What would you say to someone telling you, "My religious freedom depends on you worshiping my God?" Or that you can't eat certain foods because it is against the aforementioned's religion? Might you tell that person that in America we have religious freedom, and if they don't like it they can move to someplace like Iran? You'll worship your higher power the way you wish, and they can worship theirs similarly.

In response to the Nov. 20 article in the Tri-City Herald, "A critical issue," I will have my say. Do not cut funds to Lourdes Medical Center. The staff there saved my life on Nov. 11 from a pulmonary embolism. My chest was so full of blood I could not breathe. It was not caused by a car wreck or an accident. My blood was simply too thick to support my limbs. I lost my daughter in 1984. Now I know why.

What seemed like such a great deal 14 years ago, Washington's 529 GET program now appears to be a liability to the state as the Legislature is now deciding on whether or not to change the wording of the program, specifically to not pay for tuition increases for certain degrees or "fees unique to specific programs of study."

Wow! The Tri-Cities is truly a great community! It's awesome, that our community's big dilemma is where to place and how much more money to fund a merry-go-round! A community that doesn't have those in need of a warm coat, while out walking the streets, looking for shelter for the night. A community that has no families living in their cars because of lost jobs and forced evictions. A place virtually without people in mental crisis, who look at you with eyes that want nothing more than a kind word and directions to a crisis shelter. Like I said, "It's Great to live in a community, where the big debate is how much more money a time do we spend on a merry-go-round."

A while back, on a nice, warm, sunny day, I had a need to visit an electronics store located in the strip mall in Kennewick on U.S. 395.

Since when has it been socially acceptable for anyone, particularly an establishment as large as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, to succumb to peer pressure? Within three days of announcing its plan to cut funding to Planned Parenthood, the administration of the Susan G. Komen Foundation withdrew its claim with apologies.

Would I prefer a primary instead of a caucus?

While I understand the concerns, particularly of those in areas of high population density, about the logistics of caucuses, I still believe that they are worthwhile. Now that Washington has a vote-by-mail ballot, the caucuses represent the only opportunity average citizens have to come together and function as the body politic. They provide an inestimable value in bringing neighbors together to discuss and debate key issues. This is an exercise in civil politics, something which has become more and more rare.

The U.S. presidential process is far too protracted, trying and costly.

I believe that a presidential primary is a more accurate representation of all the voters, not just a few caucus members.

This letter is in response to the opinions expressed in Jan. 29 Fast Focus on the carousel project. I support the project going forward because it is a cost we should be willing to pay for a quality of life here in the Tri-Cities.

The press has frequently been accused of being liberal, and some talk radio is considered conservative. I suppose these opinions may be true to some extent, but one thing is certain: Fox News is a right-wing propaganda machine, as subtle and pernicious as any in history.

This letter responds to the Jan. 30 letter, "Party of the rich." Apparently, the author doesn't have access to facts: 1) The tax rate on the poor and middle class has been declining since 1976. 2) The wealth is evenly distributed between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House (Roll Call, Paul Singer and Jennifer Yachnin. 3) Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, as we know them, are on their way to oblivion because this Democratic President and Senate refuse to pass legislation to stave off their bankruptcy, and this Democratic Senate has not passed a budget in 1,000 days. 4) the previous Democratic candidate for president, John Kerry, (the present wealthiest Senator) had to marry twice to get his wealth -- an honest day's work? The last Democratic president to hold a real job was Harry Truman. 5) the Campaigner-In-Chief, President Obama, shows what bigotry is by mocking the handicapped (per his appearance on late night TV, saying his bowling is like a Special Olympics event), and mocking the middle class and those of faith, "They cling to their guns and religion."

Just dandy, after years of dedicated service and having a substantial understanding of the needs in our communities, we now have new elected officials who will represent us, none of whom has the background knowledge of the people I voted for to represent my district. None of whom even resides in Benton County. So much for my vote and yours. All four redistricting commission voting members just happen to live on the west side of the state and seemingly know what's best for our community. Isn't that convenient!

It's time for our legislators in Olympia to honor the will of the voters and implement Initiative 1163. This common-sense initiative protects seniors and people with disabilities by requiring home care workers to receive federal background checks and increase their training.

I prefer a presidential primary: It's cleaner, hassle-free, private, less intrusive, takes less energy, no personal contact, avoids time conflicts, makes electioneering easier, requires almost no personal involvement, as easy as voting on Idol. It just "fits" our contemporary lifestyle and political parties hate it. 'Nuf said.

I would prefer a presidential primary.

The Pasco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently voted to support Pasco School District maintenance and operations levy election and encourages all its members and the community to support Pasco Schools by voting yes.

Please support Pasco students by approving the levy on Tuesday. This will renew the levy passed by voters in 2010 (which will expire in 2012). It is not a new tax. Funds obtained from this levy help provide basic services such as transportation, maintenance and security services. Additionally, it helps ensure that programs such as art, drama and music continue.

As a taxpayer please take time to learn all the details about the Kennewick school levy. The information can be found on the Kennewick School District website, www.ksd.org.

I am president of the Pasco School District Board of Directors, but I write this letter as a private citizen. Every member of our community has a personal stake in the financial health of our public school system whether or not they have children and whether or not their children attend these schools. An educated citizenry is crucial for maintaining the future prosperity of our community and our nation.

As the Kennewick Citizens Levy chairman, I'd like to remind Kennewick School District patrons to cast their ballots. The levy measure now in front of us is not a new tax; it is a replacement levy for the two-year levy you approved in 2010. Again, no new tax and no new programs. The levy money keeps programs going for our kids that are important to us as parents, business people and community members.

Greg Morgan presents some pictures of Paria Canyon in Arizona, and has the audacity to express his belief that the sandstone was sculptured by a global flood (Herald, Jan. 2).

In the '70s, they blamed the Dobermans. In the '80s they blamed the German shepherds. In the '90s they blamed the Rottweilers, and now they blame the pit bulls. When will they start blaming humans?

During the past many months, we have been treated to Republican presidential candidates engaged in what is only loosely called "debate." A more apt title for these might be "candidate position statements," as they answer (or, like Gingrich, refuse to answer) questions likely to elicit unpopular responses from a liberal-biased media. Sometimes the candidates have taken de bait, often to their sorrow.

There is such a gap in the thinking between the average American and those who hold a congressional office it's like night and day.

In the dispute between Kennewick General Hospital and Group Health Cooperative, what about us?

Our son Julian is a fourth-grader at Maya Angelou Elementary in Pasco. He has been part of the Spanish dual language program since kindergarten. We are impressed and grateful for the education he is receiving.

Recently, a letter writer complained that retirees and those moving to the area without children in school must pay school levy taxes. This is rather shortsighted: most adults received a public education as did their offspring, regardless of where or their status now. Furthermore, all children are owed an education by society, which pays dividends with an educated citizenry. Finally, individuals and businesses looking to locate in an area require excellent schools. Please vote "yes" for all Tri-City area school levies.

The Kennewick School District levy vote is quite simple. A "yes" vote will continue vital services for Kennewick students, such as school counseling, specialist teachers (PE, music, library, reading, etc.), security, transportation and extracurricular activities (music, athletics, clubs).

Try to imagine schools without librarians, nurses, substitute teachers, art, music and drama classes, security, custodial services, buses, dropout prevention programs, clubs and athletic programs.

Once again, the Finley community has the opportunity to support the Finley School District by voting "yes" to the renewal of the maintenance and operation levy. Before we exercise this right, we should at a minimum educate ourselves as to who the players are and what is at stake.

