Take a hard look at state budget

Take a hard look at state budget

Washington voters overwhelmingly rejected Initiative 1033, Tim Eyman’s attempt to impose artificial long-term cuts on the state’s budget. Clearly, voters want their elected officials to think long and hard about where funding restraints should be placed rather than a slash-and-burn approach.

I would also suggest it’s time for our elected officials to take a detailed look at an income tax on those wealthy individuals in our community who earn over $250,000 annually if single and $500,000 if married. Looking at both sides of the state budget (expenditures and revenue) just makes sense in a time of economic downturn.

What is unfair is trying to balance the state budget on the backs of those least able to meet the cost. While we pride ourselves on not having any state income tax, the stark reality we must now confront is that to maintain this attitude is to drive Washington into a deeper fiscal mess.

Roy Maier

Vancouver

This good deed did not go unnoticed

In the Ellsworth neighborhood I witnessed something rare while on my way to class.

Strolling down the street was an elderly couple, armed with trash bags, picking up litter along St. Helen’s Avenue. These good Samaritans should be recognized for their great deed to our city.

Ben Joner

Vancouver

‘America’s Vancouver’ is misleading

As much as I admired former Mayor Royce Pollard for some of his work, his use of “America’s Vancouver” made me cringe every time he used it. I hate to get into a geography lesson here, but Vancouver, B.C., is also in North America; so when we use that term, I think it makes it sound like we don’t know that. Technically, it would be more correct to call ourselves “U.S.’s Vancouver.” Of course, that is pretty cumbersome, we could try to be Vancouver South or South Vancouver, but considering that we are not exactly right next to the North Vancouver, I think that would be pretty silly, too.

I like “Fort Vancouver.” I think it has a ring of distinction to it.

But whatever we do, let’s drop the silly, “America’s Vancouver” in recognition that our neighbors may consider themselves part of the American continent also.

Robert Hughes

Vancouver

Rehabilitation at risk with closure

It shouldn’t be just the NAACP leader who opposes cuts to Larch Corrections Center or its closure. There is little to no rehabilitative value to corrections in our state these days, and the warehousing of inmates without rehabilitation does not meet the goals of any correctional institution. Those who have sons or daughters incarcerated know the value of education and supportive remedial measures.

Mary Goody

Cougar

Romance with guns needs to end

Let me preempt the name-calling. This leftist-socialist-totalitarian-Marxist-secular-humanist-anti-gun citizen would like to address the “arm everybody” concealed weapons debate.

In Lakewood, four armed and well-trained police officers could not stop the tragic ambush that left them all dead and their families grieving for their loss. Why do I have a hard time believing that some citizen — perhaps the cashier? — would have been able to correctly assess the situation and then shoot quickly and accurately enough to take down the shooter after he murdered the first officer?

Haven’t we had enough? Haven’t we seen enough mass killings, enough accidental deaths and injuries — especially of children — and enough murder-suicides to finally decide to end our passionate American romance with guns?

Debra Di Piazza

Vancouver

Don’t treat leaders like celebrities

Not long ago, our national attention was bombarded by the repetitious invocation of the name of President George W. Bush. Even his staunchest supporters tired of hearing him mentioned in the 24/7 prattle machine that is modern broadcasting and publishing.

As was once the case with President Bush, it is now with President Obama. Is his fabled charisma real, or is it artificial, served up by the news and entertainment industry? The U.S. today remains, thankfully, a republic. But how long will it remain so, under this blizzard of celebrity glitter showered on each White House occupant?

Do we need to see Michelle Obama regarded as a U.S. version of Princess Diana? Media apologists maintain that they are giving the public what it wants, but it’s doubtful that folks care about Michelle’s stock of clothing or Barack’s taste in sports. Gradually, the aristocratic pretensions that were banished here in the 1780s are reborn.

Throughout history, republics flourished when led by individuals who cared only about actual accomplishments, with citizens who shared those values.

Republics declined when immersed in frivolity and entertainment. Presidents’ families should be off limits to the media and presidents should be assessed by what they actually do.

Enough of this “fan magazine” treatment.

Frank W. Goheen

CAMAS

Accusations are baseless

I would like one of these right-wing complainers to point out to me just one case where President Obama has clearly violated the Constitution as they over and over contend.

Tom Daniels

Vancouver

Volunteer to promote peace

Throughout our eight-year struggle in Afghanistan, we have been hiding our greatest national asset: the genuine friendliness of the American people. True, our new counter-insurgency policy now emphasizes civic stabilization and the protection of civilian populations, but the principal face we present to the world is that of the battle-hardened soldier. Every friendly act, every school and clinic built, every kindness shown by our uniformed men and women is darkened by the shadow of American military might.

So instead of sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, what if we encouraged 30,000 American civilian volunteers to live among the Afghan people — getting to know them, befriending them, and helping them rebuild their lives? If genuine friendliness is America’s great strength, why are we hiding it behind our military posture? As unarmed Americans living with the Afghan people, we would, of course, be at some risk. But why shouldn’t we older Americans bear some risk, at least as much as our sons and daughters in uniform? My guess is that there are easily 30,000 retired Americans who would gladly pay their way if asked.

David C. Duncombe

WHITE SALMON