Every day, we are bombarded with issues that face our community and our state: homelessness, unfair wage practices, oil and coal trains, human trafficking, political spending run amok, and many more. Some of us fume silently; others write letters.
But we need action to ensure Washington remains a place we and our children can proudly call home. Throughout our community, forces work to bring us together, carrying out the good works morality demands. Our response to the recent Courtyard Village crisis comes to mind. At the same time, other forces seek to divide us, placing personal advantage above common good. For example: Most of us realize that our current method of taxation in this state unfairly burdens the poor at 16.8 percent, while the wealthiest enjoy a mere 2.4 percent tax rate. Yet the appeal to selfishness has prevented any real progress in equalizing taxation.
From 1 to 4 p.m. May 31, at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 Mac-Arthur Boulevard, you have a chance to act, joining your neighbors and the Faith Action Network in envisioning a future for Washington based on social and economic justice. Join local experts in discussing issues and formulating an action plan to present to our elected representatives. All are welcome.
William Sterr
Vancouver