Once again, the Finley community has the opportunity to support the Finley School District by voting "yes" to the renewal of the maintenance and operation levy. Before we exercise this right, we should at a minimum educate ourselves as to who the players are and what is at stake.

Forty years ago, my family moved to a large home in the "country" on 10th avenue and Kellogg Street in Kennewick. We were surrounded by alfalfa, so I just knew I would finally get what every child wanted back then; a pony or a pool. I didn't get either of them. I remember my dad saying, "Just because one has the money doesn't mean one can afford it."

It is with great concern that I write urging your continued support of the Pasco School levy. Every two years, the citizens residing within the Pasco School District get the opportunity to review the district's performance and decide if continued levy funding is warranted. I can't help but recognize the recent achievements of the district. Pasco had the highest graduation rates in the Tri-Cities and even exceeded the state average on extended graduation rates.

In 2008, our youngest child graduated from Kamiakin. It would be easy to say that now that our children are out of school, our support of the schools could be diminished. But that is not the case.

Here is my true story of meeting an angel in the Walmart parking lot. So, my girlfriend and I were leaving Walmart and my car decided it wasn't going to start. I decided to try to push start it, but nope, that didn't work. We pushed it into another spot away from the melting snow. I went under the hood and one guy tried jump starting us, but it still wouldn't work.

I thought I'd tell you one for your Thankful Thursday. When I was gassing up my car at Fred Meyer a week or so ago, the wind was really blowing, I was trying to hold onto the gas nozzle and my hat, and I thought I put my credit card in my pocket.

We would like to throw our two cents in with regard to our paper delivery. We live in Canyon Lakes in a segment called The Village. We meet with neighbors up and down the street once a month to discuss current events and security issues about our homes.

Amid the snow and ice of mid-January, there was a flurry of activity to get hundreds of senior citizens fed in the Mid-Columbia.

As I looked out my window recently, I saw Dial-A-Ride picking up my neighbor, who is in a wheelchair, and take her to a doctor's appointment. The previous day, this service had returned her husband home after one of his three weekly dialysis appointments. I thought how great it is to live in a community that offers this service to those who need it. Without Dial-A-Ride, how would my neighbors get the medical help they need?

With the new reality of state funding for education, or the lack thereof, this year's levy vote is more critical than ever. Levy funding makes up almost 20 percent of the district's operating budget, but is not a new tax. Levy dollars are used to pay for art, music and physical education programs, as well as technology improvements, staff training, updated instructional materials and extra-curricular activities, including drama and sports. All of which are critical to ensuring our children get the best education possible.

I have already mailed my "yes" vote for the upcoming Kennewick school levy to show my support for the work that the district does in our community. I ask you to join me in enhancing the potential of the children of the Kennewick School District.

Pasco School Superintendent Hill has an informative slide presentation available at www.psd1.org and good arguments are presented for the levy but I found the statistics provided incomplete. Information on total revenue (state, federal and local levy taxes) going to operate Pasco schools is missing but the information is available at www.k12.wa.us/safs. The data reveal some salient facts.

Our son, Chris, lives in Thailand. Our daughter, Jessica, who is a 1994 graduate of River View High School, and our grandchildren live in Monroe. We have no children in the Finley schools. Yet we strongly support the Finley levy.

In response to Michael Scrimsher's Jan. 18 letter.

What is wrong with the following word pictures?

I read with interest John Bloom's letter (Jan. 25) about Doonsbury being vicious and not funny, attacking Newt Gingrich and should not have been published.

We live in an era of catastrophes caused by distracted drivers. The National Transportation departments recommends a complete ban on cell phone use (even hands free). Does that go far enough? The radio, eating behind the wheel, beverage consumption, smoking and conversation with passengers could lead to tragedy. How many accidents were caused by dropped fries or a spilled cup of coffee?

I agree there should be street lights around all the schools. They should stay on during all after-school hour activites. For the schools with main streets there should be a lighted crosswalk in place. It is too bad that it took the death of Sierra Murray, a Richland High School students on Oct. 20, 2011, for this to come to the public and the city's attention.

Please join me, a new Pasco resident and a Pasco parent, in voting yes on the Pasco Schools Maintenance and Operations Levy this month. The levy is increasingly important for Pasco students, schools and the community. The growing uncertainty around the state legislature's and governor's budget, coupled with increasing operations costs, (Pasco is among the fastest-growing cities and school districts in the state) make the levy all the more important.

Across the Mid Columbia public schools are waiting for an answer to the same question. Will you support them? It is a simple yes or no answer, not a confusing multiple choice or essay.

The Richland School District has earned your yes vote on the upcoming levy. Our highly rated schools are a cornerstone in bringing families and businesses to our community. I can think of no better use for $300 a year than investing it into something that will maintain the value of my home for years to come. Whether you have children in the system or not, a yes vote is good economic sense.

I want to encourage voters in Pasco to vote yes for Pasco schools. This is not a new tax. It would renew the levy that was approved in 2010 and that expires in 2012. This is not an increase. The estimated rate is $4.51 per $1,000, a decrease of 4 cents per $1,000 from what voters approved in 2010.

Huckabee keeps saying, "Obamacare was rammed down the throats of the American people!" How about trading off our jobs that the middle class was managing just fine on? That got rammed down American throats, too.! Which is worse, Obamacare or the loss of millions of jobs? Obamacare is just an excuse to get the Democrats out of circulation. Congress gets free health care, plus several other privileges. They don't seem to care whether we survive or not, because of loss of jobs.

Want to fix Congress? Here are some suggestions. Some are my thoughts ... some are from others:

Warren Buffett stated his staff pay a higher percentage of taxes then he does, "I have never had it so good ... I don't pay hardly any payroll taxes ... Gov. Romney hardly pays any payroll taxes ... Newt Gingrich hardly pays any payroll taxes. Debbie pays lots of payroll taxes ... If this is a war, my side has the nuclear bomb".

I am sure that everyone who advocates Congress repeal of McConnellcare (i.e., the new health care law that is commonly called “Obamacare”by people who don’t understand the Constitution) and starting over knows perfectly well that if the law were repealed, Congress certainly would not attempt to create something better in the foreseeable future, if ever.

The biggest economic burden is caused by the welfare system, not the immigrants.

There have been three articles on power generation in the past few weeks on the editorial page. The first was written about the wonders of wind, coal and nuclear generation in the Northwest. This piece made no mention of hydro, which I thought was strange. This person wanted to make the point of how the economical aspects compared. The next was on wind only and disagreed with the economies of wind generation. The third was about using turbines in the irrigation canal for power generation.

I agree that teachers should put kids first, yet when their salary is being cut and they're forced to pay out of their own pocket for school supplies, I think it kind of crosses the line, don't you agree? Teachers have other expenses and families to care for, too. I know of teachers that have had to literally pay hundreds of dollars to do school experiments and to be able to supply kids with basic supplies. There are some kids who never come to class prepared. They have no pencils, pens, paper, erasers or anything with which to learn. Then they sit and do nothing. In order for them to learn the teacher ends up having to supply their needs. I think teachers ought to be worried about how much they're going to be paid if they're going to have to supply kids and irresponsible teens with the basic supplies to learn.

We all should have serious concerns about the the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v FEC and "corporate personhood." The effect of Citizens United and the rise of "super pacs" opens the floodgates of money in corporate and union treasuries to fund elections.

