Herald letter writers sound off on CRT, wind turbines, Snake dams and, of course, politics

Hostility to CRT shows our denial

Although James White displays impressive Ph.D. credentials in his letter on Aug. 21, in no way should it be assumed that said Ph.D. is in any way associated with scholarship on Critical Race Theory (CRT). Dr. White’s opinions are strictly his own, and I found a surprising abundance of generalizations rather than factual proof for his statements (e.g., CRT promotes anti-Americanism). I claim no expertise on CRT. But I do think we as a nation need to acknowledge the role of slavery in our nation’s history — how slaves were sold away from their homelands in Africa, how many of the nation’s founders owned slaves, how slavery created great wealth for plantation owners and others, how it was the main cause of the Civil War, how Jim Crow evolved after the war with its attendant racism, how we produced and finally dismissed a separate (but unequal) doctrine, and how we as a nation are still in denial about institutional racism.

Learning this must not make children feel bad about themselves, but rather inspire them and us to do better. This hostility toward CRT simply reflects and demonstrates that denial is very much with us.

David King, Richland

Vote White, boot out Newhouse

The Make America Great Again movement is the greatest threat to our democracy that we’ve seen in my lifetime. MAGA tried to violently overturn the 2020 presidential election and is positioning itself to control future national elections. MAGA idolizes Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban who has shown how democratic processes can be used to gain power and then subverted to retain power. MAGA has stacked the Supreme Court and is using its leverage in Red states to come after American freedoms. MAGA is calling for violence against the FBI for doing its duty in dealing with Trump’s mishandling of documents.

We need to send Doug White to Congress. Born and raised a Yakima farmer, years of experience in international business and project development, and innate intelligence and energy make him an exceptional candidate. Most importantly, though, Doug is the antidote to MAGA. Imagine the national shock waves when Washington’s Fourth Congressional District sends a Democrat to Congress in a resounding rejection of the extremism that afflicts today’s Republican Party!

Other than his vote to impeach Trump, Dan Newhouse has been a MAGA doormat. He adheres to the movement’s dictates on all issues even though it’s not clear that his obedience will be rewarded at the polls. Saber rattling and a stream of legislative activities that have no chance of going anywhere are all we get from Dan. The point is to convince us he’s productive, but let’s not be fooled.

Greg Carl, Richland

Headed to heck in a handbasket

America has lost its moral compass! We used to know right from wrong. We lived by the golden rule. Not any more. We had laws that were enforced. Break them and there were consequences. Not any more. We had borders that were protected. Not anymore. A person could feel safe leaving his door open to let fresh air in. Not anymore.

Back in 1937, a movie was made titled, “Gone with the Wind.” One of the stars said, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” They had to get permission to use the word damn. Now look at us. We use such filthy language as the F-word. We use to have abortions only for rape, incest or the health of the mother was in danger. Now we use it as a form of birth control.

We have put men on the moon, invented things to make our life easier, cured diseases. We used to be able to voice our opinion. Now when we speak we have to be politically correct. If not, you can be sued, even lose your job. America used to be the land of the free, home of the brave. What went wrong! Pretty simple, we threw our compass away. The compass was God. He gave us guidance, direction and conscience. It happened slowly. First we took him out of our schools. Very few city or state councils have opening prayers. It’s meant to give them guidance.

People like to say we have to keep church and state separated. That it’s in our Constitution. If that is true, then why is our money stamped “In God We Trust?”

Ira Johnson, Kennewick

Wind farms raise local temperature

Harvard research shows downwind of large wind farms the average annual local temperature rise is 1.5-2.0 C or 3-4 degrees F. Since this is average, then when the wind turbines are turning the local temperature is higher … 5, 7, 8 degrees. No one knows as there is no research outside of the perimeter of the wind farms. There is no research downwind of large wind farms on diversified agriculture like wine grapes, orchards and irrigated broadleaf crops and plants.

Gobi Desert sites increased temperatures, as Harvard reports, by 3-4 degree temp rise annual local average increase. Other concerns for Agriculture below large wind farms are increased fluctuation of wind turbulence and increased fluctuation of air movement and changes to weather patterns. Also a reduction in moisture was observed.

How could this impact diversified agriculture? Since temperature increases are mostly at night, can this make it 6-8 degrees warmer to pick cherries? Delayed picking? Overripe fruit with delayed picking? Can increased temperature delay sugar content in orchards and vineyards! Push bud break in the spring? Cause more frost control? Delay fall grape picking, pushing harvest into frost? Man-made nature adding problems to Mother Nature. Think out of the box!

Margaret Hue, Kennewick

Dungeness runs decline; no dams

Recently, I visited the Olympic Peninsula. Reading through the visitors guide, I discovered the following information:

“DUNGENESS RIVER — The Dungeness River flows through the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and begins high in the Olympic Mountains near Mystery Mountain, flowing into Dungeness Bay on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

“SALMON ON THE RIVER — Used throughout the year at different times and by different species for migration, rearing and spawning, the river and its associated tributaries have historically supported populations of pink, chinook, coho and chum salmon.

“It is especially important for its population of pink salmon that is unique in the Puget Sound area. The population of pink salmon is entirely native wild stock with no hatchery influence. Its numbers are unfortunately on the decline.

“The chinook population has also decreased and is considered to be severely depressed.”

Why do the tribes, Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee think that removing dams on the Snake River will improve salmon recovery when the salmon runs are already “on the decline” and “severely depressed” in a free-flowing river with no dams? Where’s the science behind that?

Michael Doenges, Kennewick

5-2 prayer vote ‘arrogance’ of 5

The 5-2 vote on Aug. 16 to start the Kennewick City Council meetings with prayer is one more example of the arrogance of five of the council members. This is a perfect example of Christian Nationalism and racism. I encourage everyone to consider this when voting — especially if you care about democracy.

Kathryn Armstrong, Kennewick

Invest in future by paying, building

Invest in our future. Pay our teachers and build more schools.

Larry William Walker, Pasco

Van Giesen RR work well done

During the weekend of Aug 20, the railroad crossing on Van Giesen Street in Richland was repaired and upgraded. Whichever city, state agency or railroad did this much-needed work is to be commended. What was a 1940s style super bumpy crossing, is now a modern concrete, smooth crossing — nicely smooth. All travelers thank you, whoever took the project lead!

Cecil Kindle, West Richland