Letters: Atomic bomb, license denied and White House silence | Jan. 23

Letter’s basis was ‘radical history’

Mr. Sakamoto’s letter “Dropping A-Bombs Wasn’t Necessary,” (Tri-City Herald, Jan 12) demands a response. The debate over the need to drop nuclear bombs on Japan started two years before they were dropped and has continued since. There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate based on the same facts.

Mr. Sakamoto’s assertion that the claim the bombings prevented deaths by forcing the Japanese to surrender was disproved by Howard Zinn in his book “A People’s History of the United States,” is at best a poor argument and at worst a radical view of history.

Zinn’s writings focused on tinder-box issues, such as the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, civil disobedience, communism, and socialism, which may have accounted for their popularity during the 1960s.

I happen to agree with many of Zinn’s views on war, social justice, and equality, ideas that are beginning to re-surge among Millennials. While his distorting, exaggerating, ignoring, and radically revising history may have sold many books, they ultimately undermined his credibility and many of the good causes he promoted. I encourage Mr. Sakamoto to find a more credible source to support his assertion, if there is one.

What’s in a name? A business license

Because of an over zealous Richland City Council, my application for a city business license has been denied because I have marijuana in the LLC name. I made it clear that this was not a 502 business, making it legal to sell marijuana products. Despite this, I have been denied, and I assumed that Richland was more small business friendly until this happened.

This was set up to be a vape shop on Goethals Drive, but now I must find a way to get through the council as my building could be rented anytime and other hurdles are still waiting. Thank you for your time.

The truth will set you free — maybe

Imagine you are accused of some crime. Numerous people have come forward to drag your name through the mud. Now imagine you know several people who can clear your name by coming forward with the truth. Imagine you have the power to compel your people to testify— or not.

Would you order them to testify? I certainly would, and I bet you would too— if you’re innocent.

What if you’re not innocent though, and your people know that? Do you have them testify and risk making things worse for yourself? Or do you tell them to remain silent? I would tell them to remain silent, and I bet you would too— if you are guilty.

The truth will set you free— if truth is on your side.

Not so much if you’re corrupt.

The honest man takes refuge in the light of truth because he has nothing to hide. Darkness and silence are the refuge of the corrupt and dishonest.

The deafening silence from the White House is proclaiming the true nature of our president and his cohorts.

Those who have ears to hear, let them listen and understand what the silence really says.

This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Letters: Atomic bomb, license denied and White House silence | Jan. 23."