I would like to commend Gov. Gregoire and the Washington Legislature for taking such a proactive stance on gay marriage. This is a basic right that I think that the gay community should be able to have. I mean who are we as straight people to tell the gay community they can't get married when there are a good amount of straight people who can't stayed married (See Kim Kardashian's sham of a marriage). Also how many times do you hear about people cheating on their spouse in politics and in the entertainment industry (cough cough Herman Cain).

One of the prerequisites for a thoughtful, meaningful debate is honesty and getting facts correct. Gary Boothe (Letters Jan. 22) is certainly entitled to his opinion. However, his rhetoric leaves him in a position which makes dialogue impossible. His assessment of Ron Paul is OK. With regards to the rest of his statements I find it interesting that ideas and statements attributed to the remaining folks listed seemed more the results of a fertile imagination than fact based. You don't like them! You don't have to! Vote!

I know it sounds good but our teachers and kids need to learn to do something our government cannot do, live within their means. Just look at it this way if you owned a home would you be mad that a bunch of people that don't own anything are the ones that are voting to raise your property taxes? I know I would, so say no to any tax increase and tell the government no more taxes! No income tax. No sales tax increases. No property tax increases!

Public education is everything. Children are powerless to say "don't cut my programs" or "don't reduce my opportunities." Only you have the power to ensure that schools can continue to support the future of our community.

Please mark Feb. 14 on your calendar and join me in voting yes for the Kennewick School District School Operations levy renewal.

The Kennewick School District, by any criteria, is an outstanding school district. It is recognized for its high academic goals, excellent educators, and supportive parents and community. Unfortunately, the state does not provide adequate funding to schools. Therefore, just to maintain the high standards of the Kennewick schools it is necessary to ask the citizens to support and pass the upcoming replacement levy.

Having been a teacher in the Prosser School District for the past eight years, it has been an honor to work with your students in the classroom and extra-curricular activities. Let's make sure they have the tools to be as successful as possible.

Barack Obama was not my first choice for president in 2008, but he is the only choice in 2012. He has served America well and deserves to be re-elected.

Recent letters attacking Greg Morgan's article about a global flood are exactly what they accuse him of: "uninformative, non-scientifically based and rather misguided." I expected a logical, scientific argument on how to tell a formation that is formed by wind versus one that is formed by water and waves. I did not expect either name-calling or trumping based on "most scientists know."

It sounds as if perseverance will pay off for those who have dedicated much time and effort into finding a permanent home for the Three Rivers Carousel. My own fond memories of the music, lights, movement and laughter associated with childhood carousels make me smile, and it is a good feeling to know that our children and grandchildren will have such a treasure in their own backyard.

It is easy to point to other states and localities regarding the wasteful use of taxpayer money. But here we have one in our own backyard. While there is some historical significance to what happened in 1922 regarding the transfer of oil reserves, is it worth the use of $412,000 of public funds to move this old building (for the second time)?

In a Sunday Bulletin article urging parishioners to contact their lawmakers to oppose gay marriage (SB 6239), the pastor quotes Ecclesiastes 3:7, "There is ... 'a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.' Now is that time!" Indeed it is. It is time to recognize one of the principles on which this great country was established: You don't get to use the power of the government to force your religious beliefs on everyone else. It's time to start -- as this church's motto claims -- "showing Christ's love and sharing his story."

It is grossly unfortunate that the letter Government's Imperative (Letters, Jan.18) is completely misunderstanding the word "discrimination." By pointing out differences and explicitly expressing the writer's wish to not allow homosexuals the right to marriage is discriminating. It is definitely OK to have his opinion on the subject, but let's make sure he has a clear view on the matter.

In "Government's Imperative," (Letters, Jan. 18) Michael Scrimsher claimed that "homosexuals have exactly the same rights as heterosexuals" because "both ... can marry ... the opposite sex," a chilling illusion rooted in his confusion about the purpose of marriage. Simply put, marriage is not contingent on an ability or desire to procreate; instead, marriage is about forming a recognized loving relationship, and because gay people cannot do so, they are not afforded equal rights.

Marriage has three distinct forms, civil (legal entitlements), social (recognized by spouses' social network), and religious (defined by spouses' religious affiliation).

I don't think they should have closed Carmichael hill. Sledding there is a Richland city tradition. Serious accidents happen every year and instead of closing it down, the city should put up safety measures to protect sledders from serious danger.

DOE wants to squander $5 million to (only study) routing natural gas from Pasco through a $250 million, 6- to 20-inch pipe run under the Columbia to the site to dry out a "waste" stream feeding the VIT plant.

Let me make sure I have this straight.

I contacted the city officials and asked if our street would be plowed. They said my street will not be plowed, sanded or salted because there is no money in the budget for it.

We have it on good authority that at the age of 7, Newton Leroy Gingrich picked up a small toy and struck his sister with it, making her cry. Why has this character-defining been overlooked by the mainstream media covering Republican candidate biographies?

What snow removal? Before we were annexed into the city two years ago the county took care of our roads. That was the difference, they took care of us.

In the 20 some years that we have lived in south Richland the city has never removed the snow from our culdesac. One year the snow was so bad that I paid for a tractor to cut paths for my family and my neighbors to have access to the city-plowed Greenview Drive. (Greenview is on the school bus route).

Last Sunday, there was a thoughtful piece in the Forum section by Ursula Potter on the necessity of due process. I thank her for this piece, and urge others to read it.

Do I understand that in order for "equality" to be served, we must abandon the Judeo-Christian belief and mooring of the sanctity of marriage and the definition of family?

Regarding your article on the new street lights being replaced in Kennewick and other cities in the area, I live in Pasco where they have replaced the street lights and I contacted the city to complain about the darkness we now live in. I was told that the new lights are much more energy efficient and will save the city money. The more energy-efficient lights are so dim they only illuminate directly below the light pole and do not radiate out to light the surrounding street and yards as the sodium vapor lights illuminated.

Here I sit doing something I said I would never do, writing a letter to the editor. I would like the people of the Tri-Cities to hear why I decided put forth an effort to build this carousel.

It seems more than a little surprising to me, but the Washington state Legislature is finally getting around to repealing the 1951 Subversive Activities Act, passed in the middle of the post-war Red Scare, which created the notorious legislative Canwell Committee that conducted innumerable witch hunts that ran roughshod over the civil liberties of hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent Washingtonians in the 1950s.

Recently I saw Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont on television touting Social Security as one of the most successful programs in history of this nation. Rather than go on a rant explaining how Social Security and other programs like them are economic and moral detriments to the advancement of society, I would just like to sum it up for Sen. Sanders and anyone else over 60 who think these programs are so wonderful.

I think the cities did just fine with the main roads and highways. The snow we had was hard to work with, as it was soft and didn't compact easily. Then with the freezing rain on top of it, it was just nasty.

What snow removal? There wasn't any snow removal on my street by the city. They don't remove the snow anyway. They just push it up in a pile in the center of the street or pile it up on the side and sidewalk which causes problems.

Compared to the rest of the country, we had it light. I had no problems (but stayed in the first day). I don't drive, but the buses are up to the task.

Thanks Richland road crews. I live on a hill and they kept it plowed and sanded, no problems.

I appreciate the many comments I have received on my Jan. 1 In Focus article on health care. I believe the article achieved its objective of having people think about what they were being told about health care.

