Letters to the editor for July 13

Vote Jess for Olympia School District #2

My name is Matthew Kaphan, and you’ll see me in the voter ballot running for Olympia School Board District 2. Instead of voting for me, I’m asking you vote for Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo.

Jess recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable environment where every child can thrive. Her emphasis on promoting diversity, inclusion, and social-emotional support within our schools will foster an environment where all students can feel valued and supported.

Jess’s experience in education gives her invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities of what our students need to succeed after graduating. Jess’s vision for the future of education aligns with the changing landscape of our society. She recognizes the importance of preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Jess’s lived experience as a disabled student gives her a unique perspective on the challenges students face. She understands the diverse needs and concerns of our families and will work tirelessly to address them. Her collaborative approach will foster strong partnerships between schools, parents, and the broader community.

Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo embodies the qualities and values we need. Her passion and experience in education and her commitment to inclusivity and progress make her the standout choice for Olympia School Board District 2. I wholeheartedly endorse Jess and encourage you to join me in supporting her candidacy.

Matthew Kaphan, Olympia

Thank you, Olympia School Board Director Reed

I’m writing to thank Olympia School Board member Talauna Reed for her dedicated work for equity. While I appreciate all the board’s rigorous work, she is the only one who voted no to a budget that defunded music programming and other positions that directly support students and families, while keeping funding for programs that aren’t proven to help all students.

Director Reed shares vital awareness and abilities for building needed solutions.

Anne Hundley, Tumwater

Impeach John Roberts and Clarence Thomas

The systemic and repeated ethics violations committed by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas have eroded public trust in the Supreme Court and undermined the rule of law.

In recent months, multiple reports have detailed the ethical misconduct of Roberts and Thomas. For example, in January, the New York Times reported that Roberts improperly intervened in the investigation of sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh. And in February, the Washington Post reported that Thomas used his position on the Supreme Court to benefit his wife, Ginni Thomas, a conservative political figure.

Other ethical violations committed by Roberts and Thomas have included:

• Using their positions on the court to benefit their own personal interests.
• Interfering in investigations into their own misconduct.
• Lying to Congress.
• Receiving bribes and secret paid trips from political megadonors with matters before the court.

Roberts and Thomas’ repeated ethical violations have eroded public trust. A recent poll found that only 38% of Americans trust the integrity of the Supreme Court — a significant decline from just a few years ago.

The rule of law is essential to our democracy. When the Supreme Court is corrupt, it undermines the rule of law and de-legitimizes the court system itself. This is why there are ethical requirements placed on judges at all other levels.

I urge U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland and U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to call for the impeachment of John Roberts and Clarence Thomas. They have shown that they are unfit to serve on the Supreme Court.

Caleb DeLeeuw, Olympia

This story was originally published July 13, 2023 at 5:00 AM.