What happens when a ‘clown’ like Donald Trump sits in the palace? It becomes a circus | Opinion

Will White House become a circus?

One can’t help but be surprised and dismayed by the shocking lack of qualifications of the people selected for key posts in the new administration. Perhaps this is something that should have been expected, considering the toxic and outrageous rhetoric trumpeted by the MAGA crowd during the recent presidential campaign. The new administration reminds me of an old proverb that says, “When a clown visits the palace, the clown doesn’t become king, the palace becomes a circus!”. Elections have consequences.

Reese Bang, Richland

‘Most wonderful time’ can be hard

Regarding “the most wonderful time of the year,” for many, the holiday season can feel overwhelming, with shopping, crowded places, parties or events. For those who have been affected by crime, there may be many changes that affect holiday traditions: moving, changing schools, differences in income, separation from family members and/or strained relationships, court obligations and more.

It can be helpful to have a plan for the holidays. Have realistic expectations: everything does not have to be perfect! Prioritize: allow yourself to say “no” to activities or invitations that require a lot of your energy, but avoid isolating yourself, which may increase feelings of depression or loneliness.

Create new traditions. Stick to a budget: homemade gifts or gift exchanges may reduce financial stress and avoid crowds. Take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Keep healthy boundaries, get enough rest, take a walk, listen to music, or talk to a supportive relative or friend. Acknowledge your feelings, and accept help when offered. If you are struggling during the holidays in the aftermath of a crime, help is available, 24 hours a day, at the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) – (509) 374-5391.

Anna Hahn, Kennewick

2024 election wasn’t landslide

Trump’s victory wasn’t a landslide. He won 50% of the popular vote (as of Nov. 20) and his margin over Harris was about 1.7%. There is a possibility that some of his supporters will become disenchanted with Trump and MAGA if they follow through with plans to detain millions of undocumented people in internment camps and raise tariffs drastically.

It will be ugly and, likely, will reignite inflation and trade wars. Cutting safety net programs while reducing taxes on the wealthy and corporations is also bound to cause anger. Some of Trump’s cabinet appointees, if confirmed, would blow up the agencies they command and, if that’s not destructive enough, the administration wants to fire tens of thousands of civil service workers.

Even voters who think that would be awesome may come to have regrets if the consequences of crippled institutions affect them personally.The mainstream media tends to cover Trump negatively because it reports the truth. If his administration does something good for middle- or lower-class Americans, there will be positive stories.

Greg Carl, Richland

Public defender plan is troubling

The revised Washington State Public Defense Program implementation is troubling.

A fair and robust public defense program is a necessary feature of our basic rights as defined in the U.S. Constitution. (We are all familiar with the Miranda warning that includes, “… if you can’t afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”).

While a revision to the current Washington State public defense program is needed, implementing the revisions as recommended by the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) will require significant time to hire up to triple the number of current public defense lawyers and will likely also triple the costs of the current program.

Additional funds do not currently exist for this and will likely have to come from future increased taxes. Thus, without initial funding, implementation now will have to be accomplished through selective/reduced prosecutions, leaving criminals on the streets of our communities.

If you want safe communities and are against increases in your taxes, tell the Washington State Supreme Court your feelings via email ASAP to supreme@courts.wa.gov.

Thomas A. and Cleda V. Galioto, Kennewick

Mail-in ballots

The fact that we are still counting ballots nine days after the election screams loud and clear that the mail-in ballot system doesn’t work. We must return to in-person voting. Florida had the results of their election 2 hours after the polls closed and they have 11 million registered voters compared with Washington’s 5 million. Only eight states use mail-in voting exclusively. With the exception of Utah, they are all blue, liberal states. Coincidence? I think not.

Louie D. Smith, Pasco