On Feb. 14, Richland School District residents will vote on renewal of the district's operations levy. This important levy, which expires at the end of 2012, is put before voters every two years. State legislatures everywhere are shifting education funding to local taxpayers. Our state legislature has reduced RSD funding by $9.2 million over the last two years. RSD leaders have diligently sought to increase efficiency and keep money in the classrooms, but a $9.2 million reduction raises great challenges that can be met only by levy renewal. Without renewal, many programs and services will be eliminated or significantly reduced: art, music, physical education, athletics, and bus transportation are only partial listings.

Our community prospers from the circulating billions of dollars inputted by sporting events, agriculture, wineries, conventions, and most-of-all Hanford operations. Note that Hanford is sales-tax-exempt but I don't hear Mr. Cochrane (Letters, Dec. 26) complaining about that in his annual anti-Oregon-tax-waiver letter.

All of the kids in Kennewick, the future leaders in our area, deserve the best possible education. They also deserve the opportunity to take the bus to school, talk to a school counselor, ask for medical assistance from a school nurse, feel safe knowing that campus security is looking out for all students, compete athletically in middle and high school, and participate in music and other extra-curricular programs. With the current shortfalls in educational funding in Olympia, this replacement levy vote is very important in keeping the KSD running at the same high level that we have all become accustomed to.

Doesn't anyone listen anymore? The environmentalists are jubilant and the Republicans are crying foul about the president's decision to say no to the pipeline from the Canadian oil sands to the Gulf Coast refineries.

The Finley schools needs your yes vote for the replacement levy that we are now voting on. The levy pays for day-to-day educational programs and operations and makes up the difference between the cost of educating Finley's students and the funding received from the state and federal government.

Michael Scrimsher's letter (Jan. 18) regarding the definition of marriage shows he has his head in the sand and obviously doesn't understand his closed-minded babbling. As an ordained minister who performs marriage ceremonies, I am not required by the church where I was ordained nor by the state of Washington or the Federal Government to question whether a hetrosexual couple intends to, or even is able to procreate prior to performing the ceremony. The fact is, the "perpeutation of the human family" is happening with or without the ritual of a marriage ceremony and whose right is it to judge another on who they choose to love and form a family with. A child is still part of a "family" even if the parents are not legally married.

I urge Pasco School District voters to vote yes for Pasco schools. The funds provided by the levy renewal are essential for maintaining the financial health of the district and its ability to continue to provide a quality education for Pasco's children. Over the past three years, state funding for K-12 education has been cut significantly for all Washington schools. Pasco has been able to absorb these cuts thus far because it is constantly looking for ways to operate more efficiently. In fact, Pasco was recently commended by the state auditor's office for its administrative efficiency, and it was cited as model for other school districts to follow. In the state auditor's words, "We are hoping to identify what is going on in the Pasco School District so that other districts can emulate these efforts to bring down non-instructional costs so that more money can go into instruction."

Finley residents, please vote in favor of the Finley School District Maintenance and Operations Levy. This is not a new tax. It replaces the levy that expires in December 2012.

Does this mean Mr. Lusk is being investigated for his culpability in failing to enforce or report Ms. Lusk's lack of DOC compliance? Wow ... I hope not. Why not put a GPS tracking device on probationers with an alert to assigned DOC community corrections officers for activities outside the designated counties/onto restricted properties? Chaperoned outings could be pre-approved avoiding probation violations in restricted areas. While this may be seen as a violation of privacy, it is the modern equivalent of house arrest/electronic home monitoring for a restricted time and purpose.

I read Michael Scrimsher's letter (Jan. 18) condemning Gregoire and her position on same-sex marriage with disappointment. I could not be prouder of our governor, as her position shows a remarkable and commendable transition over the past two terms.

I just wanted to underline an important piece of information that came out of the recent Tri-Cities Regional Economic Outlook conference.

Thank you for the outpouring of support to my family due to the loss of our daughter, Sydnee Neiman on Dec. 8, 2011. From the moment of this tragedy we were surrounded by support from GESA Credit Union, Kadlec Hospital (chaplaincy, support personnel, doctors, nurses, and life flight), police officers and emergency response personnel. We had family, neighbors, and friends by our side immediately giving condolences and support.

Alfredo Barajas is a former student of mine who attended Highlands Middle School in Kennewick before enrolling in Kamiakin High School. I wish to thank and recognize all the generous students and staff members who have not only offered prayers but have also worked diligently and continuously in providing various types of help and support to Alfredo and his family at this most difficult time during his illness. They have truly been an example of "Love thy neighbor as thyself." I am proud to be a retired Scottie.

When a major winter weather event rages, how can we count the blessings?

I represent the Sundowns Training Center. We are located at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick. Two years ago we began negotiating with the county to open the facility so that horsemen, namely race horses, could come in the fall and train. The grounds had previously been closed to the public. We came up with a seemingly fair deal for both parties and we are now well into our second year of operations.

Thanks for the love, support and hard work to some very special people. Rides to Seattle, meals, taking care of our home, cooking and not one person asking for anything in return.

I would like to thank the cities for having the streets plowed. Also, the mail carriers and paper carriers are doing a great job and everyone else who works in these snowy conditions. Most people would understand if you couldn't make it. I especially want to thank the school districts for the two days and two hours off from school.

Thank you Jeff Czmowski for having the paper at our front door every day, year round and especially when you have to track through the freezing temperatures, wind, snow and ice. It is so nice not to have to go any further than opening the door and there it is, the paper!

One Sunday in December, my husband and I did a little shopping on our way from church and we were told "no charge" because a sweet young lady had paid for our groceries. I did get to thank her, but still thought it was noteworthy as she had children she could have used that money for.

You have the opportunity, by Feb. 14, to show your support for your school district as all three major districts will be asking for approval of their operational levies.

Elementary students in the Kennewick School District have been very successful in reading! Last year, 90 percent of our third grade students were reading at or above grade level at the end of the school year. Across the nation this is a great accomplishment! This accomplishment is a foundation for even more success as children move from elementary school into middle school and high school.

On Feb.14, Pasco citizens will vote on the school district maintenance and operations levy. This levy is a renewal of the current levy which was passed in 2010. Levy dollars are critical for the smooth operation of the district, especially as it faces increasing cuts from the state. Levy dollars support art, music and drama programs; librarians, library clerks and library books; school nurses, substitute teachers, elementary counselors, school security, maintenance and custodial services and student transportation.

As a kid who grew up in Finley, I not only got to raise animals and work on my parents' farm, but got a high quality education that rivaled my peers and allowed me to succeed while attending University of Southern California.

Every two years Kennewick residents have an opportunity to show their support of our kids by voting yes for our school levy. The approval of this levy will not only help support our kid's participation in athletics, art, physical education, music and libraries, but also will be critical to other areas not subsidized by our state dollars.

I am a senior at Richland High. It bothers me that the students at Richland High are often painted to only be jocks and partiers. I do realize that not everyone has this view, and that it is true to a certain extent, but few people talk about the level of academics we do have. There are six people in the Class of 2012 that currently have a 4.0 GPA. I know for a fact that most schools can't brag about six. Yet for some reason that is not what people focus on when Richland High comes up in conversation.

Today I received my voters envelope in which it is my choice to vote regarding the Pasco School District levy.

I am a Richland High School student and a member of its new club the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). I find it appalling how people think they can claim the word "marriage?" Isn't it flattering to the tradition that people want to actually marry?

As a member of my high school pep band I go to my school's basketball games. I have observed that more people go to the boys' game than the girls' game. Why is that? And why do boys' sports get more coverage than girls' sports?

