Kirk’s murder was evil, but don’t whitewash his history | Opinion

Working through a tragic shooting

The tragic death of Charlie Kirk has the heartfelt sympathy of many. His public forums were central to the national dialogue on race, LGBTQ, immigration, gun control and related issues that divide the nation.

The national divide appears to be between the so-called “woke” (radical left) and “MAGA” (radical right) groups. “Woke” advocates for “a government of the people” to provide equality of educational and economic opportunities for “all” its people. “MAGA” appears to advocate for opportunities for the White-male minority. The removal of books from schools and libraries, eliminating DEI programs and women’s rights, provides evidence.

Kirk was a “MAGA” advocate and defended his political positions openly. He also said he was a Christian. It should be noted that at least one of several Christian religions, founded in America in the 1800s, had racist doctrines and so did the KKK.

Nonetheless, some of his racist comments about Blacks and other non-white people are contradictory to mainstream Christian teachings and beliefs.

This belief is the equality of all mankind before God. The same God to which most Americans pledge their allegiance. That pledge is made to just “one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”

Dallas Barnes, Pasco

Pasco mayor owes public an apology

I read with surprise and sadness the story in the Sept. 16 edition of the Tri-City Herald that the mayor of Pasco read a proclamation honoring Charlie Kirk at the city council meeting.

I am appalled that the mayor of Pasco would praise Mr. Kirk. Mr. Kirk was very good at promoting a balanced debate about current issues. Beneath that facade was a strong bias against the U.S. Constitution.

Kirk openly admitted to helping provide buses to the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020. To honor this behavior in the setting of a city of Pasco council meeting was to honor not only Kirk’s good points, but also endorsed his support of treason.

It is my understanding from the Herald article that the council’s rules for proclamations were also violated. Mayor David Milne owes the council and his constituents an apology.

James D. Ternes, Pasco

Editor’s Note: Charlie Kirk organized 80 buses to the Capitol on Jan. 5 to “fight for the president” and later pleaded the Fifth, refusing to testify against himself when questioned by the Jan. 6 congressional subcommittee.

Despite acrimony, be kind, give hugs

A house divided — our house, the United States of America!

Go back a wee bit in time, we, the people, ratified our Constitution and Bill of Rights. All men are created equal! So, today, all men and women ahem are created equal. There are no qualifying statements as to race, color, ethnicity, gender, status in life, political party, occupation, locale, church of choice and on and on!

So lend me your ear: Love thy neighbor, speak well of your fellow Americans, lend a hand, when necessary, and do not forget a hug or handshake or kind word!

Dorothy Rawson, Kennewick

Remember our 1st Amendment

The Kennewick school board of directors is getting an earful about a teacher who posted a quote on her personal Facebook page that incensed fans of a slain conservative commentator. If she is punished in any way, it would be because they deemed her post harmful to the district. If that is the case, then Micah Valentine should also be punished for things he says that are derogatory, defamatory and harmful, especially to the transgender community.

At the recent vigil, hosted by Sterling’s restaurant, Micah said, “The number one thing that Satan wants to do is destroy the family. If he can destroy the family, if he can turn boys into girls, if he can separate families, if he can divide families by hate, he wins.”

The teacher’s punishment would also fly directly in the face of Micah saying, “Free speech is not about the words that make us happy. Free speech is the words that we don’t like. That’s what’s protected under free speech.”

It’s true — free speech is protected, not just for Micah but for that teacher, too. But, saying transgenderism is from Satan is unacceptable from a school board director.

I do hope legal counsel is being sought.

Lisa Peppard, Kennewick

Beauchamp broke city council rules

Kennewick City Council members:

Brad Beauchamp should have an ethics investigation opened regarding his personal behavior and public comments he has made regarding a Kennewick School District teacher.

I believe Mr. Beauchamp has violated Ordinance 5812, Chapter 2.06, specifically section 2.06.040: Ethical Standards, paragraph 2, which states:

“Officials shall refrain from abusive conduct, threats of official action, personal accusations or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of Council, boards and commissions, the staff or public.”

Publicly calling a member of the public a “vile piece of trash” is a direct violation of this code.

Kennewick City Council: Show us that you “walk the walk” rather than merely “talk the talk” when it comes to holding our elected representatives to the higher standard of ethical conduct they agreed to when they voluntarily and willingly took up their office.

Kyle Blodgett, Kennewick

Generics must be safe and effective

The European Union (EU) is a major producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for brand-name drugs. Most brand-name drugs and APIs are made in other high-income countries with similarly strict standards as those in the U.S.

This is not the case for generic prescription drugs and APIs. They are typically made in Asian countries such as India and China. FDA inspections have produced warning letters to many of these pharmaceutical manufacturers.

I had a prescription filled with a drug produced by Yiling Pharmaceutical Ltd. in China, and exhibited adverse reactions. Yiling was sent a scathing FDA warning letter after its inspection in 2025. Their drug products are adulterated due to significant violations of good manufacturing processes. Their distributor, Westminster Pharmaceuticals, is still allowed to bring Yiling-made drugs into our country. Other generic pharmaceutical manufacturers with significant FDA violations are also allowed to continue importing drugs here.

Generic prescription drugs must have the same high-quality ingredients and manufacturing standards as brand-name drugs. Drug distributors must not be allowed to import lower-quality/adulterated drugs to pharmacies. This is a vital public health and safety issue.

Amy Small, Richland

Let’s find DACA rules that work

For many years, I called Granger home. I watched children of migrant workers arrive as babies, grow up and face challenges beyond their control — hardship caused in part by the work their parents did to provide our communities with affordable fruit and vegetables. They were uprooted, lost stability and yet returned year after year to help with another harvest

.I have seen them graduate from our schools, own homes, run businesses and become remarkable moms and dads, raising families of their own. They are part of us, contributing deeply to our neighborhoods, workplaces and communities.

They must pay the $495 DACA renewal fee every two years, yet still lack a clear path to citizenship. The constant uncertainty and threat of deportation create anxiety and vulnerability for people who have known no other home. To be a DACA recipient, you cannot have a criminal record.

Washington has an opportunity to lead by example — moving beyond divisive rhetoric and delays that waste time. By supporting and advocating for a thoughtful, practical federal solution, our state can show other states and policymakers the right way forward.

It’s the right thing to do. Our friends, neighbors and families deserve nothing less.

Melissa Abel, Richland

This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.