I had polio. It changed my whole life. RFK Jr.’s views on the vaccine terrify me | Opinion

Polio survivor: reject RFK Jr.

I would like to commend the letter from Mickey Beary of Richland in the Dec. 29 Tri-City Herald.

I am an 80-year-old polio survivor. I was infected at 22 months of age.

I went through the paralysis, damage to muscles, braces, orthopedic shoes, surgery and now disabilities. I require a 4-wheeled walker or electric scooter to get around.

While I feel I’ve had a decent life, I had many things I couldn’t do because of the crippling effects of polio..

What I cannot understand is why supposedly intelligent, educated people like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his aide Aaron Simes would willingly and deliberately expose and sentence children to this kind of misery. Have they forgotten or ignored the thousands of children who died because there was no vaccine at that time to protect children and adults from this vile scourge? And they claim they have a high regard for people?

These people have no business being considered for and position that affects anybody’s health. Especially children’s.

Please do not put them in a position to harm those who cannot defend themselves.

Senators, vote NO.

S.R. Warren, Richland

Wishing Trump success anyway

After many years of viewing Trump with disgust, I now wish our president health and success.

The reasons to not be optimistic include:

• Twenty-seven women have overcome embarrassment and bribes to publicly accuse Trump of sexual misconduct (harassment/groping/rape). $310,000 of documented hush-money. A few might be dismissed as gold-diggers, but 27 takes a lifetime of inappropriate behavior.
• I fear for Ukraine. Seeing Trump’s consistent bending to Putin’s will, I predict an American betrayal.
• The “Christian Right” (which is neither) gives Trump a Seventh Commandment pass, unconditionally.
• Typical of our American oligarchs, insatiable greed drives Trump to swallow more than his belly can hold.
• His answer-evading cabinet nominees are a “clown car stuffed with Batman villains.”
• Having 145 presidential scholars rank Trump’s first presidency last “worst in history.” Can his second only go up?

Nonetheless, I wish America’s new president the very best. That he will begin to win his battle with advancing senility. I hope, instead of vengeance, that Trump will be a force that unites us.

“We’ve been through hard times before.”

Regret happens.

Michael Harrington, Pasco

Honors past due for Coach Neill

Good to See Kamiakin High School administration, staff, students, community, parents, grandparents, former athletes and athletics department agreed to honor and recognize Randy Dolven with Randy Dolven Court.

The Richland High School administration, staff, students, community, former players and athletics department have a long-overdue opportunity to do a similar honor and recognition for a longtime basketball coach Phil Neill — born, raised and educated in Richland, plus 30 Years as a Bomber basketball coach, including 18 years as head coach, with “Phillip Neill Court.”

Steve Piippo, retired Richalnd educator and coach

Soroptimists help girls find careers

Since Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) launched Dream It, Be It Career Support for Girls in 2015, more than 98,000 girls have participated globally.

SIA research suggests that 91% are able to create achievable goals, 86% feel more prepared to pursue a career and 88% feel more confident about their futures with the help of this signature program dedicated to preparing girls for success.

Local high school girls will have a chance to participate this year, as the Soroptimist clubs of the Tri-Cities present the sixth annual Dream it, Be It event on Feb. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hawk Union Building, Columbia Basin College, 2600 N 20th Ave., Pasco.

Free for girls from the Tri-Citiy area in grades 9-12, this fun program encourages participants through mentoring, dream-boarding and goal setting to pursue educational training that enables them to get jobs, earn income, care for their families and participate in their communities. Snacks and lunch are provided and attending seniors have an opportunity for scholarships.

Preregistration is required by Feb. 7. Register online or email dibi.tri.cities@gmail.com for more information.

Janet Muniz, SI of Pasco-Kennewick and SI of Three Rivers