My mom, Ida, is 93, obviously retired, but still supporting education. Growing up, she frequently told me, "I always vote for schools." And today she still plans to vote yes for the Kennewick school levy. As retirees, we know today's students will make future decisions in our community, state and nation. Personally, I want well-educated, informed and intelligent citizens making those decisions. I want them to understand democracy, value freedom and protect civil rights.

Voting "yes" on the replacement levy Feb 14 benefits the entire community. I have lived in the Tri-Cities for 33 years and have raised four children who have all graduated from Kennewick schools. They participated in music, sports, DECA and cheer. Each had a rich educational experience thanks to our community support of schools. All four children were well prepared for college, work and citizenship. They are successful teachers, coaches, medical and dental professionals.

According to the flier that the Richland School District published for the upcoming levy, it is offering a quid pro quo to all seniors and the disabled whose annual wages are $35,000 or less for a yes vote. Vote yes and the taxes will be removed.

Levy dollars allow our students to participate in extracurricular athletics, academics and arts programs. Not only do these activities provide our students great opportunities and experiences, they also serve to enrich and entertain our community. Supporting the Kennewick School District levy helps programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Please join me in voting "yes" on the upcoming Kennewick School District levy. This is a vote of support for Kennewick kids! Ballots have already arrived in the mail.

Arguments for same-sex marriage are based on deception. Marriage can only occur between a man and a woman. This is based on natural law. Those with same-sex attraction have their partnerships protected by civil law. What they are fighting for is to eliminate the freedom of Christians who don't believe as they do.

Tax season is here again. Are you wondering whether new provisions of the tax code apply to you? Free help is available from Feb. 1 through April 17 with tax assistance, preparation and e-filing. Tax-Aide volunteers have gone through a rigorous training program and have passed the IRS certification test. All tax returns are prepared by one volunteer and checked by a second. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a senior citizen to use this service.

Cronyism is the underlying reason for every wrong turn America has made since the Cold War ended. The Soviet Union's collapse left America as the only superpower; it was ours to lose, and we did.

Let's give our Marines a pass on the video that was released last month. They are tired, frustrated and angry. They have been fighting an enemy who hides behind children. The rules of engagement are forcing them to carry law books in their backpacks instead of grenades. Remember our contractors hanging from bridges? The people who killed our citizens on 9/11 had no respect for our country, much less innocent people.

I'm writing to support renewal of the schools' maintenance and operations levies. It's not enough to teach our kids just the basics. Ours is a global culture that requires a more well-rounded educational experience. Our levy dollars support programs that allow each student to find their own voice through participation in sports, clubs, art, theater and music. Levy dollars provide security at the schools. Levy dollars help maintain our buildings and buses and allow our schools to keep the instructional materials and technology up to date. Please help maintain excellence in our schools by supporting a renewal of the district maintenance and operations levy. I support the Richland School District and ask that you join me in voting to renew the maintenance and operations levy.

Biology determines that every human child has two parents -- one male, one female -- and they are his parents for life. Marriage developed to bind the child to both parents, and each parent to the other, so the child would have access to both parents. Marriage should protect the rights of a child to know and be known by his biological parents; it should not be re-defined around adults.

As a Persian Gulf vet, I've seen the good, band and evil that this world can dish out. I still try to stay positive out here in the Tri-Cities and remain productive.

Did I see that ad correctly, "Free Cell Phone and Free Monthly Minutes?" I counted the word "Free" 12 times.

What happened to health laws? I walk into fast food places and stores that prepare food and see women with their hair hanging in their faces. Twice in recent months, I've seen pictures in the Herald of girls preparing food with their hair hanging in their faces. This is not only unsanitary, it's disgusting. These businesses need to take responsibility for letting it happen.

I am very troubled about the gay marriage proposal currently before the Legislature. This bill is not about protecting their rights or the safety of gay and lesbian couples. Gay and lesbian couples have the benefits of domestic partnership which gives them shared medical and life insurance and every other benefit and protection available to a married couple.

After reading of the severe religious conflicts involved in the formation of our country, I can see why the First Amendment is about keeping religion from intruding on our freedom as much as it is about freedom to practice religion.

When will the 2012 Washington state presidential primary election be held? The answer: never. The Legislature decided last May to cancel our presidential primary. In its place, the Republican party will hold precinct caucuses (locations not available) on March 3. At those caucuses, a straw poll will be conducted and delegates will be selected. Results of the non-binding straw poll will be forwarded to the state party headquarters where the party elite will announce the composite results. The delegates chosen at the precinct caucuses will attend county conventions where delegates to the state convention will be selected. It is only at the state convention that the selection of a party candidate will receive serious consideration.

I love walking in the Natural Area at Two Rivers Park. I have enjoyed it the more than 20 years that I have lived near there.

Lorin St. John's letter (Jan. 13) was, in most respects, true.

I just renewed my license tabs. The plates on my car look brand new, but since they are five years old they "must" be replaced so I had to pay a $20 fee. For an additional $20 I can get the same plate number. So for $40 I can get license plates that look exactly like the plates that are already on my car.

There have been several items in the Herald lately that discuss the cost of health care. However, in all the discussions, I see a lack of placing responsibility for one's health on the person directly. Herein, I will argue that we can reduce costs to a level we can afford -- and the key is motivating people to lead healthier lives.

I am writing this in response to the persons who try to tell U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings that he should support job bills. Well, I know that in the real world there isn't any government job bill; it is taxpayers' money taken from the taxpayer and giving it to folks who can't make it on their own. I think Doc would do good as the rest of Congress to oppose any so-called "jobs bill."

I would like to express my deep, heartfelt concern that although I believe people have the right to choose a lifestyle, I do not believe that marriage between two men or two women should be allowed to become law in Washington.

My name is Bryson Creer. I'm a senior at Richland High School. I played lacrosse for Three Rivers Lacrosse last year for the first time. I hadn't heard of the team before I played, and I wish I had heard about it earlier. It was so fun and interesting learning this emerging sport.

Rick Santorum, who by the way, has no chance of winning the presidential election, went on air and states that we shouldn't be giving the gay soldiers the "special privilege" to remove "don't ask, don't tell." To force someone to believe that it would make some grown men uncomfortable is a joke! By the time you're in the Army, you're at least 18, you're an adult, and we hope in the real world. Being around a gay person isn't going to make you gay.

In a typical money-grubing fashion, the Republicans are showing where their heart is -- tax the poor!

Regarding Stan Fronczak's letter, "Slowdown at Christmas," published Jan. 9.

The Shepherd's Flat Wind Farm is just south of the Tri-Cities in Oregon's Morrow and Gilliam counties. This wind farm is the largest built to date. It will have 338 towers and generate 845 megawatts, enough for 235,000 homes. The electricity will go to California to help meet their requirement that utilities must generate 33 percent of their electricity by green renewable methods. The towers are made in China. There is a tower building company -- Katana -- 100 miles away in Ephrata.

It's sad no one has apprehended the two men who shot one of the pair of bald eagles Nov. 23 in Finley, collected body and feathers and loaded their boat in back of a silver Chevy pickup.

My name is Garrett Lamothe. I'm a senior at Richland High and for the past four years I've been irritated at a certain requirement the Washington school system is having us do. The culminating project is required for all students and is required for graduation. During your high School career, you are supposed to keep the best work from your classes. The purpose of the project is to show how much the student has learned.

I grew up in the Richland School District and have a degree and license to teach first- through eighth-grade. have participated in my children's classrooms weekly since preschool. I've been "in school" most of my life.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or friend of children, I encourage you to vote for your school levy. Nearly 20 percent of the programs in Richland Schools require local funding because our state Legislature has chosen not to fund basic education as directed by the state Constitution. The only mechanism we have today to fund these programs is to vote for the school levies.

