Republican agenda and Biden’s leadership among Tri-City Herald letters to the editor | Opinion
These aren’t the best of times
Everyone must learn the lessons of history, including elected officials. Some Republican members of Congress have been questioning our support of Ukraine. The colossal failure of appeasement of Hitler before the outbreak of World War II should be a stark reminder.
The First Amendment protects Americans from outright banning of books by the U.S. government. There are many shameful moments in American history. Learn from them so that we can do better moving forward.
Children and adults need to learn the lesson from “Free to Be...You and Me” of tolerance, individuality, and gender neutrality. Children need to feel comfortable and accepted for their sexual identity. Not giving trans kids support psychologically, medically, and later on surgically will only lead to tragedy. We all have only one life. Everyone deserves a chance at happiness.
Why do a small minority think women have no right to control their reproduction? In Texas, they allow private individuals to sue abortion providers or helpers. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. That is the definition of insanity.
When I was growing up, I had hope for a better world. It has not materialized.
Amy Small, Richland
The unintended must be tended to
Important decisions should include factual data and a consideration of unintended consequences. Washington State Energy Policy (Section E) requires “100% non-emitting resources as of 2045; and all coal generation phased out by Dec. 31, 2025. It does not address how those non-emitting resources will be produced, operated, maintained and decommissioned. Utilities build in such costs into user rates.
Is that happening with wind and solar? Capacity factor (CF) is a measure of the percent of time energy is generated. A 90% CF for nuclear power, hydro 45%, wind 30%, solar 20%. High CF minimizes outages (check California outages since 2018); and is critical for hospitals, nursing homes, EMTs, fire, police, manufacturing and key public services.
An Environmental Impact Statement concluded the dams should stay. Olympia leaders disagree, proposing “all” new vehicles to be Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2030. Per a U.S. Department of Energy study, we need 38% to meet an all EV state. Can apartment dwellers charge EVs at home? Can farm workers charge them on a remote field? How will a Washington citizen travel east through Idaho and Montana? Is anyone in our state Leadership assessing unintended consequences?
Anthony Umek, West Richland
Leaders need to stand up
The President says there is nothing he can do to stop these killings of our children other than ask Congress to act. If someone gets stabbed 47 times with a knife he says get rid of the guns. He says it’s out of his hands. Congress is guilty. He also says there is nothing he can do about illegal crossings of our borders. He says Congress must act and by the way the borders are secure, so nothing needs to be done per the director of Homeland Security.
The President’s spokesperson answers most questions from the press by blaming the previous administration. Borders, laptops, inflation, shootings, Chinese, no comment.
Leadership is listening to those impacted. Holding your employees accountable. Not copping out by blaming others. Setting an example by making the hard decisions and being fair and honest. Being there in the field when tragedy strikes. When asked direct questions, give straight answers.
Stand up Mr. President and Vice President. Stand up Congress. Put those cell phones down and quit chasing the money. Remember your oath of office. Stand up journalists and put your biases away when you are reporting. Stand up America, it’s our job to keep our elected leaders honest.
Lenny Perkins, Richland