We are stumbling into another forever war. Speak up Tri-Cities | Opinion

War in Iran has no distinct goals

The ongoing U.S. military action in Iran is a war waged with no authority from Congress, no clear goal and little support from the American people.

On Feb. 28, the first day of the war, America dropped three bombs on an elementary school, killing 175 to 180 people, mostly children.

The primary responsibility for this atrocity is borne by the leaders of the United States and Israel, but all American citizens bear some of the guilt. Our votes (or lack thereof) put our politicians in office, and our taxes paid for the weapons.

Our elected officials need to hear how outraged we are. Contact them today and repeatedly, as long as this war drags on.

Mary J. Hartman, Richland

He chose Pasco for city’s culture

I am a retired labor leader who chose to live in Pasco because I love its diverse population, culture and food. If you are new to town, be sure to register to vote.

As a senior citizen, I can obtain a Gold Card and attend all Pasco School District and ASB-sponsored events for free. I frequently share on Facebook the many great things that are happening across the district.

Not all our kids are cheerleaders and sports stars — but they matter too. I have family members who attend school in Pasco. One is limited verbal autistic and the other is Down syndrome. They absolutely love their school and teachers.

Those teachers are angels. They work hard to communicate and support their treasured students and their families.

I am writing to encourage you to support the Pasco Schools’ April levy.

Our kids deserve fully staffed and operational schools. Their bright futures depend on each voter remembering to return their ballots. When you receive yours, please vote “Yes” and return it early. I take my ballot to one of the convenient ballot drop boxes near my home. Please vote for all our kids!

Diane McDaniel, Pasco

Substance abuse rising in our area

I am writing to draw attention to a critical issue affecting our community and advocate for the people who are suffering from it. Substance abuse is hurting people, especially kids, and they have nowhere to go to get help.

There has been a 25% increase in drug overdose deaths, and we have a higher death rate from overdoses than the state average.

Treatment services for recovering addicts are operating at over 90% occupancy, and we have no more current room for people to get help.

This is one of the biggest pressing public health and safety crises we have in the Tri-Cities. With all of these overdoses it causes an impact on community safety, healthcare resources, and economic productivity. With the already swamped ER in Richland, there are about eight overdose-related ER visits daily. There has also been a significant rise in drug offenses in the area, which leads to more arrested for public use.

With there being no dedicated treatment facilities here in Tri-Cities, those who need treatment have to travel, which causes financial strain and strain on family members.

It is very important to fix this issue. With teenagers and young adults’ overdose rates rising, we need to make a change to help keep them safe. Most substance abuse is linked to past trauma so we should be focusing on community support to help people before they get to the point of substance abuse.

To help the situation, we should have more local detox and recovery facilities for all people and some specifically for youth. More people will go and get help when they know they can actually be seen and not turned away because of capacity issues.

Tri-Cities does not have a dedicated inpatient or detoxification treatment facility so having a dedicated facility can help more people in need. Additionally, having more Narcan available can save lives. With overdoses happening all over, Narcan can save lives if it is accessible to more people who need it.

Action needs to be taken immediately by adding more facilities and preventive care. We can create environments for people to get help before they are dead.

I encourage other community members to advocate with me on this issue. Together we can make a difference in the lives of all people here who need help. We can build a safer and healthier community.

Bailey Hausenbuiller, West Richland

Phoenix tells us to ‘say something’

What happened at Phoenix High school was a scary event that could’ve caused some serious damage and endangered people around that area, but with the safety of the KPD and the two-hour response time, there was no true damage.

This shows just how truly important it is to “if you see something, say something.” Who knows what could have happened if the parent didn’t report it. Growing up, if you “told” on someone, you were a snitch, and it was looked down upon. People would think a little less of you, but as I’ve grown up, there is still that same feeling, and people are afraid to “snitch” or speak up.

When no one speaks up and people start to stay quiet, that is how more conflict happens and that is how more people get hurt. Think about that last time you had an opportunity to speak up, could it have helped out that situation?

Hunter Brower, Kennewick

MLB, MiLB: halt all your bullying

Same story, different city. Major League Baseball (MLB) wants a new stadium and bullies the city into paying for it. Only this time, it’s a round of Minor League Baseball (MiLB) stadiums for everyone!

The city of Everett is under siege. MLB threatened to leave if they didn’t get certain MiLB stadium upgrades. They have a stadium, currently called Funko Field. A study was done, and the upgrades were doable. That wasn’t enough.

Over the last several years, MLB and MiLB have bullied and brainwashed the city of Everett staff, council members and even the Legislature, into thinking there is no option but to make them a brand-new stadium, on the backs of taxpayers and through the proposed low-balling displacement of many businesses.

The funding is being scraped together by a crucially in-debt city, and includes a $7.4 million legislative confiscation of youth activity funds; all in order to further line the pockets of MLB and MiLB owners.

Is there a breach of the Sherman anti-trust law?

People should say something!!

Susan Goodenough, Mountlake Terrace

April is month to support all kids

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to spread the word about how abuse impacts our community. In the last fiscal year, there were 364 interviews related to suspected child abuse through the Kids Haven program, a collaboration between the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) and local governments to support children who have allegedly experienced physical or sexual abuse.

There are several ways to get involved and support survivors. Start by talking about child abuse and raising awareness to help others recognize the signs and protect children. If you suspect abuse, report it — reporting doesn’t mean abuse is proven, but it raises concern for a child’s wellbeing.

You can also participate by attending community awareness events in April. SARC will host The Clothesline Project and The Little Hearts Project from April 3–17 at various libraries in Benton and Franklin counties. You can also attend SARC’s Community Education Night on April 23, 5–7 p.m. at Amistad Elementary School.

For more information, call SARC at 509-374-5391 or visit www.supportadvocacyresourcecenter.org.

Katie Sheets, Richland