Letters

At my job I have been navigating my way through the myriad number of state payroll taxes due each quarter. The state of Washington has added a new one this year to take money from all working people to fund paid family leave. This has been on my mind as I have been campaigning for Tim Benn for City Council, Mike Fagan for council president, and Jonathan Bingle for mayor. Taking back our government and limiting it to its constitutional functions has to start at the local level.

To protect from wildfire smoke wear N95 masks, fitted by professionals, useless on children ("Take steps to protect yourself from wildfire smoke," Guest opinion, July 14th). Not even a "Band-Aid" solution. We need an aggressive approach to reduce the wildfire smoke instead of suffering the consequences of this new normal.

In case there was any doubt, the president has now made it abundantly clear: Those red MAGA hats are simply another way of saying, "Go back to where you came from."

"Burn Witch Burn," "Lock Her Up" and "Send Her Back" all have the same cadence, and they are all directed at women. This is not a coincidence. These chants are easy to learn and spit back. How many more witches do we need to burn?

My ballot for the Spokane City Council primary election in Spokane arrived on July 19.

Spokane always seems to find the right leader at the right time. From Democrat Tom Foley to Republican Kevin Parker, we have been blessed time and again with common-sense leaders who simply want to do right for our great city.

After reading the positions of the mayoral candidates it is clear that only Ben Stuckart understands what makes a great city. I am incredulous that the rest of the field is caught in a 1950s view that cities are places you drive through to get somewhere else. That is the outdated view that emptied urban neighborhoods and almost destroyed American cities.

In Philadelphia, 33,000 pounds of cocaine were seized in one of the biggest U.S. drug busts ... worth more than $1 billion on the street. Heads up! This measures the failure of drug prohibition.

Another reader is confused about what symbols like the flag and "The Star-Spangled Banner" stand for, as well as what being a good citizen means. In his recent S-R letter ("Respect our national anthem," July 17), Joe Schauble veers sharply away from the American way when he demands that we think of those who "have made sacrifices for us" by respecting the flag, and that flag ceremonies are "not the time or place to protest or boycott."

I noted Trump's apologists are rationalizing that the phrases "Lock Her Up" and more recently "Send Her Back" are merely innocent rally slogans. No doubt many in the German masses of the 1930s and '40s thought the same of the Nazi verbal salute "Seig Heil!" Yes, the comparison is intentional.

I would have had only one question for special counsel Robert Mueller. A simple Yes or No question.

Using an old movie line, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" I'm not mad at the inhabitant of the White House. He long ago revealed his true colors. It's disgust I feel.

I am writing out of my concern for our democracy and nation. The division that exists today can be compared to a life-threatening illness. An intervention is required to mitigate the damage, pain and suffering that is taking place.

The global warming crowd refers to normal climate change and then makes the leap saying we must do something about anthropomorphic climate change or die.

I loved Sunday's article about how the real estate folks are going to 'solve' the housing problem ("Realtors are buying a voice in Spokane primary elections," July 21).

I am pleased to vote for Tim Hattenburg for Position #6 on the Spokane Valley City Council.

We are a group of Christians who have been meeting for prayer and discussion in recent weeks after worship at our church, First Presbyterian in downtown Spokane.

The city of Spokane and developers better take a hard look at growth in southwest Spokane ("Capacity concerns in southwest Spokane," July 19). Slapping approval on every development is detrimental to our city. This is not "infill." This is irresponsible. This area might be in the city limits, but the infrastructure is set up for country living.

Despite the national political polarization, we can have hope locally! I attended a campaign event held at the home of the iconic Fred Schrumpf for two impressive candidates for the Spokane Public Schools board: Nikki Lockwood and Jenny Slagle. What an inspiration! Both of them have already demonstrated their commitment to fulfill the duties of this toughest elected position. What kind of person would take on a six-year term for an unpaid volunteer position? Here's who would: