Letters to the editor for Feb. 24

The diet of Lent

In Western churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is March 2 this year, six and a half weeks before Easter. It provides for a 40-day fast, in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. Many Christians abstain from animal foods during Lent.

However, a meat-free Lent is more than a symbol of devotion to Christ. A meat-free Lent reduces the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation, and animal abuse. Volumes have been written linking consumption of meat with increased risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and more. In a 2007 United Nations report, they noted meat production as the planet’s largest source of pollution and greenhouse gases. And undercover investigations document farm animals being beaten, crowded, deprived, mutilated, and shocked.

Lent offers an opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by extending a meat-free diet beyond Lent; it’s the diet mandated in Genesis I:29 and observed in the Garden of Eden.

Today there’s a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, as well as readily available vegetables, fruits, and grains. Decide to make this change for Lent but commit to keeping meat off your plate all year.

Dan Pryce, Olympia

Small price to fix Lebanon Street traffic woes

OK, Lacey City Council: I’m not in your jurisdiction so you don’t have to listen to me, but this tale of Lebanon Street is just too much. How much money did you spend on the extension to Pacific Avenue? How much would it cost to make the two-way stop a four-way stop? How much would it cost to add a traffic bump half-way between 14th and 20th? $200 per household? I don’t think so.

I’ve traveled this street for years. These are well-kept homes, but obviously not big money sources for your city coffers. You made the problem infinitely worse with the extension. You need to cut these homeowners a break. Two stop signs and a traffic bump. Surely you can afford that!

Jeanne Ray, Olympia

Rein in military spending

Dear Congress, Your military spending, per se, is the biggest of all our problems.

I cannot stand idle and watch the uncontrollable military spending our Congress indulges. Ever since our country’s military evolved from a disorganized group of militiamen to a powerful multibillion-dollar government organization, Congress seldom considers spending in other areas rather than giving in to unnecessary debt-creating demands of spending. Do I think military spending is, per se, an issue? The problem is when Congress is unwilling to reconsider and change its spending habits when it comes to military expenditures.

Congress needs to prioritize the well-being of its soldiers and already-suffering veterans. A nation that knowingly neglects its soldiers and families should, undeniably, be ashamed of its neglect towards them, as well as of its uncontrollable debt-creating spending.

Erick Dietrich, Olympia

Thank you, OSD Transportation

There are many who deserve recognition for the work they do to make this world a better place. Today, my acknowledgment and gratitude goes to the Olympia School District’s Transportation Department.

Recently, my special needs son rode an OSD school bus for the last time. For the past 19 years, he has been welcomed aboard a bus every school day morning with heart-warming greetings from the drivers and bus monitors. In the afternoon, he would be dropped off with an equal amount of care and friendliness.

Transportation personnel across the board were always professional and competent. They cared about their job and the students in their care. So, thank you, to all the many drivers, bus aides, and administrative people we met over the past 19 years! You helped make every school day begin and end positively for my son and for me.

Sheila McCartan, Olympia

This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 5:00 AM.