Letters to the editor for April 13
Support Inspire Olympia
We have a remarkable opportunity to make a positive difference in Olympia that will ripple throughout the South Puget Sound.
With a simple yes vote for INSPIRE Olympia to approve a fractional cost on Olympia’s sales tax, we will be able to dramatically expand access to the arts, sciences, heritage and culture.
How does it work? It’s a special proposition that will provide funding for grants to non-profit organizations via an application process. The grants would enable diverse programming and outreach to create high-quality multidisciplinary experiences — from free admission, to world-class shows and events, to free community and cultural festivals, or even the development of in-school and after-school programs. The goals? To expand opportunities, strengthen and revitalize our communities while focusing on inclusivity and equity.
This process will enable access and support for a wide range of non-profit organizations, even the seedlings and startups. For more details visit www.inspireolympia.com.
Some people may consider the arts, sciences, heritage or cultural events as luxuries. Yet these are the foundations of healthy communities and the proven vital elements of a strong resilient economy.
Together as voters we have the collective power to open a new creative chapter in Olympia. A YES vote for Proposition No. 1 on Tuesday, April 26, requires only our intention and investment. In return, it will provide critically needed resources to enable new opportunities throughout the region that will be felt for years to come!
Janice Arnold, visual artist
Barb McConkey, multimedia artist
Heather Taylor-Painter, psychologist
Pat Wald, art/science educator
Removal of Snake River dams makes economic sense
Some previous letters to the editor have discussed adverse economic impacts if the four Snake River dams are removed to protect wild salmon. However, the economic metrics do not support this premise. In the past, economic studies completed show strong evidence of the positive impacts associated with dam removal. Here is a summary of some of the findings:
• Snake River hydropower from the dams is no longer inexpensive, and renewable sources such as solar and wind are becoming more competitive as time passes. Maintenance costs continue to climb to keep these four dams running and taxpayers that support operation and maintenance of the dams get back less than 50 cents on every dollar invested.
• The cost of operating the locks for grain barge transport exceeds any increased costs in transportation by truck or rail.
• The energy generated by the dams can be replaced at a nominal cost to the taxpayers. We now have two and a half times as much new, renewable energy generation up and running in the Pacific Northwest as all four Lower Snake River dams.
Our legacy is closely tied to the survival of these amazing species, as well as our need to honor the land and environment that is truly sacred. Please write your representatives and tell them to support dam removal to protect the wild salmon and other dependent species. Economics is just one of the reasons to do so.
Larry McCallum, Olympia
Make a change to avoid costly meat
Can you believe the meat price increases predicted by USDA Economic Research Service? 15% for red meat and 11% for fish and eggs! Way over the predicted 8% inflation rate, already the highest in four decades.
The obvious solution recommended by nutritionists: fresh vegetables. They contain all the nutrients required for healthy living and no saturated fats, cholesterol, hormones or antibiotics found in animal products. They do contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They offer vastly reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Fresh vegetable prices are going up only 4.3% — way below the 8% inflation rate.
University of Michigan research found that replacing half of animal products with plant-based foods would prevent more than 1.6 billion tons of greenhouse gasses by 2030 — President Biden’s target date for cutting emissions by 50%.
In a sustainable world, we need to replace meat and other animal products with vegetables, fruits, and grains, just as we replace fossil fuels with wind, solar, and other renewable energy.
The rising cost of meat may be our blessing in disguise.
Andrew Petuchov, Olympia