The country is being torn apart, Rep. Newhouse. Do something | Opinion

Newhouse: Bring us back together

Instead of watching every Republican line up to see who can climb Donald Trump’s pole the highest in hopes of succeeding, Congressman Dan Newhouse, maybe it’s time to try something radical: bringing this country back together.

Those of us who still possess a shred of rational thought know what is happening in America right now is neither normal nor sustainable.

Our politics have become fueled by outrage, personal loyalty tests and blind obedience rather than ideas, solutions or respect for democratic institutions. That path does not lead to strength; it leads to division and instability.

Rational Americans will not stand idly by while a president and his most devoted supporters attempt to tear apart the very fabric that makes us one nation and one people, regardless of where we came from or how we became Americans.

I will never vote for anyone who so willingly abandons independent thought and bends a knee, or two, to Trump.

I want leaders who serve their constituents, not a personality cult. If candidates truly want to represent Washington’s 4th District, they should focus less on loyalty to Trump and more on loyalty to the Constitution and the people they seek to represent.

Rylan Grimes, West Richland

Vote yes for KSD levies for our kids

School districts must use levies to provide the education and safety we expect for our kids. The state does not fully fund basic education as we were provided as students.

(Those include) activities, athletics, coaches and advisors, transportation to school, educational programs to match our abilities and safety. The levies are replacement levies for our expectations, continuing today, for our kids’ education and safety. K-12 education may be the only formal schooling our kids get. Support them, don’t short change them. Banish fear, step up, vote yes for our future and yes for kids!

Dottie Stevens, Kennewick

Russia cheering at Trump threats

As our president threatens Greenland, Russia’s state media is cheering him on. It seems not unlikely that this conversation actually happened:

Putin: “Do me a favor. Stop helping Ukraine.”

Trump: “Done.”

Putin: “But act like you care. Create ‘peace talks.’”

Trump- “Done.”

Putin: “And create a distraction so my civilian attacks go unnoticed. Maybe attack Venezuela. Call it a ‘drug war.’”

Trump: “Done.”

Putin: “And one last thing. Help us out by taking Greenland! Imagine! You’d make history by expanding U.S. territory! Plus make billions selling their mining rights.

“Best of all, you’d destroy NATO, cripple the E.U., and say screw you to the U.N. with their loser-democratic principles!”

Trump: “Yeah, cuz, ya know those Euro-libs never did give me that Peace Prize!”

Putin: “Idiots! So prove who’s boss! Divide and conquer. You get Greenland; I get Ukraine; European diplomats won’t do a thing but whine. And then I’ll build you a Trump Tower in Moscow and buy a few billion in $Trump Coin.”

Trump: “Done! I always knew we were friends!”

One thing is sure: If Putin is liking the idea, it’s not truly helping America become great. We must stop this recklessness!

Mark Douglass, Kennewick

Lots of successes with sex offenders

I am so sorry that people are stressed over Joe Field’s sex offender program. He has leased three houses from me for 8 years. His program is comprehensive, with men holding down jobs so they can buy a car and eventually move out on their own.

In all these years there has only been one man reoffend after leaving the program. We have seen many success stories.

During this time I have had men work in my yard or do repairs for me. They are so grateful to have someone trust them. One man has been able to rent a home, move in his mother and handicapped brother so he can provide for them.

Two are restoring a house and will be marketing it. Another is writing his story. I’m delighted to keep in touch with these productive men who have changed their lives.

Ora Rae Ottmar, Walla Walla

Vote ‘Yes’ for Richland, Kennewick schools

I grew up in Richland and was fortunate to attend Richland public schools. I received an excellent education, partly because Richland voters voted for school levies, including those who did not have children in Richland schools.

My three sons grew up in Kennewick and received excellent educations from Kennewick schools. I voted for Kennewick school levies which helped with their excellent educations.

I am now retired and living back in Richland. Even though I don’t have any children in schools I am voting “Yes” for the Richland School District levy. Keeping excellent schools is more important to me than getting a tax cut (the school levies will simply continue the taxes I am already paying). And I also hope the Kennewick schools levy passes because I want current students to receive the same excellent education my sons received.

Andy Miller, Richland

State trying again to control county

The state government is again working to gain control of our county government. The socialist-controlled legislature now wants to determine whether or not our duly-elected sheriff meets their requirements.

They want to force candidates meet criteria, via a test that they will not have to pass themselves. Another attack on the electoral process. I urge all of you to write to the governor and our legislators to oppose this legislation

D. Thompson, Kennewick

Levies will boost our local economy

When families move to the Tri-Cities, parents first look at local schools to determine where they want to live. Strong public schools are crucial for families.

For their children, they want future careers, a deep understanding of citizenship, a sense of community, friendships and educational opportunities.

When businesses move here, they look for the strength of public schools to attract the employees they need for success.

When you vote yes for school levies, you are not only paying back public schools for the education you received, but you are paying forward for the children in our communities who will become future leaders, who will make decisions for us as we age.

Students need support, opportunities and safety as well as the technological knowledge demanded by our world today. School levies fill the holes that state funding does not cover.

Vote YES for school levies and support not only students but the economic potential and future development of the Tri-Cities.

