Letters to the editor for Feb. 27

Imagine this ...

When considering interpersonal characteristics exemplified by a friend, family member, colleague or leader, most people would find common ground. People like to see humility, selflessness and genuine concern for the welfare of others at the top of their lists.

Imagine your daughter coming home with a new boyfriend. Within a short time you note some disturbing traits. He repeatedly brags about his achievements. At the same time he berates your daughter and fellow classmates with childish adjectives ranging from stupid to ugly. He makes fun of people who have passed away or are faced with physical limitations.

The saga continues to grow when you find out he has been suspended for falsifying school records and cheating on tests. He feels he is above the law and answers charges by pointing fingers at somebody else.

Even though your daughter has done the bulk of the work on a school project, he accepts all of the credit. He twists the truth to bolster his image through innuendo, sarcasm and blatant exaggeration. Whenever he is questioned, he abandons a relationship with that person and attaches himself to back-stabbing cowards. He demonstrates little respect for anybody who questions his own limited perception.

You now understand that he has built a false reputation by lying, degrading, cheating and deflecting responsibility.

Fortunately it doesn’t take much time for your daughter to see through this dishonest, vindictive and self-centered egotist. Maybe our society should take her lead when it comes to judging our political leader(s).

State must take bold climate action

We are in the seventh week of the Washington State Legislature’s 2020 session, and it is time that our legislators pass bold climate action.

With a total of 60 days in the 2020 session, the only climate bill that has made any movement out of committee is the clean fuel standard (HB 1110 / SB 5412).

Since we are in a short legislative session, I have heard many people say that we will have to wait until 2021 for environmental bills to pass, but we cannot afford another year of inaction.

If we want a livable future, it is time that we demand our legislators keep the climate limits bill moving (HB2311 / SB6272), pass the Transportation for All bill (HB 2688 / SB 6398), and declare a climate emergency (HB 2829).

I urge anyone who reads this to learn more about these bills and to contact your legislators to ask them for their support.