Letters to the editor for June 19

The free market is the solution

Mr. Larry Dzieza’s column “The bankrupt agency of the GOP congressional leadership” starts with an excellent question about the constitutionality of state bankruptcies. Unfortunately, the rest of his opinion piece is just a screed against “Republican” policies, private enterprise, and the “capitalist” economic system.

States are the only entities that aren’t covered in our bankruptcy laws. Local entities such as counties, cities, and other taxing districts can declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy. This leaves default as the only option unless states raise taxes on the citizens. That is a Hobson’s choice if ever there was one.

It is ironic that the situation in which many states find themselves is due, in great but not only part, to the policies of the Democratic party. Democrats are notorious for buying votes from public unions with generous (and under funded) retirement and benefit plans. Republicans are hardly blameless in this area. It is not private enterprise that has put us in this pickle. It is public politics.

Private enterprise and the free market are the solutions, not the problem. In fact, taxes are paid entirely through the functioning of the private economic system. Sales and income (yes, Washington has income taxes) are major sources of state funds. Property taxes are paid by individuals both private and corporate. Public entities live off the lifeblood of the private economic system. They should act like a necessary organ in the body, not a parasite on it.

Edwin J. Pole II, Lacey

Playing politics with COVID-19

I am saddened by the response of our national leadership in response to the tragic and horrific pandemic which we find our world experiencing. One would think that a crisis of this magnitude would be uniting, bringing all Americans, regardless of political views, together. Unfortunately, we are seeing the exact opposite.

Having served this country in the Army for over 22 years, I have always cherished the values of selfless service that America has projected to the world. Proud of the actions I took part in to bring relief and hope to those who had little of either. We did so, not for personal gain or recognition, but because it was the ideal of our country and our leadership.

We have seen a paradigm shift in leadership, a change from one of selfless service and sacrifice for the greater good to one of serving self and entitlement.

This is no more evident than in our national leadership. Rather than understanding the needs of the many, we continue to see decisions and policies emerge that are crafted to serve the agenda of the powerful and connected.

We see an administration that uses patriotism as a facade for elitism. Where armed protesters are encouraged, demanding actions that will endanger fragile citizens, rather than compassion to protect the vulnerable. And this travesty has been wrapped in the flag as if it were some “Minute Man” response to fight against tyranny. Who is the tyrant? Frightened citizens who are dying? Where has selfless leadership gone?

Perry Menchaca, Tumwater

Thank you for speaking the truth about the GOP

Thank you, Mr. Dick Nichols. Your letter was perfect. It needed to be said, and by someone of your background and public service. I’m sure it took courage.

Now let’s hope that your plea is heard. We both know many fine local and national Republicans whose silence is defaming their own many years of quality governmental service. Your solitary leadership, though not surprising to those who know you, must be replicated.

Dwayne Slate, Olympia