If Democrats want to save their party, appeal to moderates in the center | Opinion

Centrist policies win more voters

Our Republican and Democratic parties have accused each other of destroying our democracy.

The Republican Party is dominated by President Trump. He is usurping powers and attacking our freedoms. He claims he is saving our democracy. He is leading us to autocracy instead.

The Democratic Party is dominated by its progressive wing. Progressives advocate unsustainable spending for unpopular liberal causes. The unpopularity of the progressive agenda is reflected in the party’s record-low approval rating.

Both parties have marginalized their moderate wings, ensuring the public rarely hears centrist arguments. Polar-opposite agendas have left little room for compromise. Straight party-line voting and us-versus-them discord have become the norm.

Bill Clinton and Barack Obama demonstrated that moderating liberalism wins the presidency. Kamala Harris demonstrated that failure to do so results in losing.

Moderates significantly outnumber liberals. The Democratic Party should save itself and our democracy by adopting an agenda that appeals to Democratic moderates, Republican moderates, and independent moderates alike.

Restoring democracy will require a return to balanced taxation and spending, and a focus on majority opinion rather than self-serving and special interests. Taxation, spending and majority opinion are objectively measurable and, thus, sound bases for decision-making. Today’s misinformation is not.

Russ Treat, Richland

Newhouse aided district’s growers

I would like to thank Congressman Dan Newhouse and his very diligent staff for their assistance in securing Market Assistance for Specialty Crop (MASC) funding for Central Washington growers.

Dan worked with Farm Protection and Conservation (FPAC) in a closed-door meeting and emphasized the importance of the program for the farmers of the Fourth Congressional District.

Dan also reached out to the USDA and expressed the need for the MASC funds to be unfrozen while he continues to work with the USDA to expand market access for producers.

And, as the only market support payments specialty crop producers receive, Dan has made it a priority to deliver this needed assistance.

These are trying times for Central Washington growers. It is good to know Congressman Newhouse is in Washington, D.C., supporting us.

Michael McGree, Yakima

Pride Month is observed in June

June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, contributions and ongoing fight for equality.

Unfortunately, this community continues to face high levels of victimization, with studies showing that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience violence, discrimination and mental health challenges than their heterosexual peers.

Pride Month, celebrated each June, marks the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Since then, Pride has evolved into a global celebration of identity, love and acceptance. It’s a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still left to do.

This month, we honor not only those who have fought for equality but also the diverse, vibrant individuals who make up the LGBTQ+ community.

Let us stand together to end the victimization and discrimination they face, and create a future where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are valued and respected. You can get involved by reaching out to SARC and asking about our volunteer program and asking about community awareness events.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call our SARC office at 509-374-5391.

Gabriella Covarrubias, Richland

Repealing IRA Clean Energy Tax Credits will cost more not less.

Our beautiful Earth is blessed with the finite fossil-based fuels we mine, drill and extract; and the infinite renewables we capture via wind, solar, hydro and geothermal. As fossil fuels become scarcer, the cost to secure, refine and distribute is going up. Meanwhile, as renewable technology improves, the costs to capture, store and distribute are coming down.

To contain future costs, it makes sense to invest in energy that is renewable, not finite. That is the goal of the Clean Energy Tax Credits. Studies show the repeal of these tax credits will slow technological advancement, impede expansion of vital projects, lose jobs and cede crucial market share to foreign competitors.

According to the Aurora Energy Research and the National Economic Research Associates, while the repeal would save the government around $500 billion over the next decade, it would result in the net loss of $1 trillion in economic growth and cost $2000 per household in higher energy costs. Solar panels and batteries accounted for over 80% of the new US electricity generation capacity added in 2024!

Let’s invest in a renewable future. Save the clean energy tax credits.

Stephen Wallenfels, Richland