Buying democracy, Kennewick School Board’s CRT policy among Tri-City Herald letters
Campaign cash buys ‘democracy’
To become elected in today’s “democracy” requires huge amounts of money, mostly for TV ads. Reliance on campaign contributions corrupts American politicians. The richest rule.
This year, Sen. Kirsten Sinema, D-Ariz., received almost a million-dollar campaign contribution from the same interests that she was trusted to help regulate:
“Sinema, it seems, singlehandedly nixed the nixing of the so-called carried-interest provision in the bill. In simple terms, this perk allows the hardworking Americans who toil in the sweaty fields of private equity to pay their taxes at the lower rates that apply to capital gains, rather than the higher earned-income rate that we hourly and salaried stiffs must endure.” (Chicago Tribune)
The undemocratic reality of today’s election funding:
Rather than rely on small contributions from your constituency, it is much more cost-effective to convince deep-pocketed interests that you can be bought.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - 1 Timothy 6:10
What can we do?
Perhaps a constitutional amendment making it illegal to give money to a politician or their campaign?
“Every country has the government it deserves.” -Maistre
Michael Harrington, Pasco
Is KSD joining ‘Texas pinheads?’
Washington state — proud home of respectful, responsible, educated, independent thinkers. Kennewick’s School Board ban of alleged Critical Race Theory (CRT) teaching in its schools and ban of books they deem dangerous is disturbing and ignorant. CRT, a theory of discussion at masters/doctorate level academics, does not promote anti-Americanism, villainize white people, promote radical leftism ideals, indoctrinate children or make them feel guilty because of America’s history of racism, inequality, slavery and/or racial bias.
It is not taught in our public K-12 schools. CRT debates the relationship between social structure and professed ideals like the rule of law and equal protection (under the law). It is imperative children are taught a proper understanding of the history of this nation, warts and all. If you are not cognizant of mistakes made in 246 years of American history, you are bound to repeat them.
Do not group Washington with the Texas pinheads. FYI, I have given Captain Underpants, Amelia Bedelia and Harry Potter books as gifts and none of those kids have been viewed on any Jan. 6 insurrection videos, America’s Most Wanted or had their faces featured on milk cartons. Seriously? Do you not have anything more constructive to do with your time in this elected position?
Linda Parish, Kennewick
Benton PUD’s forum informative
I recently attended a community forum on electrical power generation presented by the Benton PUD. The lecture provided a good overview of global and U.S. energy; electricity and CO2 emissions; clean energy and Washington State’s Clean Energy Act; how the power grid works; clean energy policies; hydropower and the Benton PUD electricity supply chain. Thank you, Benton PUD, for an informative presentation.
No one at Benton PUD said this, but I’m of the opinion that there are groups in our state whose goals are to completely eliminate the generation of electricity from fossil fuels, specifically natural gas, and remove all hydroelectric dams from the state’s rivers. I know, sounds like a conspiracy theory, but keep your eyes on the Legislature, folks. The environmental Nazis are out there, and your governor and Legislature are listening to them.
Michael Doenges, Kennewick