learn to make better decisions.

I am an owner/trainer of racing thoroughbreds in the state of Washington for 30-plus years. I am not going to be able to train at Sundowns this spring because of the increase in stall rentals by Benton County.

I am a retired resident of Finley living on a fixed income. Since moving to Finley about seven years ago, I have learned a lot about what living in Finley has to offer. We have no actual town to speak of, but what we do have is a real community spirit of neighbors helping out neighbors and a pride in our schools, especially Panther sports.

I had the privilege to do a ride-along with Kennewick police Officer Rick Marquette the other night. I want to praise the job of Officer Marquette along with the other police officers. This was an eye-opener for me. I would encourage other citizens to similarly get involved.

Since June, there have been three terror attacks in the U.S. In June, an Army recruit was killed in Little Rock, Ark. In November, 13 were killed in Fort Hood, Texas, and last month a failed attempt to blow up an airliner in Detroit. America is under attack again. The person in charge of Homeland Security said earlier this week that the system is working. Working for whom? For us or for those who are trying to kill us? If she were on that airliner, would she still think that? Oh, that's right, she flies on Air Force jets. It is time for us, voters, to get proactive. We need to start demanding of our government to get to work and start securing our country. Our government seems to think we are here just to pay for their lavish lifestyles and fuel for their carbon-emitting Air Force jets. The jets should be used for protecting us, not chauffeuring worthless politicians. The politicians need to pay for their own transport.

I appreciated the letters from J.L. Smith, Franz J. Markowski and Bryan Pepin-Donat over the past few days.

In reference to retired Judge Fred Staples and his county seat bid again. I would say that either Staples is jealous about where the county seat is located or he just has some direct problems with Prosser.

It is past time for the few owners of the gas stations in the Tri-Cities to explain to the citizens of this area the reasoning behind our gas prices exceeding most areas of our state most of the time! We were in Spokane recently and saw gas prices for regular gas at major stations priced at $2.49, $2.59 and, in one case, $2.69. Why is ours in the $2.70s (a recent drop, by the way).

Clauses buried in the Senate health care bill, attempting to forbid any future Congress from changing any of the provisions relating to the dictatorial, biased "Independent Medicare Advisory Board," were inserted into the bill during closed-door meetings in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office, not by an amendment duly considered by the Senate.

It seems Fred Jensen (Letters, Dec. 23) only considers criticism justified when it comes from his poison pen. If we are offended by his threat to "irrigate the tree of liberty" with the blood of liberals, we must be thin-skinned. Or, if we aren't interested in reading the authors who reinforce his prejudices, we "are against learning." But it is his statement that "conservative thought is rational, considered and based on actual observation" that is the most glaring example of hubris and hypocrisy.

Few religious conservatives complimented President Obama, considering most think he's too liberal and socialist to be a true Christian.

While watching a recent local TV news broadcast about icy road conditions, I was surprised to hear the reporter say that there is not a law in our state requiring you to move to the left lane, away from the lane next to a tow truck driver stopped on the side of the roadway with their red lights on as you have to for a law enforcement officer.

I am appalled at the corruption and deceit behind our country's latest health care bill. As many know, the Senate was able to pass a majority in pushing federal health care one step closer to President Obama's signature.

Regarding the recent editorial, "Creativity needed to save Tri-City horse racing meet."

Many comparisons and comments have been made regarding the two health care bills that are now headed for conference in Congress. One issue that has not received much attention is the limitation both bills impose on Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Both bills would limit FSA savings to $2,500 per year (HR 3590, Sec. 9005 and HR 3962, sec 532).

Why are our children's morals slipping?

Once again the local boaters and Yacht Club members treated our community to a brilliant display of parading boats to ring in the Christmas season.

Jefferson Davis invented the states' rights rationale. Then he was shocked and enraged by whites in western Virginia. After decades of intimidation from wealthy slave owners, they seceded from the Confederacy and joined the Union as West Virginia. Thus Jefferson Davis' states' rights ideology backfired, and he publicly repudiated states' rights in December 1862.

Fred Jensen vilified liberals, forgetting that "liberal" and "conservative" cover a broad variety of individuals, some of whom are bizarre (Letters, Dec. 23).

While the outcome at Detroit Metro Airport was thankfully not tragic, the lead-up was a repeat of Fort Hood. The warning signs were there. Why was Mr. Abdulmutallab not on the no-fly list? Why was he issued a visa? His own father warned us.

I got a good chuckle from D. Nelson's statement "The measure of a person is not in the promises made, but in the promises kept," in "Palin criticism valid" (Letters, Dec. 21). Nelson needs to remember that Palin is just another politician who makes promises and breaks them. So what's new? At least her broken promises didn't adversely impact the whole country.

What is it with this demand from media "pundits" that President Obama and Democrats should return to a political center?

I, a senior citizen, urge all my fellow seniors to fight this horrible threat that will cause us to lose medical care if this socialist troika of tyranny -- Obama, Reid and Pelosi -- win out in Congress.

w It covers about 20 million more people for about a trillion more dollars. That's not a Cadillac plan; it's a Maserati.

In view of the health care reform that was just passed in the Senate, I would like to weigh in on the debate.

When I first arrived in the Tri-Cities 30 years ago the most prominent (according to the AAA guidebook) attraction was the water slide on Canal Drive. Things have improved considerably since then but we are still lacking in development of our greatest local resource (Badger Mountain aside), the three rivers that flow into the Tri-Cities and the five-mile-long park that gives us so much pleasure.

