Give the whole reason for Washington’s too-high gasoline prices | Opinion

State plays major part in gas costs

Your article on “Gas prices keep rising in Washington state. Which counties are the cheapest?” you only blame President Trump and the war in Iran as the factors for why the prices are so high.

You do not even mention that Washington has some of the nation’s highest gas taxes and carbon policies due to the policies of our governor, who passes these costs directly onto the consumers.

The war in Iran may explain why prices have gone up, but it does not explain why Washington residents are paying so much more than drivers in neighboring states. This deserves just as much attention and if you are going to have an honest conversation about costs, you need to look at the full picture and not just blame our president for everything.

Dawn Scarborough, Kennewick

Thanks for report on crypto kiosks

Thank you for covering the Kennewick City Council’s decision to ban cryptocurrency kiosks. This is a timely, necessary step to protect residents from a fast-growing fraud.

These machines are placed in everyday locations like gas stations and grocery stores, which can make them feel routine and trustworthy. Scammers weaponize that familiarity, impersonating law enforcement, courts, utilities or banks, then use fear to force quick decisions. Once cash is deposited, the chances of recovery are slim to none.

The FBI reports $389 million in losses from crypto kiosk scams in 2025, with older adults bearing most of the harm. Our AARP Fraud Watch Network volunteers hear every day that this is not about being “careless.” Scams can hit anyone, and the financial and emotional fallout can be devastating.

Despite repeated efforts and strong support from a broad coalition of consumer advocates, Washington lawmakers still have not adopted clear standards for crypto kiosks, even as losses climb.

If the state will not act, cities should. We applaud Kennewick for putting the safety of its residents first; other communities should follow before more individuals and families are harmed.

Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director

Op-ed misled on Winco store issue

Herald readers who read the op/ed by Mountain States Policy Center on April 24, “They block grocery stores then build their own at four times the cost,” were led to believe that liberal politicians blocked construction of a Winco in north Seattle so they could build a more expensive, government owned store.

The facts, according to the Seattle Times, are that the Winco project was approved by the city and welcomed by most citizens but has been bogged down by “Lake WA Working Families,” which sounds like an anonymous gang of locals that is determined to block development in their area.

“Not in my backyard” activism is a problem everywhere and to blame the government for it is misleading to say the least.

Readers would be wise to check information from the frequent op-eds of MSPC. They seem to have an agenda.

Greg Carl, Richland

KSD board needs to plan safe space

Trigger warning for Gabe Galbraith, Micah Valentine and Josh Miller on the Kennewick School Board.

Guys, if you’re reading this, get to your safe space! I’m going to use a word that gives you uncomfortable emotions. I know uncomfortable emotions are hard, but I believe in you!

Flag.

I know. I know. That’s a scary word! Are you guys going to be ok? I don’t want any of you three having cloth anxiety.

Maybe when you three grow up one day, you’ll learn that if you’re afraid your kids will be “brainwashed” by a piece of cloth hanging in a classroom, that it’s a reflection of how little confidence you have in your parenting skills.

You, see, us grown-ups with kids know that our parental influence is way stronger and more important than scary pieces of fabric.

Hang in there guys! We all love you three special snowflakes. We’re here to support you when you get brave enough to come out of your safe space! I promise the real world is not that scary of a place!

Kyle Blodgett, Kennewick

Stay neutral with limits on U.S. flag

In response to the recent article on the Kennewick School Board’s vote to limit non-U.S. flags in classrooms, I support this decision as a necessary step toward maintaining politically neutral learning environments.

Classrooms are not platforms for ongoing personal or political expression by adults, they are spaces meant for student learning. Regardless of the cause, long-term display of advocacy flags risks shifting the focus away from education and toward ideology. That’s not the role of public schools.

This policy does not ban discussion or erase important topics. It simply ensures that when issues are addressed, they are done intentionally, within curriculum, and with balance. That’s a reasonable expectation for any public institution serving a diverse student body.

If we truly want classrooms to be welcoming to all students, then neutrality is to uphold, not promote any single viewpoint. I believe that this is the fairest path forward.

Anatoliy Nahornyy, Kennewick