Jan Fraley, Kennewick

Deport MAGAs for corrupt acts

Deport MAGAs: They are evil and morally corrupt.

Steve Piippo, Richland, retired teacher

Levies keep our schools healthy

Vote on “Yes” to renew your local school levy. They are essential to keeping our public schools functioning.

Local school districts must rely on voter-approved levies to make up 10 to 20% of their operating budgets and to unlock additional state matching funds that would otherwise be lost. Without levy support, districts face cuts to classrooms, staffing, transportation, technology and student services.

School levies fall into three categories: educational programs and operations (EP&O), capital projects and technology, and transportation. Because levies expire after three to six years, districts must ask voters to renew or replace them at the rate already set by their school boards. This year, Columbia-Burbank, Kennewick, North Franklin, Pasco and Richland all have levy measures on the ballot.

Voters should have received their Official Voters Pamphlet, and their ballots. The pamphlet will provide voting deadlines, levy details, pros and cons, and locations of ballot drop box locations. If you’re voting by mail, do it now! Election Day is Feb. 10.

Remember, these are not new taxes. They replace expiring levies, and deliver critical support essential for the education of our kids.

Richard Badalamente, Kennewick, Board member, Benton-Franklin League of Women Voters

Climate change is concern to student

My name is Greyson Hardesty, and I am a 17-year-old student at Kennewick High School. I am writing to express my concern about climate change and the serious effects it is having on our planet and our communities.

Climate change is already impacting our daily lives. We see stronger wildfires, extreme heat, floods and droughts becoming more common.

In our area, wildfire smoke has made the air unsafe to breathe during summer months, affecting public health and limiting outdoor activities. Climate change also harms wildlife, agriculture, and water supplies, which are all essential to our way of life.

Beyond the environment, climate change affects people directly. Rising temperatures increase health risks, raise living costs and place a heavier burden on communities with fewer resources. This makes climate change not only an environmental issue, but also a social and economic one.

As a young person, I worry about the future my generation will inherit. I hope our leaders and community members will take climate change seriously and work toward solutions that protect our planet and our future.

Greyson Hardesty, Kennewick High School

Traffic clogs up roads to schools

I am writing in response to the Tri-City Herald article, “Where’s the worst traffic in Tri-Cities? The latest numbers may surprise you,” by Wendy Culverwell, published on April 6, which discussed the growth of the Tri-Cities.

As an 18-year-old high school student who has lived here my entire life, this issue affects me daily, not just when I read about it.

Every morning, traffic congestion turns what should be a short drive to school into a frustrating and unpredictable drive.

The same roads used years ago are now handling thousands more cars, yet improvements lag far behind. Students like me juggle school, jobs and activities, and unreliable transportation makes staying on time and engaged harder than it should be.

Growth itself isn’t the problem — poor planning is.

New neighborhoods and businesses are approved, but road expansions, safer intersections, and public transportation improvements are treated as afterthoughts. If this continues, young people will question whether the Tri-Cities is a place worth staying in after graduation.

If our community wants growth that truly benefits everyone, city leaders must prioritize infrastructure before congestion becomes the norm. Progress should move people forward, not leave them stuck at red lights.

Jose Solis, Kennewick

Trump is worst ever, says reader

Donald Trump is the worst president ever! Not because he is a twice-impeached convicted felon, a molester of women, a draft dodger, a thief who stole classified documents, a documented liar, etc. What makes him the worst is his relentless words and actions intended to divide, promote hate and erode the rule of law.

A president is supposed to unite, not divide; inspire, not belittle; show respect and restraint, not contempt and excess; show empathy, not indifference. He swears an oath to obey and uphold the constitution, not ignore and abuse it. He is supposed to uphold the law, not use it to punish adversaries.

A president is someone we can rely upon to set an example of civility, restraint, and respect. Obviously, Trump is a miserable failure when compared to these standards.

Look no further than his conduct with a heckler at a Ford plant earlier this month. Instead of showing the restraint and decorum expected of a leader, he childishly spewed vulgarities and gave the middle finger to the offender, and symbolically, to the first amendment rights of every person in America. He is a crude, egomaniacal, vindictive, lawless, hateful divider and the worst, most unfit president ever.

Reese Bang, Richland

Make civics more than rote learning

I was intrigued by the article in last week’s news, “High School Civics Exam Proposal Sparks Debate” (Jan. 12), discussing a possible new graduation requirement for all seniors to pass a standardized civics test. As a high school senior currently enrolled in civics, I understand the importance of being an informed citizen. However, I worry that making a test mandatory would turn learning into memorization rather than meaningful engagement. In my experience, classes that encourage debate, discussion and real-world problem solving make civic knowledge stick far longer than any exam could.

I respect that lawmakers want accountability, but the goal should be to create capable, engaged citizens—not just students who can fill in the right bubbles on a test. Perhaps more interactive lessons, simulations or community projects could better prepare students for participation in democracy.

If we want young people to vote, volunteer and engage with their communities, let’s make civics about thinking critically, not about passing a test. Shouldn’t education inspire action, not anxiety?

Donovan Manning, Kennewick