Letters to the editor for May 21

Thank you for voting

On behalf of the “pro” committee for Proposition 1, proposing to merge the Olympia and Tumwater fire departments, we’d like to thank everyone who took time to learn about this critical issue and vote.

While the results were disappointing to our committee, we believe the work done was worthwhile. We now have a great resource describing the capabilities and status of not just the Tumwater and Olympia fire departments, but also several surrounding fire districts. And we now know some of the challenges our fire departments have in continuing to provide a high level of fire and medical response for our communities.

The need for sustainable funding for our fire departments is real — and we encourage both City Councils to continue to search for a solution as our populations continue to grow.

During the campaign, we heard broad support for the work our firefighters do. We also heard a lot about community pride in our individual city fire departments. We hope our firefighters are encouraged by that support.

Our firefighters truly are talented, caring individuals that are asked to do a very difficult job. They are the ones that run into burning buildings when we are running out, respond to gruesome accidents, and provide medical care to those in need — treating everyone equitably, professionally, and with compassion. They deserve our respect and support, now and in the future.

Pete Kmet, Tumwater

Laurie Dolan, Olympia

Cheryl Selby, Olympia

We have a chance to do more

There are many arguments as to why the United States should support foreign aid efforts to combat global poverty. The first is, as the most powerful country, we have the resources to invest in countries abroad. The second is we have an ethical obligation to help those we can.

In this round of national budget talks, we are presented with an opportunity in which the US can lead a category. Now, the United States ranks towards the bottom in international assistance, with the leaders being Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, Denmark, and the Netherlands, with 0.7% of their Gross National Income going to foreign aid. The US allocates only 0.2% of its Gross National Income. We have the chance to change the narrative.

The Borgen Project’s work on behalf of the world’s poor has made great strides in changing this disproportionate allotment. Their efforts led to the passing of the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act and the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act during the 117th Congress. Their fight is the good fight and support for them means those who live on less than $1.90 dollars a day have a chance to live a life of fulfillment and happiness.

Stephanie Roestel, Lacey

Money talks and so does hospitality

The dry land has disappeared under a tsunami of “hospitality.” Friends of politicians funnel money through various channels such as SuperPAC donations, dark money loopholes, contributions, save this fund, stop that fund, dummy corporations and charities, offshore accounts, etc. The hospitality is creative, generous, widespread and under the table. In short, “mums” the word. No disclosure required.

The US Supreme Court’s hands have been caught in the hospitality cookie jar. But no ethics are warranted or needed over a cookie or two.

What a dream job it must be to sit on the Supreme Court. A lifetime appointment without fear and with lots of friendly hospitality guiding you through the tough decisions.

I’m not talking about being invited over for dinner, but rather being gifted lavish trips, a friend paying for your mom’s house or a relative’s college education or your wife’s compensation, but no direct payment is made because people will get the wrong impression. What did you expect? Why conceal or hide payment if it’s all legit?

But I asked a friend, and he said hospitality is expected and appreciated around these parts. These people have law degrees to interpret complex legal and social issues, but can’t determine right from wrong for themselves.

I sure could use some hospitality in my life. But then again, I don’t have billionaire friends, and I do have some ethical standards.

David Cahill, Olympia