Don't believe it

To the editor -- It is amazing to realize that the American public actually believes that laws are debated and passed on the floor of the House and Senate. If that were true, there would be no need to pay lobbyists millions of dollars to sway the minds of our politicians. These lobbyists are basically owned by corporate America. The real laws are brokered behind closed doors. And then, after a law is passed, "riders" are added in. Pork barrel spending.

The only way to have truly open government is to completely eliminate lobbyists and riders.

Corporate America has ripped off the American public with its negotiated bonuses, which is nothing more than legalized embezzlement.

JAMES E. PRATT

White Swan

How to quit smoking

To the editor -- While listening to the daily news June 27, I heard a report about people who cannot quit smoking. I have the answer! I attended a class in Sacramento. It explained how it can be done.

I smoked an average of 15 cigarettes per day while I was a young man. I wanted to quit and tried several times. The answer is really easy, if you really want to quit. Instead of reaching for a cigarette, reach for and drink a tall glass of water each time. One would be surprised because it works. The results are you gradually flush out the nicotine that is building up in your system.

I am almost 82 years old now. I volunteer as a foster grandparent helping second-grade students in their learning at Roosevelt Elementary School. I'm very active and I believe I look a youthful 65, maybe younger, though I also want to say I am not a vain person.

ROY ULLAS

Yakima

Morals and values

To the editor -- I want to say I am 100 percent in agreement with Peggy Riel (Letters, June 23, "Address immorality now"). She is so right. I also am sick and tired of people bashing Mayor Dave Edler for his issues concerning the coffee shops in Yakima whose baristas are less than half-dressed. Morals and values are going way down. That is very, very sad!

The people who go to those places go for one reason: We all know what that is!

I would not want my daughters working at any of those places.

What happened to our morals and values is a very good questions. I will pray God will help us. God bless.

LINDA J. WILLIAMS

Sunnyside