Letters to the editor for May 17
GOP is failing America
I am a lifelong Republican who has never supported a Democrat for president, including 2016 when I cast a write-in vote for John Kasich because of fear my party’s nominee was not experientially or emotionally suited for the job. I was right, but never in my worst nightmare about governance was I prepared for what we are witnessing.
Donald Trump is a classic narcissist, an insecure tyrant whose entire focus is on himself. Pity for those with the temerity to speak out or challenge him, for the punishment is swift and sure. He believes he is the Emperor and has no apparent understanding of how our constitutional Republic is supposed to function through three independent branches at the federal level, coupled with states rights. It is an ingenious system that has served us well and is obviously beyond his comprehension. This is dangerous because he will never change.
Equally appalling is the cowardly behavior of congressional Republicans who are complicit with his intentions, fearful of his wrath to their re-election hopes, or both. And where are the voices of longtime national GOP leaders, who should by now be speaking loudly and clearly about the absolute necessity to see he is not returned to office?
His erratic words and deeds, driven solely by his deep need for affection, threaten to prolong the crisis we face. It’s time for Republicans to stand up for our country and take one for the team regardless of risk. Our cherished Republic is at stake.
Dick Nichols, Olympia
Moving beyond Earth Day
We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and we are already reducing our carbon footprint during the pandemic by severely curtailing travel. But we can do so much more by cutting our consumption of meat and milk products. Yes, that.
A recent article in the respected journal Nature argues that animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change, air and water pollution, depletion of soil and water resources, and destruction of wildlife habitats. Oxford University’s prestigious Food Climate Research Network reports that solving the global warming catastrophe requires a massive shift to plant-based eating.
In an environmentally sustainable world, we must replace meat and dairy products with vegetables, fruits, and grains, just as we replace fossil fuels with wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. Each of us has a unique opportunity to heal our planet by transitioning to plant-based eating.
We can begin with a one-minute food test on the New York Times website. Then let’s continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day at our supermarket. The internet offers ample advice and recipes.
Dan Pryce, Olympia