Newhouse should have stood up to fight government surveillance powers | Opinion
Why, Newhouse, not do your job?
Rep. Dan Newhouse, why didn’t you join your 20 Republican colleagues in voting against President Donald Trump’s extension of the surveillance bill? It is past time to do your duty. The effects of the horrific war that Trump has immersed us in will endure long after the bombing stops. People displaced; economies ruined; unimaginable personal hardships across the globe.
The U.S. has become a pariah among nations. Apparently, we (and that includes our legislators) could care less, as the U.S. may escape with fewer economic consequences and less financial hardship than others. As if that is all that really matters. Recent evidence indicates that Prime Minister Netanyahu played a significant role in convincing Trump that regime change in Iran would be realizable, and declaring war on Iran would be a crowning achievement of his presidency.
As Israel displaces a million people in southern Lebanon to go after Hezbollah, it follows that it is with the tacit approval of the U.S. We are complicit — all of us. It’s time to stop and recover our humanity. No better place to start than by impeaching the president. Evidence suggests that Trump is not all there mentally. Break the MAGA stronghold and do the right thing!
David King, Richland
Op-eds mislead, says letter writer
The Mountain States Policy Center has frequent op-eds in the Herald that all leave the same impression: Washington State is hemorrhaging people and wealth due to socialist policies. The latest was published April 16 and claimed King County is losing population and residents are fleeing to conservative states.
All of the op-eds cite the same sources, and they all claim the proposed millionaires tax is illegal and a major factor. The fact is that only a tiny fraction of people and businesses in our state would be affected by the tax and experience in other states shows very few wealthy people actually relocate because of wealth taxes.
Readers can easily look up population trends in Washington that refute many of the shared points of these dsop-e.
There are a lot of things our state needs to do to make it easier to build needed stuff like housing and to make it more affordable for working class people to live here. The millionaires tax would provide needed cash to help make it happen. The sheer number and repetitive nature of these op-eds should raise doubts about their motivation and reliability.
Greg Carl, Richland
Richland needs to hear other ideas
People in this community and across Washington work hard for their money. That is why Richland’s handling of the Twin Bridges tire site should concern taxpayers. The city is hurtling toward a $3.2 million cleanup, yet it still will not take a basic meeting to hear an alternative that could reduce cost and treat the tires as recoverable material rather than a landfill fire hazard.
That alternative comes from a local company, Reborn Eco Solutions. The issue is not whether city officials must accept the proposal or agree with every detail. The issue is simpler: why refuse to hear it?
The city cites litigation concerns, but that reads more like a refusal to engage than caution. A written proposal can be reviewed. Counsel can be present. A controlled process can be used. Yet those involved are left with the impression that the course has already been chosen and that other approaches will not receive meaningful consideration.
That is how confidence is lost. When officials will not compare options before spending millions in taxpayer dollars, people have reason to question whether the goal is truly the best solution for everyone involved today.
Scott J. Anderson, Benton City
The hidden costs of new electric plan
Construction has started on Franklin County’s first solar farm. Purchasing this power was a “strategic decision to help PUD customers, and to meet Washington State climate law, which addresses EPA “Endangerment Finding” regulations. Cost details are provided in the article, except the projected price of the electricity.
This undoubtedly should be the key parameter for consideration by those who will pay for the electricity, i.e., the PUD customer. This Franklin County project is not alone in not providing such information. The state of Washington approved the Horse Heaven Wind Farm in Benton County, and no one seems to know what the cost of the delivered electricity will be. Would you be willing to commit to having a house built and agree to negotiating the sale price during construction?
Based on the information in the article, a “back-of-the-envelope” estimate is that this Franklin County electricity will cost more than 34 cents/kwh. (If this estimate is wrong, the county is free to correct it.) This estimate does not include costs for operation and maintenance, capital financing, back-up for intermittency, solar panel lifetime and disposal, and when subsidies end. Current rates in Franklin County are about 10 cents/kwh. Shouldn’t ratepayers know this before any such project is approved?