Re: Recycling inmates (Letters, Dec. 23)

Unfortunately, the current health care bill has evolved into an anemic shadow of its former self. In spite of being elected, in part, to reform our sick and bloated system, President Obama has fallen victim to a just-say-no Republican campaign determined to make this issue "his Waterloo." Never mind that the end result would mean more of the same for our country ... rising costs to consumers, increased profits for insurance companies and most disastrously, no health care at all for far too many Americans.

Not long after the new year, pro-abortion leaders will be poised to pass a bill that will, for the first time in our nation's history, allow for the direct funding of abortion and define abortion as "health care."

Looks like Oregon is about to be Californicated again. A huge wind farm covering 30 square miles of land is to be built near Arlington so that Southern California Edison can claim that California is reducing its greenhouse emissions (Tri-City Herald, Dec. 11).

We recently witnessed the Senate's darkest hour when they passed the largest entitlement in U.S. history. The ObamaReidCare bill was written in secret and rushed through the Senate so the public and most, if not all, senators would not know what it contained.

While Hanford High in Richland has an excellent drama program and some outstanding students, Santino Fontana was not one of them, as your story on Sunday related (Tri-City Herald, Dec. 27).

Given that most of the public opposes this demagoguery, a better title for today's forum would have been "What do you most dislike about health care legislation."

There is a movement on in the U.S. where people are starting to wake up to the fact that our Congress is a bunch of liars, charlatans and snake oil salesmen. We are fed up with Pelosi and Reid who have no business in leadership rolls. They are not leaders, they are takers.

I just wrote letters to our senators and the president asking why not purify Medicare by taking out waste and fraud before considering to take a half trillion dollars out to help purchase the new insurance. Makes sense to me.

Many recent events have brought focus on our criminal justice system. Finally, perhaps our legislators can pass into law some reform that will treat, educate and help some of our incarcerated to re-enter society successfully.

Re: “Recycling Inmates.” Instead of blaming an overtaxed corrections system, and instead of yowling about those horrible people who went to prison as the result of a DUI death, why don’t we address the real problem: drinking and driving.

I continue to read letters in the Herald attacking Sarah Palin. Gee, if you folks don’t like her, why don’t you just let go and say so!

I have been a racehorse owner/trainer/breeder for 30 years. I spent most of those years at Sundowns. I have paid stall rent, security deposits (that were never refunded, ever), made all my own repairs and improvements and filled up the stalls with dirt (beyond what our horses dug). All the other horse trainers did that also.

Wrestling season is upon us and it would be really nice this year if the Herald could give the wrestlers in our area more coverage than in years past. I wrote in last year to the Herald and to the television stations regarding the lack of coverage and received nothing more than empty promises. The Columbia Basin has several athletes who dedicate themselves to this sport and it is always disappointing when the season rolls around and there are local tournaments that receive next to nothing in media coverage. It would be great to see more wrestler profiles done when the season starts similar to the layout done for football.

I have been a racehorse owner/trainer/breeder for 30 years. I spent most of those years at Sundowns. I have paid stall rent, security deposits (that were never refunded, ever), made all my own repairs and improvements and filled up the stalls with dirt (beyond what our horses dug). All the other horse trainers did that also.

Re: "Recycling Inmates." Instead of blaming an overtaxed corrections system, and instead of yowling about those horrible people who went to prison as the result of a DUI death, why don't we address the real problem: drinking and driving.

Re: "Recycling Inmates." Instead of blaming an overtaxed corrections system, and instead of yowling about those horrible people who went to prison as the result of a DUI death, why don't we address the real problem: drinking and driving.

Wrestling season is upon us and it would be really nice this year if the Herald could give the wrestlers in our area more coverage than in years past. I wrote in last year to the Herald and to the television stations regarding the lack of coverage and received nothing more than empty promises. The Columbia Basin has several athletes who dedicate themselves to this sport and it is always disappointing when the season rolls around and there are local tournaments that receive next to nothing in media coverage. It would be great to see more wrestler profiles done when the season starts similar to the layout done for football.

I continue to read letters in the Herald attacking Sarah Palin. Gee, if you folks don't like her, why don't you just let go and say so!

Wrestling season is upon us and it would be really nice this year if the Herald could give the wrestlers in our area more coverage than in years past. I wrote in last year to the Herald and to the television stations regarding the lack of coverage and received nothing more than empty promises. The Columbia Basin has several athletes who dedicate themselves to this sport and it is always disappointing when the season rolls around and there are local tournaments that receive next to nothing in media coverage. It would be great to see more wrestler profiles done when the season starts similar to the layout done for football.

I continue to read letters in the Herald attacking Sarah Palin. Gee, if you folks don't like her, why don't you just let go and say so!

I have been a racehorse owner/trainer/breeder for 30 years. I spent most of those years at Sundowns. I have paid stall rent, security deposits (that were never refunded, ever), made all my own repairs and improvements and filled up the stalls with dirt (beyond what our horses dug). All the other horse trainers did that also.

I have been reading with interest about Sun Down and stall rental uproar from the racehorse folks.

When I was growing up in Topeka, Kan., in the 1950s, we had two roundabouts in the Potwin School District. Very progressive, we thought. My mother took my sister Connie learning to drive at age 16 and the other kids piled in back. We screamed at every mishap. It's a wonder she learned to drive. Good memories.

The so-called "Mozart Effect" (Letters Dec. 15) is based on a term coined by Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis in 1991. Roucher, Shaw and Ky (1993) formalized a study on these phenomena. The term was further popularized by Don Campbell, who wrote a popular book on this subject and owns the trademark.

On Feb. 9, Tri-City area schools will be asking our community members to vote and pass a maintenance and operations levy. This levy in Pasco's case is renewed every two years.