Vaccine mandate, redistricting, Snake dams, Rep. Brad Klippert and other Herald letters

Vaccine mandate cuts State Patrol

Our State Patrol officers are being fired due to their unvaccinated status. We will have fewer patrols out and more cars in need of help and will have to wait till the nearest first responders to respond, which could be 20 miles up the highway. Whether it is officers choosing to leave due to the mandate or they have gotten fired, why are we letting our officers quit or get fired over a vaccination? Nine times out of 10 they are solo riding in the car, and are not in contact with other people unless there is an emergency or a routine traffic stop.

We have 100 or more fewer officers out on the highway making sure we are safe while driving. Going along with the mandate for state workers to be vaccinated, we will not have as many snow plow drivers this winter due to the same issue the State Patrol is having. Only main freeways and highways will be plowed, but there are not enough drivers to plow all the roads this winter. What are these issues showing us about the idea of a nationwide mandate?

Allysa Kyle, Pasco

Redistricting maps should be impartial

On page 6A of the Tri-CIty Herald of Oct. 21, there were 4 maps for redistricting Franklin County, to keep up with the latest census, and keep them politically fair (not gerrymandered, meet RCW 44.05.090).

But, what makes these maps fair, etc.? No rationale or work is publicly provided.

The Franklin county redistricting plan is to have a “re-districting committee” (selected by the “Commissioners”) create and provide three maps to “The Commissioners,” and then “The Commissioners” would choose one of them.

In short, “The Commissioners” control the entire process from beginning to end.

Are “The Commissioners” biased? All are Republicans. One is even the head of the Franklin County Republican party.

Now if Democrats controlled the entire process, what would the Republican commissioners think?

Sometimes, a problem can have an easy solution. Hire an “impartial, outside” expert. Don’t let either party control the process.

If you Google “redistricting companies” or “redistricting services,” an extensive list of companies will be provided.

Select one that both political parties agree to.

Costs should be split “equally” between both parties, or paid by the county.

All communications, data, algorithms, source codes, etc., should be shared equally.

Have them also provide the rationale, and basis for their work (maps.)

D.L. (Andy) Anderson, Richland

2 reports add to climate concerns

The recent IPCC report warns that the accelerating climate crisis, driven mainly by fossil fuel combustion, will result in dire consequences to human habitats and Earth’s ecosystems. Now comes a recent report by the Financial Stability Oversight Council that states that this crisis is also “an ‘emerging threat’ to the stability of the U.S. financial system.” This comes on top of assessments that climate disruptions represent globally destabilizing national security threats, including the increased risk of failed states and waves of climate refugees.

The lack of action on climate and a continuation of business as usual becomes unconscionable in view of all this. We owe our children more than just a good education and economy. They also need a healthy planet on which to live. In fact, a healthy planet is essential for a good economy. An array of actions is needed but a good first step would put a price on carbon. One of most politically palatable and effective ways to do this would be taxing carbon, increasing its price, but then returning the proceeds in equal shares to citizens to offset any increased costs. Please contact your senators and representatives to support this in currently pending climate legislation.

Dennis D Finn, Pasco

Police training time is too short

It is concerning to me it only takes approximately six months to train in law enforcement (police) and three years to train in law school (lawyer). Why is it that it takes longer to argue the law than to enforce it? I feel like six months for police training in Washington state isn’t nearly long enough.

If a person wants to enforce the law, there should be more schooling on what exactly the law entails, as well as more training on mental health and how to use nonviolent tactics and de-escalation techniques. I also feel like more schooling and/or training required for law enforcement would promote more people interested in public safety as opposed to individuals becoming police officers for power and a paycheck.

It is of the upmost importance to protect civil rights and keep our citizens safe from authority figures who are more focused on power than the general welfare of the people.

Destiny Kuespert, Richland

Oregon drug law concerns writer

On Feb. 1, Oregon decriminalized a list of drugs. This included cocaine, heroin, LSD, and meth, along with other drugs. My concern is that Washington may also consider decriminalizing these drugs and I believe that will cause an increase in use of these drugs as the penalties are in comparison to paying a parking ticket.

The measure used in Oregon is referred to as “Measure 110,” which basically states that for punishment of small possessions of the listed drugs, a fee of $100 must be paid. My concern is that this will empower users to continue using, and I feel like this can cause issues in public areas. Although I do not agree with the first part of the measure, the second part states that if found in possession of the drugs listed, the person would also have to talk to an addiction treatment professional. My primary concern is that overall drug use and DUI’s will increase, which can lead to involuntary deaths and accidents.

Eshan Vir Singh, Richland

Veteran worried about care change

It appears President Biden is abandoning a wonderful veterans program. It is called care in the community and enables veterans to receive care outside of the Veterans Administration to receive timely care and to see specialists. Personally, I receive care from a pulmonologist and cardiologists. I had three stents put in and heart valve repair. Now my future cardiac care is in jeopardy. My heart problems were caused by agent orange exposure in the military. I ask you all to help keep this program going. I joined the Marine Corps to serve my country knowing my life would be at risk; for that I was promised health care. That is all I ask.

Kenneth Brown, Kennewick

Remove ‘dams’ who hold office

There are some other dams in Washington other than those on the Snake River that need to be removed: The “Dam” governor” and the “Dam” senator behind this proposal.

It’s important to note that the federal fisheries and the state fisheries from Washington, Oregon and Idaho are not able to predict salmon and steelhead runs accurately. However, the devastation to agriculture in all forms is quite easily measured.

Mike Mehren, a dam-loving fisherman, Hermiston

Explaining vaccine to Rep. Klippert

Brad Klippert is infuriated due to being shut out of public facilities because he refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Okay, Brad, this is how it works: You get the vaccine, and then like magic, Poof!, you’re allowed in those facilities. See how easy that was.

Brad Klippert says he won’t get the vaccine because it doesn’t stop the spread of the disease. (Heavy sigh)

Oh boy. Now Brad, this is how vaccines really do stop the spread of disease. You see, what happens is people get the vaccine, and then they are way less susceptible to getting the disease. And then, as more and more people get the vaccine, it becomes harder and harder for the disease to find bodies without protection from the disease. (I hope Brad sees where this is going.)

Just look at America now, Brad. Lots and lots of smart people, and people that care about their families, friends and fellow citizens, have gotten the vaccine, and sure enough, it has helped stop the spread of Covid.

To coin a phrase from a very well-known Seinfeld episode: “And you wanna be my U.S. representative?”

Mark A. Domarotsky, Richland