Letters to the editor for Jan. 9

US should join effort to eliminate nuclear weapons

Here in Western Washington , we are all in danger of nuclear obliteration due to our proximity to the Bangor submarine base. It would be a key target in any nuclear exchange.

But did you know that Jan. 22 is the one-year anniversary of the UN’s Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons? This is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit these weapons of mass destruction. The treaty was adopted on July 7, 2017, by the UN conference to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading to their total elimination. Over 120 countries voted in favor of the treaty, and at last count 59 have followed through with ratification. They enter into the agreement to ban the use, possession, testing and transfer of nuclear weapons.

The nine nuclear nations that have not signed on, including the United States, are out of compliance with the treaty. Let’s celebrate this anniversary by urging our people in Congress to support the treaty and make the world a safer place.

Bob Delastrada, Olympia

Your tap water is safe

This letter is a plea to all Washington residents to stop drinking untested and unregulated water in disposable plastic containers. This is one of the most unnecessary and expensive scams ever perpetrated on an unwitting public. By the year 2050 at current rates there will be more pounds of plastic in our oceans than fish.

I have dedicated my life to protecting drinking water nationwide. As chairman for the City of Lacey utilities committee, I oversaw all testing of drinking water quality for the city. As with all cities in Washington, the wells in Lacey are tested for over 150 contaminants monthly to ensure the water is completely safe. As chairman for the Groundwater Policy Advisory Committee of Thurston County, I was responsible for drinking protection strategies and laws countywide, and our water is safe.

As an employee of the Washington State Department of Health, I was responsible for water quality testing, enforcement, and protection of all water systems statewide, over 25 connections, up to the city of Seattle. I retired writing drinking water policy protection strategies and law for the Department of Health and the state Legislature.

I know what I’m talking about and I assure you, I promise you, your water is safe right out of your tap. You can remove fluoride and chlorine additives if you like with a simple cheap filtration system. You will be smart, doing the right thing, having much safer drinking water, while saving the planet, and a bundle of cash.

Jim Weber, Lacey

Democracy is fragile

As the Jan. 6, 2021 actions of domestic terrorists showed us, and the whole world, our democracy is fragile and vulnerable. It’s important to remember that day in light of the attempts of those who minimize or deny the danger of its events.

Perhaps just as important is the reminder to the rest of us that the threat is real and continuing, and not something we should become complacent about.

Todd Wiley, Olympia

Time to require vaccinations

I have called the Thurston County Department of Health to see when they will require a proof of vaccination for those entering Thurston County businesses. This has been happening in King County for months. I did not get an answer.

The time has passed to plead with people to roll up their sleeves. The time has come to protect those of us who have rolled up our sleeves and are fully vaccinated. The time has come to protect Thurston County businesses from further disruption from the pandemic and it’s ever-changing variants.

I am hopeful that the powers that be in Thurston County will mandate businesses to require proof of vaccination before entry for our safety and to allow our economy to flourish during this pandemic.

Drew Goodrich, Olympia