As a volunteer to the Pasco School District's Citizens Budget Panel, I have had an opportunity to review the district's past, present and projected budgets and find the district to be an excellent steward of taxpayer money.

The Richland School District has a long tradition of excellence in extracurricular programs. Renewal of the operations levy will allow this tradition to continue even with the reduction in funding by the state of Washington.

Why did the voters cross the road?

As you cast your ballot, please join me and support our community's children. I have the privilege of working with Kennewick school students and have two children attending Kennewick public schools. I know the devastating impact the schools would suffer if this operation and maintenance levy should fail. Please join me and vote yes.

On Feb. 14, the Pasco School District will be running a replacement Levy for maintenance and operations. The current levy expires at the end of 2012. This levy pays for many necessary activities that are not funded by the state.

As the levy committee chairman for Pasco Citizens for Better Schools, I am writing in support of the Pasco School District.

On Jan. 5, I had the pleasure of attending the third annual Richland School District Music Teachers Concert.

It seems like the more involved I become in local and national politics, the more it becomes unclear whether or not the majority of voters and leaders agree with the concept of compromise. I'm a student at Richland High School and I don't seem to understand the emotionally-charged atmosphere of something that's supposed to be rational and clear-minded.

I think the community will definitely support the carousel. The fast-growing south Kennewick is the perfect place, given the recent development of that area.

Considering the rocky history of the carousel project, I think citizens will favor completion of the project only if it can be located in a 24/7 secured facility or location, with no further expenditure of public funds. It will need to be proven to be financially self-sustaining and protected from vandalism before it is installed. The arson fire at the Playground of Dreams and desecration of the Veterans Memorial serve to remind us that not all Tri-Cities' residents respect community improvements.

I do not think our community will or should give any additional financial support to the carousel project. This should have been "put to bed" long ago and whoever continues to spend their energy to keep it alive could certainly find a better use for that. Way too much money was already invested in a poor idea and now the best approach is to regain as much of the near million dollars invested as possible and cut any remaining losses and move on to a more well- founded project. Enough is enough!

Apathy is a powerful force to battle. The carousel has two very large problems. One is lack of funds. The city has tried about every way possible to raise the amount of money needed to erect and maintain a carousel. Despite all of the community's work, there is not yet enough money to build and care for it.

Imagine looking back into 2012 and having to admit to ourselves that we passed on the opportunity to bring to this community one of the last few hand-carved carousels left in the world today, especially knowing the horses had been restored, a safe location was approved and there was a plan in place that would not cost taxpayers any additional dollars.

The local community should support the new effort to build the carousel. It is just one of a few historical pieces still in existence and can become part of the many draws to the Tri-City area for visitors and local citizens. The carousel in Spokane is just an example.

How many of us have examined the subtle erosion of American jobs happening right here in the Mid-Columbia? When customer service is needed, we call an 800 number and are transferred to "Peggy." Translation: foreign workers performing American business from a foreign soil. Question: How can foreign employees be the voice of American businesses if they are speaking from abroad?

Read with interest the story about longtime Tri-Cities music teacher Mel Haug ("A man of music and mission to move onto Montana, by Dori O'Neal, Herald, Jan. 16).

The hope and change mantra that many embraced is now a relic of history and a useless bit of liberal demagoguery.

The best investment we can make for our future is educating our children. On Feb. 14, Pasco citizens will be asked to approve the school maintenance and operations levy. By voting yes, we will be ensuring that Pasco's children continue to benefit from the programs that we as a community have determined are important.

Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to raise taxes for transportation maintenance and upgrades. Last month, she threatened to hold our education system hostage for more sales taxes. Enough is enough. Her pitch for more transportation taxes comes on the heels of an "improve transportation" message from Sen. Maria Cantwell. Coincidence?

As our local school district superintendents and athletic directors determine the fate of the Big Nine conference, I ask that they keep in mind those parents who have children playing both boys and girls basketball.

I would like to thank my paper person for delivering my paper this week. I know the back streets and main roads were very hazardous and difficult to drive. I used to see you in the early mornings but haven't for awhile. Thank you for your dedication and bravery.

I am originally from Tampa, Fla., and I am not used to driving in snowy weather. Driving from work to my home in the Creekstone development in Kennewick, I found myself stuck in the snow. The nicest, handsome young man came to my rescue. He not only got my car unstuck, but got me safely home (he had to push my car partway home and into my driveway). A hug and "thank-you," to my anonymous rescuer.

I wanted to extend a huge thank you to the Kennewick Irrigation District for cleaning my sidewalk off every day that we had snow. It was a relief to me that my customers (who showed up, of course) got to the front door safe and sound. It is so nice to know that I have neighbors who look out for one another. Thank you, again.

My faith in humanity is restored.

I would like to thank veterinarian Charles Coleman and his staff at Pet Medical Center in Pasco, not only for their medical expertise, but also for their caring compassion in treating a wild animal.

I want to thank Tom Puryear and all those others who deliver the Tri-City Herald for the outstanding job they did when the weather was so uncooperative. I always found the paper in the box each morning at the usual time.

It takes many people to bring together the Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Washington. Whether you are part of the planning team throughout the year or one of the many volunteers who spent their Saturday putting the plunge together, you are appreciated. There are a few people I believe deserve a special thanks.

People take time to make and put sweaters on trees, however they walk past a cold, shivering animal and show no compassion for that abandoned animal.

Our governor of this great state, along with The Seattle Times and others seem to feel they make the values when it comes to same-sex marriage. The governor had originally stated she would not accept any bill from the legislators that would not allow citizens to vote.

In these times of an economic recession and high unemployment in the United States, and increasing foreign trade deficits, I must commend the Richland Police Department for choosing the new Chevrolet Caprice as the new Richland police cruisers! The acquisition of these new police cars, designed and made in Australia, will certainly provide a small economic stimulus to Australia.

Beginning back in the 1950s, there was a very popular NBC news program called The Huntley-Brinkley Report, with Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.

The Doonesbury on Jan. 8 attacking Newt Gingrich did not belong with any newspaper's comic strips. It was not funny. It was not entertaining. Even if viewed as a political cartoon, it was exceedingly vicious and vile.

There are initiatives out there gaining signatures so they can be put on the ballot to be voted on by us, the voting public. I want my signature on every one of those initiatives. I sign them all, no matter what they're for or against. The folks we have put into office aren't doing the job we elected them to do. For whatever reason, they can't or won't do it.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., came to the Tri-Cities in August, promoting the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. And in December, she was promoting an extension of unemployment benefits -- yet she has failed to even acknowledge the real issues of why her home state is broke.

"Gregoire supports gay marriage bill," according the headline in the Jan. 5 Herald. The article describes how Gov. Chris Gregoire wrestled with her conscience and her conscience lost. She deserves our pity and our prayers.

I noticed our leadership is seriously planning to extend benefits like tax breaks, spousal retirement benefits and insurance coverage to gay unions. I have never heard any discussion of how that cost will be covered. Since the state, Social Security System and many businesses are in serious financial danger, it might be worth looking at our precarious budgetary situations before supporting these additional benefits.

Over and over we read and hear about reduced money available for financial aid for our college-bound youth. As Richard Sanchez stated in the Jan. 10 article about the Latino/a Educational Achievement Project, hundreds of aspiring doctors, chemist, lawyers and teachers may never reach their goals because of the fact that they are not legal U.S. citizens.

