Not only Republicans are Christians. And being Republican doesn’t make you Christian | Opinion

Christianity is not a political party

I’m tired of Republicans saying Democrats and Independents are not Christian.

They think that just because we believe that women deserve healthcare before they are knocking on death’s door and that everyone is created equal and has the right to look, dress and use a name of his/her/their choosing that it means we are not Christian.

The Bible says to love one another and to help thy neighbor and that includes people who look and believe differently than you do.

If you choose to break any of our country’s laws, the Ten Commandments, or you verbally or physically attack someone, be rude or discriminate against them because they believe, look or act differently than you do, it does not matter what political party you affiliate with or how much money you have, you are not a good Christian or a good person.

Dawn Gerken, West Richland

Development authority audit didn’t find fraud

The Downtown Pasco Development Authority state audit did not find malfeasance, fraud or theft.

The state audit did find mismanagement and lack of financial controls, pointing fingers at management, the DPDA Board, the city, and the council.

It’s unconscionable that the city/council would consider spending big money (probably to reach the same conclusion) to stir up old wounds and provide ammunition to agenda seekers and political extremists.

Get over it and move on to the future. Grandpa said, “Your best loss is your first loss.” Helen Smith would say, “The more you stir it the more it stinks.”

Time, emotion, and money should be much better spent — build something new in downtown Pasco.

Carl Holder, Pasco

Local organizations help with child abuse prevention

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

According to childwelfare.gov, approximately 1.8 million children received prevention services in the fiscal year 2021.

It is important to raise awareness and help engage the community to reflect on protective factors as parents/guardians.

Some possible signs of child abuse and neglect include: sudden changes in behavior or school performance, unexplained injuries, frequent absences from schools either inappropriately adult-like, or infantile (behavior).

The Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center (SARC) has staff trained to document and report disclosures, as well as provide services to the victim as well as any non-offending family members. Another way to get involved is to attend community awareness events happening in April, such as the Little Hearts Project at the Kennewick Mid-Columbia Library.

SARC also holds a Kid Haven Benefit Auction in May to fund the joint venture between city and county governments and SARC. For more information on how to donate or become a sponsor, or if you have any questions, call SARC at 509-374-5391 or visit the website at supportadvocacyresourcecenter.org.

Violet Herrera, Richland

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This story was originally published April 5, 2024 at 6:00 AM.