I support the Operating Engineers strike in eastern Washington | Opinion
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- Operating Engineers Local 302 strike highlights union power and community impact.
- Dam removal gains support as critics cite salmon decline and ineffective hatcheries.
- Democratic Party faces criticism for failing to counteract far-left influence and GOP gains.
Standing in unity with IUOE 302
I am proud to stand in solidarity with the members of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302 as they continue their strike and I encourage others to voice their support as well. Unions like Local 302 are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that working people have a voice, fair treatment, and safe workplaces. The benefits they win at the bargaining table don’t just strengthen their members — they raise standards for everyone.
I believe that when workers come together through their union, they remind us of the power of collective action and shared purpose. Local 302’s fight is a reminder that dignity, respect, and fairness on the job are values worth protecting. Supporting their efforts means supporting strong families, strong communities, and a stronger future for all working people.
Andrew Johnson, Walla Walla
Trump is covering up Epstein list
Ghislaine Maxwell told Todd Blanche, President Trump’s personal defense attorney, now a big deal at DOJ, she never saw DJT in an inappropriate setting.
The next day she was moved to a cushier federal prison. The odor is familiar. It smells like an imminent pardon for Ms. Maxwell. Ever gallant, DJT will rescue her from the persecution she suffered at the hands of Biden’s politicized DOJ that convinced a jury she actively procured for Jeffrey Epstein. Like J6 rioters, Ms. Maxwell was only a peaceful tourist.
Brett Menaker, Kennewick
Snake’s salmon aren’t celebrating
In his recent TCH editorial, Todd Meyers says we should celebrate 50 years since the Lower Snake River Dams were built. The salmon aren’t celebrating.
He compares the current runs, mostly hatchery fish, to runs from the ‘90s, which were very depressed.
That’s cherry picking for you. The wild runs are dramatically lower since before these dams were built for all species of salmon, with 11 of 16 historic runs classified as threatened, endangered, or extinct.
Pro-dam people say 98% of the young smolts pass over each dam unharmed. True, but this conveniently ignores the even greater mortality that occurs in the hot, slow, and predator laden reservoirs between the dams. This is also a problem for adult salmon. Snake sockeye runs have not been recovered despite intense hatchery efforts because the vast majority of the adults die trying to ascend the too hot lower Snake during their summer up-migration.
He also says the power from these dams, only 3% of the NW total, is worth more now than before the dams. I think if you factor in inflation, this is not true.
Dam removal works. Check out the Elwha, White Salmon, Sandy and Klamath Rivers.
Stan Kuick, Richland
Dems help keep Trump in office
For years, I have felt strongly that the extreme left radicals in the Democratic Party need to be silenced by strengthening the moderates. I do not believe the moderates know how to manage this problem. They are politically impotent and disorganized. Silencing the radicals by advertising their intentions for specific substantive improvements for the general population is their only hope of gaining votes. They are blind to such facts.
This same rationale prevents a Democratic majority in Congress and has allowed the Republicans to achieve a majority membership in the Supreme Court that ignores the Constitution to appease Trump.
Trump does not need to stop mail-in ballots, to take over the selection of electors, or to cancel elections to stay in power. The Democrats will keep him in office through their impotence and disorganization.
Jim Tow, Richland