Columbian’s stance on I-1107 is wrong
I’m dismayed that The Columbian editorialized in favor of Initiative 1107 (repealing taxes on candy, bottled water and soda pop). We who oversee medical and dental clinics in Clark County realize the negative impact this initiative will have on community members we serve. We provide primary health care and dental services to low-income patients and rely on the funding these limited taxes generate. This cost-effective care makes good economic sense — reducing expensive medical problems and emergency room visits.
The Sept. 26 editorial repeats a misleading statement from the initiative’s promoters (written and funded by lobbyists for big soda companies). It inaccurately says there is no way to know where the money from these taxes will go. But we know that before these taxes were enacted, funding for primary care for uninsured people was about to be cut; these taxes prevented 10 dental clinics and six medical clinics from being closed. The editorial acknowledged “there are other stakeholders beyond taxpayers and consumers” affected by this initiative, and talks about business owners. What about the thousands of patients we served in 2009? I think voters in Washington are willing to pay two cents more for soda to ensure low-income children get health care.
Carrie Vanzant
Vancouver
Stop spending money we don’t have
I was not appalled by William Sterr’s Sept. 23 letter, “Don’t allow assault on majority rule,” but surprised. I heartily disagree with him.
The state of Washington should stop spending money we don’t have; it is no different than those who can’t pay off credit card debt but keep on charging. There are many people who are on the state’s medical insurance coverage who simply shouldn’t be there. When the economic times are so difficult, those in position to benefit from tax increases, but who will not be paying, are voting.
I totally agree with The Columbian’s editorial positions (“No” on I-1098 and “Yes” on I-1053). I do believe in paying taxes when they are spent wisely, but I am not a socialist or progressive who believes government knows best how to spend our income. If wage earners only were able to vote, then I would support majority rule. This would be a true majority rule.
The sales tax assures citizens that everyone who spends in the state also pays a percentage of state income. An income tax is levied on anyone having an income, and allows those who don’t to determine who pays.
Darrell McMahan
Vancouver
Stance on leaders lacks common sense
Regarding Tom Langston’s Sept. 13 letter, “Common sense is lacking in leaders,” it is a gross overstatement for Langston to paint local leaders with a broad brush by branding them all as lacking common sense without citing even one example of any such leader.
I believe that most, if not all, local leaders and candidates are sincerely dedicated to public service and are pursuing fact-based policies and decision-making in the best interests of the people of Washington and Oregon and the nation.
How much common sense did Langston use? His arguments consist of financial comparisons to a different bridge (I-205), located at a different point of the Columbia River, with different geographic and urban complexities in both states, and built in a different era, some 25 or more years ago. Critics, wishing only to complain without citing facts to help the public understand, should instead show us all how it is to be done by running for election and serving in a public office.
Walk a mile in the other guy’s shoes before launching a whining diatribe devoid of facts.
Julie McBride
Vancouver
Trust and support our government
To all those who write letters complaining about our government, our city, our neighbors, our country, and everything in between — what you need to do is look at yourself.
Do you carry a forgiving heart for those who have done you wrong? Do you love your family? Your friends? Your neighbor?
Can you be supportive for our government that has given us so many freedoms and protected us from the evils of this world? Instead of complaining and arguing and finding fault with one another, we need to be forgiving, loving and supportive. We are all sinners and make mistakes. All have done something wrong in life but there is forgiveness for that.
As long as we believe Jesus has died for each and every one of us, repent for the things we’ve done wrong and carry a forgiving heart.
So go to church. Love your family. Trust your government and pray for one another. By doing so, God will guide and lead us on this narrow and difficult road.
Marissa Lee
Battle Ground
Plenty of entertaining stories
The Sept. 22 Columbian was just chock full of interesting stories. In a front-page story — “Vietnam war hero feted” — President Obama was recognizing service of Richard Etchberger and others, at the same time honestly acknowledging we entered Laos illegally. It’s a fine thing to see a president with honesty; we’ve had so few lately.
The “Storro case rivets community” story was about fraud and dishonesty. It’s a story of one woman’s problems, nobody else’s.
The story “Tea Party now: energy, money, truce with GOP” described Republicans trying to take ownership of the Tea Party in spite of Tea Party groups rejecting mainline GOP candidates in some elections. Amusing!
“Experts say letting tax cuts expire would balance budget,” but that’s 2 percent of America that the GOP wants to keep a tax break for. Capitalism is working fine, you’re just not “working!”
In the story “Corruption on steroids,” eight Bell, Calif., leaders are arrested for stealing from working America. The town cheered. I wish their District Attorney Steve Cooley would take a trip to Washington, D.C. I loved the paper on this day.
Bill Kelley
Yacolt
Abuse interpreted differently
Ginger Metcalf, in her Sept. 20 letter, “Negativity unproductive,” admonishes citizens for questioning and or commenting on or to elected and/or titled individuals. Metcalf writes that these individuals will “represent our interests,” and “abusive critics” are out of line. My question is: What happens when these individuals no longer represent our interests?
“Abuse” — is that like waterboarding or pulling out of fingernails? Did not the recent City Council dust-up follow the rules as to who can speak and for how long? Who was it who was abusive and out of line? Could it possibly be that elected/titled individuals are saying, “Treat me with respect while I abuse you?”
Ron “Wick” Thomas
Vancouver
