Letters to the editor for April 4
Help save lives by volunteering to drive cancer patients to treatment
In 2019, more than 39,000 Washingtonians will be diagnosed with cancer, and for many getting to treatments can be their biggest obstacle. A successful transportation assistance program can be a tremendous, potentially life-saving asset to the community. That’s why volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is so important.
Volunteer drivers donate their time providing as many rides as they want. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, access to a safe and reliable car, regular desktop, laptop or tablet computer access, and proof of car insurance.
The American Cancer Society understands that when cancer hits, it hits from all sides, and lacking transportation to treatments shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why they are seeking volunteer drivers for the Road to Recovery program throughout Washington and Oregon. Volunteers experience great feelings, knowing they are giving someone a ride that is helping to save their life. I encourage everyone in our community and surrounding areas to consider volunteering today.
To learn more or to sign up as a volunteer, visit cancer.org/volunteer or call 800-227-2345.
US drug policy also should reflect Americans’ values
I agree with Glen Anderson’s piece on US foreign policy.
One factor he left out was the affect of the “drug war” and drug criminalization on foreign policy and countries. It is also a major factor in domestic crime. Legalization and treatment of drug abuse as a health problem rather than a crime would deny terrorist groups and drug gangs (is there much difference?) of a major source of income. It would also go a long way toward reducing the deaths associated with drug abuse. It would reduce the violence and deaths in foreign countries. It would put down a marker for other countries to follow.
Anyone with any knowledge of history and a commitment to individual freedom, small government and the US constitutional principles should support a complete overhaul of US drug laws, especially decriminalization.
Olympia is dying and dirty, too
KOMO News 4 produced a wonderful video about the same homeless camps there in Seattle as we have here. Very sad, but it also says just where the money is going.
And why should I be paying utilities and taxes when there is group that doesn’t? I worked hard to get to retirement, and these folks don’t and don’t want to work, and sponge off the system I paid into.
Seattle’s problems are Olympia’s problems.
This story was originally published April 2, 2019 at 4:27 PM.