Richland High School mushroom cloud shameful, and other Herald letters to the editor
Update approach on WWII pride
We need to separate our pride of accomplishing our World War II mission, producing purified plutonium, from dismay of its subsequent use to massacre at least 130,000 innocent civilians.
The B Reactor is an existing monument that rivals the seven wonders of the ancient world. Few visitors leave without a sense of awe. Travel promotion could result in a major world-wide attraction; a huge enduring edifice to incredible science, determination and achievement.
This is the story we should be proud of (including the petition opposing the nuclear bomb’s use), not how our leaders chose to deploy death over densely populated civilian areas.
Perhaps the mural at Richland High School of the glorious Bombers in sun-lit clouds, might be balanced by another mural in black and white; showing the aftermath of the worst civilian massacres in world history.
Do we want to raise unquestioning government robots, or informed, challenging citizens?
The RHS nuclear mushroom cloud mascot of screaming souls is outdated and shameful.
Michael Harrington, Pasco
Inexpensive place for UW patients
Although my husband and I are capable of handling Seattle traffic, we’d rather not deal with it when also concerned about upcoming University of Washington clinic appointments/treatments. Finding affordable housing can also be a problem. To help with these concerns, I want to share something positive with the community. My understanding is that this service of the UW hospitals and not a commercial facility.
Individuals living in the Tri-City area who have an appointment at a UW hospital/clinic are eligible to stay at the Collegiana Hospitality House at 4311 12th Ave. NE, Seattle, 98105, 206-732-3200; Fax: 206-732-3299; email: collegiana@gmail.com. One night stay, tax and a secure parking garage cost my husband and myself $104.02. I think longer stays may have a slightly different rate.
The building is not new but the rooms are large with independent bathroom, TV, internet and small icebox. There is also a full working kitchen on premises with privileges to keep food in the refrigerator, a game room, outdoor enclosed patio, etc. We walked the 3 blocks to an appointment, but there is also a university shuttle service. This place is only a couple of blocks from the light rail stop.
On our first visit we met a couple from Boston who had flown in to spend a few days with their adult son undergoing cancer treatment. If you are at all interested, call and ask for more information. The Collegiana staff were very supportive of my sharing this information. They just emphasized that it is only for those having appointments (not going to sports events)!
HINT: Google got us lost. Get to 45th Street (exit off I-5) and turn south on 12th Ave. Look for purple canopy about ½ block south. Park in front to register and unload.
Betty Quinn, West Richland
Sex trafficking exploits vulnerable
Every year, children and young adults are compelled into sex trafficking in the United States. While trafficking affects all demographics, traffickers frequently target individuals who lack strong support networks, are facing financial strains, have experienced violence in the past or who are marginalized by society. Without adequate community support, youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) may be at particular risk for sex trafficking. Service providers who work with LGBTQ youth may be in a position to identify, support and assist LGBTQ youth who have been trafficked.
The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC) is a nonprofit community-based agency that helps anyone who has been impacted by a crime. SARC helps individuals who may be affected by sexual assault, assault, harassment, stalking, homicide, human trafficking, and so much more. All of SARC services are free and confidential. SARC also has a crisis line that is available 24/7. If you need to talk to someone, have questions, or need help, please call SARC at (509) 374-5391.
Lindsy Brewer, Richland