My father fought fascism. He wouldn’t believe America today | Opinion

My father fought against fascism

As Veterans Day approached, I thought of my father and the others who fought to defeat fascism in WWII. I wonder what he would think of the country now. He would never believe that a twice-impeached, convicted felon and sexual abuser was elected president.

He would be dismayed that a spineless Republican Congress and a corrupt Supreme Court have refused to do their duty to check the excesses of the executive. But worst of all, he would be shocked that the current administration is embracing fascist activities that he fought to defeat, namely:

1. Attacking democratic institutions and the press as “enemies of the people.”

2. Using the military to suppress free speech and peaceable assembly.

3. Scapegoating minorities and deporting them without due process.

3. Using masked government agents, like the Gestapo, to snatch people off the street.

4. Installing a government filled with incompetent sycophants and toadies pledging loyalty to their “cult personality,” not the Constitution.

5. Baselessly prosecuting perceived “enemies” as political retribution.

My father would think things have gone terribly wrong. I’m certain that he would stand against this administration, as would his comrades. I can see him carrying a “No Kings” signs in protest.

Reese Bang, Richland

Health care a basic need, says reader

I am currently a high school senior taking civics. I urge you to prioritize expanding access to affordable health care and mental health services in our state. Health care is a basic human need, with way too many Washington citizens continuing to struggle with the high cost and limited access to this support, especially in low-income communities.

In years past, the rising cost of prescriptions and mental health treatment has made many people delay or skip self-care. Mental health challenges have also increased since the pandemic; many people wait a long time and have a lack of providers.

I strongly support legislative action to expand funding for mental health clinics and ensure that all Washington citizens, regardless of income or location, can access affordable and high-quality health care.

There is still more that can be done. By investing in health-care access and mental health services we can reduce emergency room visits and build a healthier state.

I know you are incredibly busy, but I would greatly appreciate continued leadership in expanding access to affordable health care and mental health services for all Washington residents.

Alayna Goodnight, Kennewick

Rep. Newhouse: Heed constituents

Rep. Dan Newhouse consistently votes against the interests of at least 80% of his constituents. That includes voters who need Obamacare, Medicaid and food stamps, and voters who want Jeffrey Epstein victims to receive justice and their abusers to face consequences, consumers and small business owners facing economic stress due to tariffs, brown-skinned workers and their families in agriculture, construction, hospitality and many other vital services who are being terrorized.

It seems obvious that Newhouse answers to Trump and rich donors, not MAGA or his other constituents. Two new challengers for his seat have emerged: John Duresky, a middle-aged veteran who is a centrist Democrat and Devin Poore, a young independent with a Mamdani-like vibe.

All most voters probably know about them is they have the courage to run as non-Republicans in a very red district. Voters will have time to get to know them better. The way out of this mess isn’t hard to understand. It doesn’t take a genius, just honest and accountable leaders.

Greg Carl, Richland

Making U.S. less great via Trump

Trump’s administration is making the U.S. less great by harming:

1. Scientific expertise by cutting funding for research including cancer research, firing experts, prompting a surge in healthcare workers and scientists wanting to leave the U.S.

2. Justice by pardoning criminals and forgiving their fines when Trump and family benefit economically, by having a convicted sex trafficker, with hundreds of victims, transferred to a minimum-security prison and by posting FBI agents on immigration rather than cyberattacks or sex trafficking.

3. Foreign influence: Besides cutting USAID (causing children to die), Trump has irritated allies and given China a chance to be a more reliable trade partner than the U.S.

4. The IRS by rolling back auditing that targeted wealthy tax cheats, so they don’t pay their fair share.

Other harms:

1. Food meant to help malnutrition is destroyed.

2. By appointing a registered sex predator to head an initiative on children’s sports.

3. Increasing federal spending by sending millions for National Guard in cities, up to a billion to refurbish his “gift” plane from Qatar and billions to bail out Argentina. But Trump’s personal wealth has skyrocketed.

Don’t like “socialism” (government intervention in private business)? The administration is taking a stake in companies or asking for money from them.

Civicus’ global rights watchlist now rates the U.S. like El Salvador, with “sustained attacks on civic freedoms.”

Doesn’t feel “great.”

Joyce Scherpelz, Richland

Concerns about human trafficking in Washington

Recently, I came across alarming statistics about human trafficking in the Tri-Cities area. Washington state reportedly has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the nation. A 2013 survey estimated 200 girls were prostituted in the Tri-Cities on any given night.

These numbers raise an important question: Why don’t we have prevention programs in elementary schools to address sex trafficking?

While Washington state requires schools to teach trafficking awareness and prevention, this instruction usually begins in middle school. Although middle school education is valuable, prevention should start earlier.

The average age of children who are sex trafficked is between 12 and 14 years old — meaning most victims are already in middle school. Children who have experienced sexual abuse or are in foster care face even greater risks.

Research also shows that 40% of trafficked children are exploited by an intimate partner within the family, and 45% are trafficked by a family member — indicating the danger often begins before age 12.

Introducing age-appropriate awareness programs in elementary schools can help children recognize warning signs, understand manipulation and know where to seek help.

Anna Lagonegro, Kennewick