Opinion

This letter is in response to Bob Gregson’s letter of 1/26/21 ("Violating their oath").

In the 2021 legislative session currently underway, there is a concentrated and emotional effort to change police tactics and limit the equipment law enforcement officers can use to deescalate dangerous situations and protect the public.

When Mitchell Pitney decided to re-open his business last summer, it wasn’t political defiance. He is committed to physical fitness and personal responsibility, starting with taking care of his members. “People who have better health have better outcomes,” Pitney said at a recent virtual panel discussion. It’s not a stand that makes him a convenient political poster child for the right or the left.

Because of COVID it had been 314 days since my son last attended school in person at a Spokane Public Schools building. He got to go back in building last week and it was a very happy day!

I am a retired white male who proudly served my country in the USAF during the Viet Nam crisis in the late ‘60’s. I was stationed stateside in the middle of South Carolina, in the heart of the South that was ripe with anti-war sentiment and very extreme prejudicial racism.

It’s inconceivable anyone would ask for more tax dollars considering the economic restrictions our government has imposed.

Exactly 60 years ago, John F Kennedy was inaugurated as our 35th President. Most of us know by heart

In response to the question on “Who’s paying for it?’ January 22 (Peggy Speelmon).

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffers from chronic pain. That’s roughly 50 million people who constantly battle some kind of physical pain – typically for more than six months. Now, pain is pain regardless of where you live. But if you live in the rural parts of the U.S., chances are there are fewer treatment options available for you.

The New York Evening Express was no great shakes as a newspaper. But in 1886, when the New York Times ran the obituary of one of the Express’ former owners, Erastus Brooks, it had to give credit where it was due. “Its make-up was typographically an abomination, but it always had the news,” the Times declared grudgingly of its rival.

Washington state lawmakers made their latest move to ban standard capacity magazines in Washington, but still need to answer a hard question.

Spokane public schools are asking for you to vote YES FOR KIDS to approve the replacement levy on February 9, 2021. Whether you have children that are school age or not, everyone benefits from having a well-educated community and well-rounded citizens.

I urge citizens to tell their state legislators to vote YES on HB1078 when it comes up, which restores voting rights to Washington's citizen felons upon their release. Currently, we're the only West Coast state to restore those rights only after BOTH their probation/supervision AND completing conviction-associated legal financial obligations. California and Oregon restore voting rights upon release -- parole and conviction-associated legal financial obligations notwithstanding. Plus, over 20 states allow those incarcerated or on supervision to vote.

Once again Sue Lani Madsen pulls at the nerve during a toothache. ("Multiple voices must be heard during an emergency," Jan. 20) Madsen should go on a fishing charter and she might understand the importance of following the directions of the captain. Otherwise, she might find herself falling overboard without a life vest.