Tri-City Herald letter writers weigh in on abortion, cougar killing and other topics

Thanks for telling story of Triton

Thank you, Port of Benton, for a wonderful celebration of the USS Triton’s remarkable 1960 mission following Magellan’s around-the-world-voyage, but under the sea! The program you put on for the public on May 12 was respectful and educational. It obviously took a lot of effort to assemble the remaining crew members and personages. The materials presented in the display were in-depth and interesting. I am now looking forward to booking a tour at the Sail Park in north Richland of the conning tower. Again, thanks to all at the Port of Benton who made this touching and exciting event happen.

Patricia Cleavenger, Richland

Killing of cougar: ‘It’s just wrong’

RE: Cougar killed in Kennewick:

This saddens me. A cougar reported to be wandering in a populated area in Kennewick was killed (recently). I recognize that it poses a threat to people and pets, There’s been a big cat seen in north Pasco as well.

Just seems senseless to me to kill a beautiful creature with no effort to remove it humanely to a less populated area. The author noted that animals, even when relocated, have been known to return to the same area. Not if taken to Montana or Idaho. We are infringing on their habitat as the towns expand and it’s not their fault.

The animal had not attacked anyone and no pets were reported missing.

It’s just wrong. Someday they will all be gone. Then what?

Dennis Kent, Pasco

Information good contraceptive too

As I’ve written before, no woman “wants” an abortion. They just don’t want to be raped or forced to carry a dead fetus to term, or to have a child when they are 11, or be “stealthed,” or be unable to access or afford effective contraceptives or obstetric care. Or to die. Overturning Roe v. Wade will not stop abortions. We’ve run that experiment before and (as the adage goes) doing the same thing over again and expecting another result is insanity.

What has worked? The abortion rate is declining and is currently below pre-Roe-v.-Wade levels. Why? Not restrictive abortion laws (declines are not different in states that have enacted them) but greater access to health care, information and contraceptives. What have more restrictive laws done? Maternal and infant mortality rates are going up in states that have enacted them.

And, disgustingly, laws that diminish the autonomy of women simply invite increased abuse. It seems now rapists will be given reproductive rights, but not their victims.

Those who want to end abortion should provide women support and autonomy over their own bodies — and stop trying to enact punitive laws that harm the vulnerable and make things worse.

Theresa Bergsman, Richland

Drunk driving becoming worse

I would like to bring up a problem I have seen around town and all over lately. Drunk driving is becoming a major issue, (I’m) hearing about more than one a week. I am bringing this to your attention because not only have I heard about it, but a dear friend of mine was also recently killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. I feel that there should be more attention brought to this problem. People’s lives are in danger. As deaths are rising, the risk of getting in your car and going to work is going up. I chose the Tri-City Herald because it is one of the most popular news outlets in town and would be capable of spreading the word about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Ashlynn Pease, Kennewick

This story was originally published May 24, 2022 at 4:00 AM.