No place at Clark College for bigotry
As an alumnus, I am dismayed to hear that “White and Proud” fliers were recently distributed at Clark College. Shame on student Nathan Goncalves and his National Socialist Movement. There is nothing loving in the promotion of aggression and fear. As citizens of Southwest Washington, may our aim be inclusiveness. Racism and prejudice have plagued our community for too long.
When we see inadequacies around us, our deep disappointment must not be expressed in the turning of a deaf ear. Will we look the other way when a mother or child are openly slandered? Will we not come to the rescue of a friend in need? Now is the time to respond with greater love and acceptance of our neighbors and friends of various minority groups. May we join our voices and support with Professor Debi Jenkins, the local NAACP, and others who have had the courage to stand up in defense of safety and understanding.
As Americans, we accept freedom of speech but we must not allow bigotry and racism to foster in our schools and community at large. Not here at home, not here in our Vancouver, Washington.
Benjamin Hayford
Vancouver
Exempt disabled vets from sales tax
I was pleasantly surprised when Clark County Commissioner Tom Mielke dropped what he was doing to visit with me. I was there to promote Oklahoma state’s idea about not charging a “blood tax” with certain purchases by disabled veterans. They have a card they swipe when they pay at the store. Some retailers already give a discount for all veterans. A sales tax is currently charged on wheelchairs, disabled vehicles, as well as taxing the Veterans Affairs $6,800 Home Improvement & Structural Alterations grants to veterans to have a carpenter build wheelchair ramps and/or to remodel the veteran’s house for disabled entry and bath/kitchen changes. Mielke said I had a good idea. I told him that whatever party got behind this, they would be elected or re-elected.
Arthur C. Wonderlich
Yacolt
Tax is too vague; vote to repeal
I’m voting “yes” on Initiative 1107, the voter-sponsored initiative to repeal the sales tax on candy, bottled war and soda pop because the tax is too confusing to be enforced. This tax is not just on soda and candy; it includes many surprising things: yogurt-covered raisins, almonds, chili and peanuts, to name a few.
Here’s an excerpt: “Trail mix containing small amounts of candy [is exempt].” However, it doesn’t define what a “small amount,” “trail mix,” or “candy” are. We have generalized ideas about what these are, but the definitions in this law will surprise you: marshmallow cream is not candy, but marshmallows are; sweetened dried fruit is not candy but sweetened whole fruit is; yogurt-covered raisins are candy but trail mix with M&M’s and yogurt-covered raisins is not. Trail mix — made of taxable almonds, peanuts, and yogurt-covered raisins— is exempt.
The details of this tax are so vague and self-contradictory that even food/diet experts can’t determine where many items fall, making it impossible to enforce properly. If we are to implement a tax on grocery foods, the tax needs to be clear and readily enforceable, not self-contradictory and confusing. Vote “yes” on I-1107 to repeal this self-conflicting tax.
Kirk Ireton
Vancouver
Initiative 1082 adversely affects jobs
The Oct. 13 editorial, “‘No’ on Initiative 1082,” lacked information. I know it is easy to scare readers with quotes from government officials. Are they unbiased when it comes to protecting government jobs? And who on Earth would think an “estimated $315 million increase in costs” is a good idea?
Here are some facts. Washington awards approximately 150 lifetime benefits pensions for every one Oregon awards. Do you suppose it is that much more dangerous to work on the north side of the river? With two exceptions, a rate increase has been imposed each year since 1972. Washington is one of four states that impose a state-run insurance monopoly for workers’ compensation. An average time-loss claim is 270 days in Washington compared to 70 in Oregon. Premium rate information is being withheld.
If this is the kind of workers’ compensation insurance The Columbian supports for Washington, perhaps the editorial board would like to fund some municipal positions in Bell, Calif.
Voters should compare and contrast the evidence posted on government websites. Further investigation can only lead to a “yes” vote on 1082. The result of this initiative will affect all of us. If you don’t think so, look at your pay stub.
Jason Ordway
Battle Ground
Reject any state income tax
If Initiative 1098 passes, it won’t be long before we all will be paying state income tax. Vote “no” on I-1098.
Rawley Stohr
Woodland
Demands are more like blackmail
It was disturbing to me to read the Oct. 16 Columbian story “Fisher complex hangs on vote,” about Ken Fisher’s threat to cancel his plan to move his investment headquarters to Camas if Washington voters pass Initiative 1098. This initiative would impose a new income tax on our wealthiest citizens.
I’m puzzled with his philosophy. Our system of economics allows individuals to earn wealth and this is good. If my husband and I were lucky enough to have an income of $500,000 or more per year, I would hope that we would be generous enough in spirit to not mind paying more taxes into our system that keeps our state moving forward with its many demands for support services. If the scenario does play out that Fisher Investments cancels its plans to move here, I hope that the city of Camas considers his demand for putting up $2 million towards the sewer station, now being built, as blackmail and insists on reimbursement to the city treasury.
Judy Hubbard
Vancouver
Focus on voting for best candidate
Regarding the 3rd District Congressional race, I suggest that voters study both candidates. Which one in the next two years will undermine your pursuit to happiness?
Which one is at a place in their lives where they “get it”? Which one of them seems to have displayed they understand the philosophy, hard work and hope for the future of those of us who live in the 3rd Congressional District? Which one of them is speaking to you and not reading a script, being told what to say, think or reading from a book. Which one will help our district claim victory over job loss?
The decision for whom to vote for is easier than you think.
Please do not get distracted on this one by party line. Voters should be focused on what their ability is to cast their vote for the one who has displayed they are worthy and ready of representing them.
Maria D. Rodriguez-Salazar
Battle Ground
