02/09/12 Letters to the Editor

Too much ideology

To the editor -- "We the people" are at fault for the Congress we have. "We" tend to believe what we hear over our favorite television station and cannot tell the difference between the truth and truthiness. "We" in many cases, vote strictly for a party that has deteriorated into blatant ideology. In the case of the Republican Party, they have deteriorated into a conglomeration of ideologies without any regard for the overall good of the nation.

I visualize another 10 months of no help for the millions of unemployed and a Congress deadlocked until the next election for president. There is no secret to their plans: No help for President Obama or the country until they elect a Republican president.

As I listened to the Republican candidates debating, I have worries of another fiasco like the Bush administration. We will have government by ideology, and who knows what ideology they'll favor.

JOHN ANDERSON

Yakima

Pick one of our own

To the editor -- I'm most disappointed in the acting city manager's decision eliminating any local candidates for the position of police chief. I would think the experiences with Sam Granato and the recent city manager would teach a lesson. Hiring from outside our area does not always gain a good, loyal employee.

Lt. Mike Merryman has earned his status in our police unit through hard work, loyalty, dedication and perseverance. I do not know the man personally, but as a professional law enforcement officer myself for 27-plus years, I have developed an admiration for Lt. Merryman.

We keep hearing the cries, laments and gripes about low budgets and the need to be frugal. Tell me the total costs of selecting and moving an outsider to Yakima. What financial incentives will the city pay to lure outsiders into our fold? How much has the city already paid to candidates for travel expenses to be interviewed?

You must know by now that I, for one, prefer the city select one of our own as we know who and what they are.

LAWRENCE R. PUTMAN

Selah

Stand up to Wall Street

To the editor -- President Obama raises the issues. Do we want an economy that uses money to make money? Or, do we want an economy that makes its money from job producing products stamped "Made in America?" This isn't a debate about ending capitalism. Favoring the 3-second rule under the basket doesn't mean you want to destroy basketball. It does mean bigger players will have to acquire additional skills and smaller players have a better opportunity to join in the competition.

Facts are the Bush tax cuts have upended priorities. Consider Americans who use money to make money such as derivatives betting by hedge fund partners, rich coupon clippers, those using government bankruptcy laws breaking up productive companies and profitably selling off the pieces. They pay no or less in taxes than Americans risking their capital to make money from jobs providing services, capital construction, growing crops and manufacturing.

Thank you, President Obama, for asking the questions. Normally politicians fan the fires of resentment to frame themselves as the best hope. Who has the courage to ask Wall Street to do more, give Main Street the tools to do more, when Wall Street has the money to run all those nasty ads?

DON HINMAN

Yakima

Water storage idea

To the editor -- I'd like to ask the water boards of the Yakima Valley why couldn't the Roza and the Sunnyside districts get together and build water storages between the Roza and Sunnyside canals?

Water in the spring could come in through the Roza and gravity feed into the storages.

When needed, water could gravity feed into the Sunnyside.

If water leaked out, it would help the wells of the Valley.

If half the water is lost to evaporation, you still have half.

This water is lost to the river anyway.

DONALD E. GOSNELL

Naches

Support Naches measures

To the editor -- We moved to Naches because the school district was highly recommended. Over the years I have been pleased with the professional and caring staff, and the quality education my two sons have received. On Feb. 14 voters are being asked to replace the current levy and support bonds to build a new school.

The levy will continue to fund essential educational programs, provide textbooks, maintain buildings and buses, support athletics and music, and maintain staffing levels. The bond measure builds a new school to replace the primary and intermediate schools. Built nearly 60 years ago, their heating, electrical and sewage systems are antiquated.

The current bonds at the middle school are expiring. Money from that can be applied directly to the new bonds with no tax increase. Interest rates are historically low. Additionally, a new school centrally located will be more convenient for families living in outlying areas.

We think little of buying the latest gadget for our kids. Certainly, we can support educating them! It will not cost us any more than we are currently paying. Naches has a great tradition of supporting quality education. Please continue to do so and vote yes on both measures.

REESA SUTPHIN-KNUTSON

Naches

Vote for Yakima schools

To the editor -- Please join me in voting yes on the Yakima School District replacement levy on Feb. 14. The levy helps fund many outstanding parts of the Yakima School District's programs, such as classroom technology, school safety, textbooks and sports.

In a competitive environment in which our children compete against children all over the state and world, we need to give them every opportunity to succeed. The replacement levy helps keep valuable programs and activities available for our children. It also keeps levy rates low, with a projected rate very similar to the current levy rate. Thank you for supporting our children.

KEVAN MONTOYA

Yakima

Put money to schools

To the editor -- I am mystified (but more outraged) that the 2012 presidential campaign and election is estimated to cost $6 billion, which is $2 billion more than the 2008 election (according to Reuters). What a waste of money! Six billion dollars is more than three times the current 10-year Washington state budget deficit!

If you think your donations to any political party really benefit you, then my hat's off to you for still believing. I personally believe contributions for local school bonds are a better use of my money. Please support Selah and area school bonds and our children's futures. It's a better use of our hard-earned money, don't you think?

DEBI FREUDENTHAL

Selah