Drag shows are an art form and Richland School Board majority set poor example | Opinion

Hate is a drag, just let go of it

As someone who was born in Richland, and has lived over half my life here, I was saddened to see the protests, threatening letters and desecration of a Richland storefront over family-friendly drag shows.

Very early on Easter morning, the windows of the Emerald of Siam restaurant were plastered with hate messages trying to stop their family friendly Easter brunch drag show. On Easter? Really? This, on a day celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, a man who preached acceptance and love for all — prostitutes, leppers, beggars and thieves. What hypocrisy!

A drag show is art, theater and entertainment. Drag queens are not pedophiles trolling to “groom” your children. For that, look to the people your child is chatting with online, teachers, coaches, counselors, priests, relatives and family friends.

You’re so concerned about exposing your children to a drag queen, and yet, think nothing of exposing them to hate and intolerance. This nation is being torn apart by hate, a fire fueled by our politicians and political leaders acting like spoiled Kindergartners and playground bullies. We don’t need any more hate here.

Don’t be afraid, Karen. You can quit clutching those pearls. Drag queens won’t hurt you or your children. There’s a simple solution for you if you disapprove of drag shows. Don’t go! For all others, let the show go on.

Karla Snyder, Richland

Defining ‘liberal’ as Sen. Romney

When even the most liberal, anti-Trump politicians decry District Attorney Alvin Briggs’ charges against former President Trump as politically motivated — even Sen. Mitt Romney is saying so! — you know just how distorted the situation is.

And yet, Republicans In Name Only Tiffany Smiley and Dan Newhouse have not uttered one word to call out this dangerous precedent being set by an activist attorney funded by liberal dark money groups in New York City.

Some may have thought Tiffany Smiley would be a conservative challenger against Rep. Dan Newhouse next election, but she’s no better than he is. I’m voting for Jerrod Sessler, a true conservative unlike Smiley and Newhouse.

Gerry Gunther, Connell

3 board members set poor example

We have signed the recall petitions and urge others likewise. These views are independent from any recall organization.

We are sure that Richland School Board members are wonderful, well-meaning individuals. However, three members created a total sham of democracy. The dilemma is not about whether or not to wear masks; that’s not what the recall is about.

The issue is limited to violating laws for public participation in a democratic society. Through your secret combinations and illegal vote, you caused our children to miss school days and cost taxpayers money. You did this directly in front of and in violation of your legal counsel. You set an intolerable example to our students that it’s okay to violate the law. That can’t be overlooked. Elected public officials have a duty to obey laws, be good stewards and be good examples.

If you had initially just apologized for the error of your ways, we wouldn’t be in this state of mistrusting a school board that is in total disarray. We need an elected transparent school board who can be trusted, set good examples, and follow the laws for public participation. We are retired; maybe one of us should run for school board.

Loren and Myra Oakes, Richland