Letters to the editor for April 12

Can’t we do better choosing our leaders?

When did we stop holding our elected officials to higher expectations, instead lowering the bar on who we chose to represent us? The 2016 presidential election was a benchmark low in desirable candidates, yet the party faithful rallied behind them. Now, 2020 appears to be no different. Where is America’s best and brightest or are we once again destined to choose our country’s representatives from the bottom of the barrel or from beneath it?

Why do we continue to get behind candidates who seem to attract the most flies? This year the Dems got down to two old men while the GOP is rallying behind one of the most unsavory characters this country has ever produced. When did this become the norm, or has it always been this way? When did we start settling? When will intelligent Americans wake up and demand better representation, holding our choices more accountable? Or as perhaps we should expect, “intelligent Americans” are in short supply.

For the Democrats, their rally cry is “Beat Trump.” Yes, that’s a nice wish but I’m more concerned with what they will do for us Americans. We have for the past decade watched both parties bicker for control of the Senate, the House and the Supreme Court. The only thing missing in attempting to control these entities is an armband with a swastika on it.

We are a great nation of great people. Why can’t our politicians reflect our desires and work for the common good?

There’s more to be said about Nisqually flood

A recent column by Olympian Board of Contributors member George Walter portrays us, and Tacoma Power, as being unable to control the Nisqually River. I beg to disagree. The simple fact that the river has a dam that can adjust water levels as needed proves that we can control it.

Weather forecasts predicted January’s record warmth and rain, and we knew there was more snow than normal, yet Tacoma Power did nothing in December to prepare for the extra water. I know, I live about 100 feet from the river. If it takes a lawsuit to drive home the point that Tacoma Power needs to raise the river level early every year to sufficient levels to prevent flooding, so be it. Lawsuits seem to be the only way to force companies to be responsible these days.

I also favor suing Thurston County. They did next to nothing to coordinate flood response, and as a result, people living in the flood zone drank contaminated water and got sick. They learned that their wells were contaminated when bottled water was dropped off after the apex of the flood.

Between hearing different officers telling residents wildly different and conflicting stories, and no support from the county to help river residents prepare for the flood in any meaningful way, Tacoma Power isn’t the only entity who failed us during the flood. If I were a teacher, I’d give Thurston County an F.

We need to reschedule that canceled March 24 meeting at River Ridge High School once COVID-19’s under control.