Opinion

While Sen. Murray and Gov. Inslee’s efforts to remove the lower Snake River dams is getting a lot of attention ("With open minds, Murray, Inslee detail process to consider breaching Snake River dams," Oct. 22), no one seems to realize how costly this will be for our state and our community. Hydro power accounts for nearly 70% of our power base. Just this last summer, Spokane had rolling blackouts during a heatwave so dangerous it resulted in tragedy.

If numbers and statistics were enough to convince the public to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of manufacturer, the death toll alone – 763,000 in the U.S., 5.11 million worldwide – would have people scrambling for vaccine slots. If not that, then the number of cases in ICU units – 849 people – and of people on ventilators – 106 people – as of Nov. 14, 2021, in Washington would surely spur some action.

This is addressed to Jan Margrethe Woods ("Library remodel a bust," Nov. 13).

Once again we have all this talk about climate change with no mention of dealing with the real problem: over-population. The discussions in Scotland were pointless feel-good nonsense.

On November 10th, I was delighted to see that Congress passed the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” -- HR 3684 -- which will help guarantee that our aging U.S. transportation infrastructure will finally receive much needed attention and repair. The article in the Spokesman-Review outlined all of the planned construction, from bridge deck repairs/rehabilitation to “expansion joint” repairs to “replace railings.” In addition, there is $65 billion aiming to ensure every American has broadband internet access, and $25 billion for airports.

Deadly side effects? Absolutely -- but caused by misinformation like Al Newman’s letter ("Deadly side effects," Nov. 13).

Standing or kneeling, I stand with you

Regarding Dick Schuerman’s Letter to the Editor, ("GU team dishonors flag," Nov. 12), expressing dismay at some members of the Gonzaga women’s basketball team taking a knee during the national anthem. Here is my take or stand or kneel issue.

My brother-in-law Kevin died in November 2019. It is two years later and the IRS still hasn’t figured out he’s not paying.

Thank you so much for the Then and Now article on Nov. 1, about the Rialto Theater.

Saturday's letters column contained a letter from Mr. Al Newman ("Deadly side effects," Nov. 13) stating that there were 15,000 deaths from taking the corona vaccine, as reported by VAERS. Fortunately, almost nobody reads the online-only Saturday letters column. But in case somebody did, and did the research that Mr Newman suggested, one quickly finds a link to

The meeting is over. Representatives from nearly 200 countries have flown home from Glasgow, Scotland, ending their mission described by scientists and environmental advocates as the last, best chance to save the Earth from climate calamity. Not surprisingly, I suppose, the UN conference was long on promises but short on action.