The year has only begun, but I thought it might be fun to nominate each month our candidate for the "Idiot Congressman Award." My nomination this month is for Washington's own Rep. Norm Dicks, who claimed the murder of park ranger Margaret Anderson could have been prevented if only there had been a sign posted at the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park saying "No firearms allowed." Had such a sign been there, Benjamin Colton Barnes, who was fleeing Skyway for the shooting of four people there, would have obviously either left his weapons outside the park in obedience to the law or turned around and not entered so as to not violate it. After all, why would a law-abiding citizen like crazed shooter Benjamin Colton Barnes ignore such a sign?

The Jan. 5 Herald reported that Gov. Chris Gregoire supports gay marriage legislation. The Legislature has already expanded the rights of same-sex domestic partners. I am fine with that, but to call the union "marriage" is a flagrant misuse of the word. A different words needs to be used. The word "marriage" is already taken and defined as the union of a man and woman, husband and wife. I have always admired Gov. Gregoire and would not like to see her remembered as the Washington governor who approved redefining of the meaning of marriage.

In response to the Dec. 30 editorial regarding Franklin County Clerk Mike Killian.

I found it to be good placement of letters when on Jan. 6 the letter regarding same-sex marriage preceded a letter on illegal immigration. My point is that our own American citizens are being denied equality, yet according to the website cited in the second letter, illegal immigration is costing us the equivalent of the state's budget deficit in "services" to those here illegally. Absurd, but isn't this the American way these days?

The political circus has begun. Iowa had its caucus, and the nomination process has begun. It was the news focus that week, and most likely everyone heard of the results. My question is, so what? To win the Republican nomination, the nominee will have to get at least 1,144 delegates to vote for him. The 33 delegates that Iowa has is less than 3/100ths of what the winner will need. And even then, the Iowa delegates are not"committed" and are able to change the candidate they will vote for. But then I guess the advertisers and the families of those who work for them are benefited by this "much ado about nothing." If nothing else, it will influence the unemployment numbers a little. The reason I say a little is that the Republicans are known to be frugal. There is no prevailing wage issues here. Later, when the Democrats get involved the money will start rolling in.

Drawing a parallel between AIDS and climate change seems a big stretch, but let me explain. In Africa, as AIDS spreads rampantly, the Western solution has been to advocate for condoms. While theoretically an excellent idea, underlying economic realities foil the effectiveness. If a prostitute collects $4 for sex without a condom and $1 for sex with a condom, and the economic driver is to meet basic needs for tomorrow, the concern of dying from AIDS in 5-10 years becomes almost irrelevant.

For how many years now have we heard from various administrations and the Congress that the Social Security System is running out of money? We're also told routinely that the income from the standard withholding tax is insufficient to cover annual obligations. A natural consequence is that simply meeting Social Security demands increases the national debt.

The Tri-City Genealogical Society has presented the CREHST Museum with a $100 check to help them in their time of financial concerns. TCGS has helped CREHST on different projects over a number of years and is looking to help them again on some upcoming projects.

Gay marriage is now favored by our governor and some legislators on the basis of equal rights. As I have stated before, gays have equal rights. I can't marry a person of the same sex, neither can they. That's equal!

Since we have no experience in charter schools here, I can only state what works for my grandchildren in California. The advantages they receive by having community, parents and teachers reaching for the highest standards in education, the children thrive. They are active in every facet of learning from theater to advanced reading and math. There is friendship between all of the families with the emphasis on growing leaders and happy, well-adjusted, world-oriented adults. Since our education system is lacking in Washington, why not study the outcome of other states that do allow charter schools?

Washington voters have rejected charter schools three times and for good reason.

Washington voters have rejected charter schools three times for good reason.

Since every person on this planet is a unique gift to the world, it stands to reason that many young people have a variety of learning styles as well. Some children will learn no matter how you teach them; others need to be reached in an alternative-learning style.

These schools are governed by private school boards selected by a nonprofit corporation rather than elected by the citizens, taking away the right to elect representatives to oversee the spending of taxpayers' funds. Charter schools will be exempt from state statutes and rules applicable to school districts and boards, creating a separate and unequal school system. The Supreme Court just ruled the state is not funding the public schools it already has, let alone any new ones.

As voters become more educated on the many benefits of having a few charter schools blended into the community mix that most people in other states get to enjoy, they will eventually come around. In Pasco, the schools are bursting at the seams, but the state and the district do not have enough construction money to keep up with the growth. Innercity families that are interested in academic excellence without gang influences might pool their resources and open a charter elementary school to improve their children's test scores.

The underfunded school districts of Washington state are doing more for the students than any charter can do. Individualized instruction according to "Response to Intervention," which is in both Richland and Kennewick schools (I'm not sure about Pasco and the smaller districts) identifies students who need more instruction and provide that in the proper setting.

As we consider charter schools for our state we must ask ourselves what is the purpose of charter schools and take a hard look at research on charter schools.

Charter schools have been tried across the country for 20 years. They are no magic bullet. They are just an alternative way of organizing schools that runs the risk of reducing oversight, and especially local oversight, of the expenditure of public funds.

Louie Lemming stopped to pluck a berry. "Hurry up, Louie!" cousin Larry shouted. "We are behind and we have to catch up."

Top 10 Reasons Citizens of the Tri-Cities Don't Shovel Snow:

The presidential candidates that Republicans have considered so far are disturbing, to say the least.

I believe that a child's education is far more important than job protection for a teacher, regardless of the teacher's ability or performance. Children's education is also more important than teacher pay. Want me to repeat that? Should teachers be adequately paid? Affirmative! But when those two things become more important to the teachers (not all of them) than concern for what a child learns, then it is time for an alternative.

I am glad to see the recent letters to the editor critical of wind power. It's an asset but needs improvement.

Yes, Washington should give charter schools a chance, and the Tri-Cities is big enough to have a charter school. Charter schools put motivated students, who have motivated parents, with motivated teachers. I suggest the Tri-Cities would benefit from either an arts or a foreign affairs-oriented school to go with the STEM school, Delta High. Two more thoughts: 1) Consider a voucher program for students attending private schools as well as charter schools. 2) Studies have shown that the key factor in determining a class' performance is the teacher (teacher competence and dedication). However, I have to believe that the key factor determining an individual student's performance is the student's (and his or her parents') motivation and dedication. Education is a four-way team effort: student, parent, teacher, community.

Bob Page, "Execute Drug Dealers," Letters, Jan. 6) is right -- illegal drugs do kill people. So do cigarettes, alcohol and prescription drugs, all of which are classified as "legal." The truth is, legal drugs are responsible for more deaths of people I know than illegal drugs.

Yes. We should support charter schools. A definition: Charter schools are publicly funded elementary or secondary schools that have been freed from some of the rules, regulations and statutes that apply to other public schools, in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter.

The headline on page A3 of the Jan. 3 Herald, "Shooting renews gun law debate," was sad. Bill Wade, a former superintendent of a national park, proclaims in the article that the tragic death of ranger Margaret Anderson at Mount Rainier could have been prevented if Congress had not rescinded the ban on guns in national parks. His unfounded castigation of congressmen and senators who voted to allow for firearms in national parks is just another irrational knee-jerk reaction to a tragedy.

I support excellence in education. If a charter system would improve the educational opportunities for our kids and their futures then yes, I support charter schools. What I do not support is the continuing pressure to normalize homosexuality.

In my 50th year of marriage to my partner, Ann, I am thankful that Gov. Christine Gregoire has recognized that our Constitution requires separation of church and state, and has urged an end to unfair discrimination on the basis of gender in our state licensing laws.

This responds to, "Political pledges," (Letters, Dec. 18). It is uninformed to conclude that a single political party is responsible for the nation's bankrupting debt. In 2009-10 the Democrat Party controlled all elements of the government, and in two years the national debt climbed at a faster pace than any previous administration.

I recently asked for financial records of the Pasco School District to help me better understand the need for a replacing the tax levy. The records were promptly provided. I subsequently had the opportunity to hear Superintendent Saundra Hill very professionally and substantively address the levy need. I want to commend her on her presentation and response to my questions, questions that I might add were not very supportive.

I was one of the 19 employees recently laid off from Lourdes Medical Center. After nearly 30 years, I can say that the staff is great to work with, and I want to give them my prayers as they face many changes coming.

The editorial about Mike Killian (Opinion, Dec. 30) was way off base. As you admitted, it does fly in the face of Title 38 of the U.S. Code in regard to military service and rights of employment during such service.

I would like to comment on our new Kennewick ferry at Port Townsend. How nice to have it named after our town. We used to have ferries along our shores before bridges. Some were even built in Ainsworth before there was a Pasco.

I would like to say how thankful I am for good old-fashioned customer service that is rarely seen anymore. I recently ordered a couch from Beavers Furniture in Kennewick on First Avenue.

Thank you, Tri-City Herald, for Thankful Thursday. It is encouraging to read some good news.

What could be better than a young boy or girl catching his or her first trout? Well, that would be having it be a special tagged fish and winning a prize! The Richland Rod and Gun Club would like to thank a number of businesses for donating prizes that will be associated with special tagged fish at this year's Lunker Lake at the Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show.

In response to Jaeson Olander's Jan. 4 letter.

I cannot believe that a senior at Richland High thinks the Day's Pay bomber is the school's mascot! (Letters, Dec. 30).

Thomas Donnelly's opinion piece, "Giving voters veto power to overrule the courts an old idea," (Voices, Jan. 2) concludes that, "The American people should play a more direct, ongoing, deliberative role in constitutional decision-making."

I would like to congratulate Gesa on Sylvester Street in Pasco on their catching of the youngest bandit ever one recent afternoon. My daughter in-law Stefanie and son Doug were at the bank yesterday with their 4-month-old son Finnegan.

Again, our "beloved" Gov. Chris Gregoire shows her ignorance by supporting gay marriage. The reality is that it is not discriminatory to deny homosexuals the right to legally marry. With respect to marriage, homosexuals are afforded exactly the same right as heterosexuals. Both homosexuals and heterosexuals can marry one unmarried adult person of the opposite sex who is not a close blood relative.

Monday was a reduced service day for Ben Franklin Transit. This recently implemented program targets six days per year for providing fewer hours of service as a cost saving measure.

The Jan. 2 story citing structures within the Navajo Sandstone in Utah as evidence of a great flood was quite interesting, but the scientific interpretations presented are highly suspect.

Shame on the Tri-City Herald for perpetuating the ignorance and myth behind a global flood. Nothing could be further from the truth. Geologists for years have recognized the giant cross-bedded Navajo sandstone as deposited by wind, not by flood. Flood deposits have distinctive characteristics all their own and they are nothing like what is in Paria Canyon. Congratulations, you've been duped into publishing an article about Greg Morgan's ridiculous and scientifically unfounded creationist drivel. We deserve better.

As to the Jan. 2 Herald article, "Engineer sees proof of global flood in geologic formation." I won't address the veracity or lack of scientific reasoning behind Greg Morgan's conclusions, as I'm no geologist. But I will speak about the Tri-City Herald's motive for presenting this as evidence of anything global or divine. Passing this research off as Earth-shattering science is negligent at best and journalism at its worst.

Regarding Jan. 2 article regarding a local engineer's theory about a global flood.

I couldn't believe that the Herald published the editorial on Dec. 30, entitled, "Two jobs one too many for Franklin County Clerk."

I am shocked by The Associated Press article in which Bill Wade, a former National Park superintendent, claims that the shooting of Park Service Ranger Margaret Anderson could have been prevented if loaded weapons were not allowed in national parks.

Mike Lawrence's column (In Focus, Jan. 1) on health care was fascinating but totally wrong in its content. Mr. Lawrence not only supports "Obamacare," which is a "budget breaker" and constitutionally flawed, he would have a single-payer system like the United Kingdom -- government owned and operated without any private insurance.

Would you like to make $1,487.18 per day of work? Would you like to only work (there's a laugh) 117 days of the year to make $174,000 a year. Then, add in other benefits that you (read the public taxpayer) will never have access to? Health care, retirement, etc.

No, it should not be legalized. Also, some people with those medical cards to use marijuana and grow for their own use abuse it. They grow more than they are allowed and then sell it.

As a new provider of services addressing poverty, homelessness and stigma, I have read the recent Tri-City Herald articles on poverty and homelessness. These articles have been informative, well written and exposed the needs for these services. What strikes me is the lack of coverage on the many current and new service providers who are not-for-profit organizations also collaborating in the fight to end poverty, homelessness and the stigma associated with these crises.

Running your company into the ground and sending the economy to the brink of the cliff is not a cause for worry. Your insurance or the shareholder will pay any fines and incarceration is highly unlikely. Now, if only the pesky Occupy Wall Street protesters would go away.

One of the first things a visitor notices upon entering the city of Richland is that the town has no Main Street, only uptown and downtown shopping centers. No Main Street to tie the city together.

In his Jan. 1 In Focus column, Mike Lawrence correctly said that the American health care system is a mess. He recounted his own experience with the British system, finding it better. He expressed confidence that the Affordable Health Care Act, coupled with tort reform (yes!) and systematic rationing of health care would solve our problem. But this overlooks one important consideration -- the British and American governments are being bankrupted by entitlement programs. More and bigger entitlement programs are not the answer.

After the Dec. 31 article in the Herald about fuel as our nation's top export, I have to wonder why we have been told for so many years we have an oil and fuel shortage in the U.S.

It was annoying to find many businesses and public offices closed Jan. 2. While both reserve the right to choose their own holiday hours, I consider it inappropriate for public offices to be nonaccessible on a business day unrelated to the New Year holiday.

I have such mixed feelings about this subject. The best reason I can think of to legalize another drug abuse is to attempt to take the crime out of it and send the criminals that trade in such junk to the poor house, but I fear that since it will be taxed, there will be a black market trade that will still attract the bad guys and spill more blood on both sides of the border.

As I left the Richland Walmart in November, I was approached by a young man who asked if I was a registered voter. I said yes. He asked if I wanted to sign an initiative to legalize marijuana? I read over the basics of the initiative and readily signed it. Thereafter I went online and obtained copies of the initiative, which I returned signing by like-minded voters.

I do support legalizing marijuana. I think that by legalizing marijuana, it would stop a good portion of the crimes we see and put a lot of drug dealers out of business and not to mention the taxes the state would collect from the sales.

The question should be national, not statewide, legalization. The way the justice system is playing pass the hot potato on this issue is worse than the cooperation the U.S. Congress enjoys.

I applaud the efforts of Initiative 502 to legalize cannabis for adults in Washington state, however they have one flaw in it, the five nanogram limit for impairment. The Department of Defense of our great country has set a standard of 15 nanograms per milliliter of blood, or 3 times the amount proposed by I-502. That is a level for confirmation, or a positive result from a urinalysis.