Consider impact of cuts
Gov. Chris Gregoire, in dealing with Washington’s financial crisis, has ordered across-the-board budget cuts for most state agencies. It seems fair at first glance. Unfortunately, across-the-board cuts will impact children, the elderly and the disabled. Cutting everything equally will treat services to people the same as another agency’s purchase of aluminum siding. Where is the understanding that human needs are more important than any other function of government?
The governor has a tough job to do. The state is in a hole. But it would be a mistake to remove supports from our fellow citizens who are already living on a tight rope. Today there is a budget crisis, but the loss of essential services has been a continual threat for people with disabilities.
It has long been understood that support for the disabled allows some to be employed and provides for healthier, happier lives in the community. Without a certain level of support, some disabled will be forced into state institutional care costing many times more than the removed supports.
Our families, our friends and our neighbors are the disabled. Any financial plan should consider the real human needs of all of our citizens.
Jacques Cotton
Vancouver
Tolls justified; light rail needed
I challenge all who oppose tolls on a future Interstate 5 bridge to give up driving cars for 90 days.
Remove the battery out of all the car(s) you own and give it to a distant relative for safekeeping when you go into automobile withdrawal. Make sure you cross the I-5 Bridge daily, either for work, to visit relatives in nursing homes, or catch a movie. Do your grocery shopping, errands and all activities requiring transportation using public buses or bikes or by walking.
After 90 days without the use of a car, reconsider light rail and tolls for our region’s future transportation.
I remind everyone, the current Interstate 5 Bridge was once a toll bridge. Certainly, I am not the only longtime resident who can remember tolls on the bridge as a child.
Tolling the bridge and having light rail is the essential responsible option. Light rail with a Hayden Island interchange in the Columbia River Crossing is needed as soon as possible.
Mayor Tim Leavitt, where is your leadership? You have a city whose infrastructure is shattered, from parks to public safety. When will you take heed of the real issues in America’s Vancouver?
Maria Maribona
Vancouver
Critical to add reflectors to lanes
I was driving home from work earlier this week when it was pouring down rain. I turned on my windshield wipers and made sure my headlights were on. I got onto Interstate 205 and crossed the bridge to my home in Vancouver. It was very difficult to see which lane was mine. The painted lines and reflectors were not visible enough to see in the dark with it raining so hard. I hoped the driver in front of me could see better than I could.
I understand that the I-205 Bridge has been under maintenance and repairs, and perhaps when they are finished lines will be repainted and more reflectors will be added. Until then, the likelihood of there being a serious crash is high.
I would like to see officials take action and have lines repainted and reflectors added soon. This is for the safety of the more than 140,000 drivers who cross the bridge every day. This is especially critical since we are entering the winter season, more darkness and more rain, making it even harder to see.
Lauren Longacre
Vancouver
Analyze the anger
Tea Party members — I do not understand your anger toward President Obama. Why are you angry about the health care bill? Which part do you oppose? The one that says insured people cannot be denied health care if they get sick? The one that saves drug prescription costs for Medicare patients?
You are angry that big banks were “bailed out,” yet you want Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, to be the next House leader. He refused to pass federal regulations for the Wall Street practices that created our country’s financial crisis and to halt abuses by the credit industry. He refused to pass extending unemployment benefits, but supports tax cuts for the wealthy costing over $678 billion. Why are you not angry about that?
Why were you not angry when George W. Bush requested the bailouts in 2008? Is it because you understood the consequences of not helping the banks avert financial disaster? Does it make sense that you protest now? Or is that the same hypocritical logic that allows the Tea Party to support “family values” Sen. David Vitter, R-La., who frequented prostitutes until exposed?
Please examine your anger. Logic would dictate that you would have given Democrats more than two years to fix eight years of Bush-Cheney-Rove.
Judy Bumbarger-Enright
Vancouver
By paying taxes, we share benefits
“Cut taxes! Smaller government!” Sounds good, until I think about it. Problem is, I value firefighters, police, public schools, good roads, and the “common welfare” that the Constitution mentions as the reason for government. And I want reasonable regulations to protect us from predators who will do anything for a buck. Many great programs are already cut to the bone. Sharing one’s blessings by paying taxes to support these “common” benefits we share is our patriotic duty.
We could solve our country’s deficit if the obscenely rich would pay a more significant share. Since President Reagan cut the top tax rates from 70 to 39 percent, every administration since has run deficits. The money that we were told would “trickle down” has gone to Communist China, leaving a gutted, unemployed middle class, while CEO salaries have increased exponentially and corporate profits are greater than ever.
The $144 billion paid in bonuses to the “banksters” on Wall Street could go a long way to reduce deficit spending if it were taxed at a healthy rate. Maybe by showing some fiscal patriotism instead of greed, they’d have fewer millions with which to buy politicians.
“Cut taxes! Smaller government!” Shoot, a parrot can squawk that tired refrain.
Gary Bruner
Battle Ground
Press reports add to the danger
During the Oct. 29 broadcast of the CBS Evening News, the first segment was concerning terrorist bombs shipped by air, on both passenger and freight. Shame on the TV anchor and various correspondents for divulging to our enemies our weak spots and how to properly ship a bomb with a better-than-average chance of causing destruction on U.S. soil. There’s nothing like a free and irresponsible press. Our enemies gotta love it.
Dan Andruss
Washougal