Craig Brown, Richland
Schools help tie us to our community
As a student, I felt connected to school, earned scholarships and was accepted into competitive universities through levy-funded programs and activities. My Pasco Pride brought me home to pay it forward, and I now teach math at Pasco High. I feel the love and support of my community, especially this year as your 2026 Washington State Teacher of the Year.
In the classroom, it is obvious when my students are in sports, music and/or drama because their grades and attendance are their top priorities. From 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., most days are spent at school. I know as a parent and PHS alum, their time, priorities, friendships, and sense of belonging are completely tied to activities the local school levy pays for.
To name just a few examples, I have witnessed school nurses rushing to aid students or staff in medical emergencies. Our bus drivers ensure our children are safely transported to and from school and activities. Our office staff support parents, students and our school, but more importantly, ensure people who do not belong on school property are denied entry. They are all essential.
Students, teachers and staff rely on your support. Please Vote yes today to continue our essential work.
Gabriela Whitemarsh, Pasco
W. Richland has no need for center
The building of the data center in West Richland should not happen. It is mentally, physically and environmentally damaging to all living things nearby.
The buzzing from these facilities is so loud it affects people and animals. It pollutes the water and uses a massive amount of electricity that we pay for.
Being approved will kill us all. Why are these places being built near people instead of middle of nowhere? They’re just bad all around. The wealthy that are behind this do not care because it does not affect them.
Tiffany Dabbs, Kennewick
Trump’s attack on Pope dismaying
A majority of U.S. Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential victory. Yet across the wide Catholic political spectrum, including some conservative bishops, there is dismay over Trump’s verbal attack on Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead their church.
The dismay extended into the more solid base of Trump support, conservative Christian evangelicals. Many were appalled that Trump followed his Truth Social attack on Leo by posting an image depicting himself as a Christ-like savior.
In his Easter Sunday address, Pope Leo said he was sharing a Gospel message and not directly attacking Trump or anyone else with his appeals for peace and his criticism of attitudes fueling the Iran conflict.
In his clash with the pope, Trump was equally defiant: “There’s nothing to apologize for. He’s wrong.”
The following Monday, Trump’s Jesus-like image had been taken down from Truth Social. From the White House, the president claimed that he never intended to liken himself to Jesus. In contrast to our president’s vulgar rants on Easter Sunday, which also threatened further war crimes against Iran, Pope Leo’s Easter Sunday address was calm and measured, in a way that creates an unflattering contrast to the president.
Bill Petrie, Richland
Netanyahu calling the shots
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in a recent trip to the White House made a video presentation on a war with Iran as means to create a popular uprising in Iran and a leadership change. The CIA countered that the notion was farcical. The president has disdained careful planning and acted on gut instinct and willfulness in unleashing the war without congressional approval.
Iran’s response is to take control of the Strait of Hormuz a choke point on the U.S. and world economy. As a result, gas prices have soared. Twenty percent of the world’s oil supply is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is not a threat to the U.S. It is 10 years away from having missiles capable of striking the U.S. Why then are we involved in this war of choice? Why do we continue doing the bidding of Netanyahu?
His government action in Gaza was brought before the International Court of Justice as a case of genocide. Palestinians on the West Bank, some with deeds dating to the Ottoman Empire, are being driven off their land by Jewish settlers. The Netanyahu government has closed its eyes to holding settlers accountable and restoring to the Palestinians their rightful ownership.
Mickey Beary, Richland
Abuse makes kids vulnerable
Victims of child abuse are often vulnerable to harm. They are young and dependent on adults to meet their basic needs, which can make it difficult for them to protect themselves or ask for help. Abusers may include parents, caregivers, family members or other trusted adults.
Some warning signs may include but not limited to: unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior such as withdrawal or aggression, fear of certain individuals, poor hygiene, or untreated medical needs. Everyone can learn the signs of abuse and can build trusting relationships with youth so that children may feel safe speaking up if abuse is happening. If you suspect abuse, please report suspected abuse to local law enforcement or Child Protective Services.
There are advocates at the Support Advocacy and Resource Center available to assist with police reporting, inform victims of their rights and help answer questions about a criminal investigation. All services are free and confidential.
If you need assistance or more information, please contact the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center at 509-374-5391.
Rosanna Herrera, Richland