COVID masks and boosters, drawbacks to wind and solar energy and other Herald letters
Review energy choices carefully
This is not a criticism of eco-friendly energy proponents but an appeal to research any proposed energy project. Every type of mass-produced energy has drawbacks as well as benefits. Do the research before jumping on the bandwagon.
For example, solar panels when (they) reach the end of the life cycle or become damaged, (they) must be disposed of as hazardous waste due to the heavy metal components.
Wind turbine blades are currently not recyclable and are becoming a challenge to dispose of. Wind turbines also kill birds, bats and insects. Locally the Ferruginous hawk is being threatened by the wind turbines already operating in the Horse Heavens. The latest proposed wind farm has drawn criticism from the Washington Game Department over a concern for migratory birds.
I recommend Apocalypse Never by Michael Shellenberger. Study both sides of the offering before jumping to support. We all want to preserve our state but don’t want to be sold a pig in a poke.
David Thompson, Kennewick
Cantankerous guy won’t live ‘in fear’
The headline about ‘’Contrarians’’ caught my eye. And I automatically said to myself, ‘’Hey someone’s talking about me.’’ But then said, I am not cantankerous enough. Because I finally got the J&J shot when I got my flu ‘’Vaccination’’. But then, only because it was a single shot, not 2, (I’m allergic to pain).
I had held out for almost nine months of passing on being given the shot, enjoying life continually and masking most of the time.
I quit masking when removing the mask, and losing a hearing aid that came off with the mask ear band never to be found again. Now, I only half enjoy life. For all of you who are terrified of us who do not wear masks (or don’t get the next round of shots) — get a life.
No, on second thought, start enjoying the life you actually have. Do the math, deaths divided by (just) reported COVID cases, and you are more than likely to die from just about any other known medical malady. Or death from auto accidents on the way to the grocery store. (I made up the auto accident data). I said above that I only half enjoy life. I actually enjoy life to the fullest without wearing a mask, not going to get a booster shot, without fearing I might get past/present/future life-threatening malady and might die. Like happiness, all of us may choose to enjoy life, or live in fear of what might happen. Some of us chose the enjoy one.
Signed: Mr. Cantankerous
James Mead, Prosser
‘Bypass’ doesn’t live up to its name
The definition of “bypass highway” is, “a road or highway that avoids or “bypasses” a built-up area or town to let through traffic flow without interference from local traffic.” The key to this definition is “without interference from local traffic.”
Currently our Bypass Highway 240 has several lighted intersections where its traffic flow is “interfered” with from local traffic. These lighted intersections are a disruption to all traffic flow on the highway, especially semi-trucks, which are inconveniently halted at these intersections. Upon a green light, they take forever to get back up to speed only to be stopped again at the next lighted intersection! City leaders lauded the newer Duportail route! I cussed it as another disruption to traffic flow on Highway 240! If overpasses or tunnels are not feasible, then there should only be right turns allowed on and off the “bypass” highway!
Randall N. Thompson, Richland
Kadlec, Lourdes health care great
Richland has amazing and kind medical personnel here. I arrived here in September and both Kadlec Hospital and Lourdes helped me immensely! All the staff were professional and knowledgeable. I had lived in Montana and living here in Richland, I now feel better than I ever have! I want to thank all of the staff at both facilities for helping me to regain my health. God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Peggy L. Shuster, Richland
Bill would keep local news alive
I am writing this on New Year’s Eve to support the social spending bill currently being considered in the U.S. Senate. I particularly want to alert taxpayers to the Local Journalism Sustainability provision. This small but important part of the bill would support continued access to local information, important to everyone in our community and other small communities around the country.
Rep. Dan Newhouse was a co-author of this significant provision. Congress convenes again in January. I have confidence Rep. Dan Newhouse will work hard during negotiations, when the bill returns to the House, to ensure this portion of the act will be included.
To all of you who are reading this, please contact your senators and representatives to ask for their support for this Local Journalism Sustainability provision. Go to https://www.house.gov/represenative or https://www.cop.senate.gov/senators. Local newspapers all across the country need you to let those who represent us know your wishes.
Barbara Puigh, Richland