Letters to the editor for Aug. 7
Snaza undermining COVID-19 response
Consistency based on data is a hallmark of good leadership. Unfortunately, Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza issued a press release announcing that he will not enforce Gov. Inslee’s order that masks be worn in public when social distances cannot be maintained. Due to the absence of a vaccine for COVID-19, masks are one of the few tools that people have to protect each other from infection.
Yes, masks feel like an imposition on our freedom. They are hot and stuffy, but not as stifling as my motorcycle helmet. For years, states debated whether it was enough to merely recommend that motorcyclists wear helmets or whether the risk of injury was such that the freedom to not wear a helmet should be curtailed. Most states came down on the side of requiring helmets because too many bikers ignored commonsense and ended up grievously injured or dead.
But helmets only protect the head of the rider. Masks and social distancing are how we protect each other from COVID-19. Motorcycle helmets are a loss of freedom that’s here to stay. Masks are temporary.
Sheriff Snaza, there are few people better informed about the motorcycle helmet debate than you are. You could give back to the community and help save many lives by setting a good example and enforcing the mask requirement as a temporary imposition necessary to protect the public from COVID-19. In so doing, you will also be helping Washington businesses and the economy to open and stay open.
Jim Weber, Tumwater
Drain the swamp again
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” Those are famous words spoken by an intelligent and thoughtful man, President John F. Kennedy. Today, we have many challenges, but foremost is a change in our presidential administration to one that inspires integrity, honesty and equality.
Although some citizens who voted for and were hopeful that Trump would bring about changes they desired, I doubt they anticipated how drastic the absence of truth, or following constitutional law would be. I understand the desire for draining the D.C. swamp, but clearly what happened is refilling the swamp with those who do not understand the Constitution and the limits of presidential authority. Nor do those in the administration speak based on factual information.
Moreover, those in power do not represent equality and justice for all. We have an administration that promotes “white power,” disrespects the needs of those in poverty, and lacks the integrity we need. Please vote, and encourage others to vote, to bring this country back to one that is respected worldwide and that truly is for the people – all the people.
Lou Adams, Olympia
Understand not condone
One of the most difficult concepts to accept and apply relates to examining one’s perception of a complicated or controversial issue. In an era where emotions run high and opposing sides are quick to accuse or attack, few people are willing to open their minds in hopes of gaining perspective.
I agree that every action has a reaction. No act or behavior develops without some cause and effect. As a society, we need to try to understand a person or event without excusing negative behavior. A child who develops insecurities and pent up emotion because they were physically or emotionally abused is quite easy to understand. But a bully who enjoys seeing people suffer because he has been brainwashed or ridiculed is more complex and confusing. But these, like other controversial behaviors, are rooted in some emotional maze that is clouded with questions and confusion.
If hatred and ignorance are reciprocated, we are validating the prejudice or one-sided view. The main way to eliminate uncritical thinking or brainwashing is to seek clarification and understanding. No matter what the action, offense or attitude is, we should try to understand and avoid retaliation based on fear, anger and confusion. Negative and prejudiced behavior should not be accepted or condoned. But we should do our best to understand why it came about. If we don’t, polarization and hatred will continue to cloud our perception and judgment.
James MacDicken, Olympia