Writers question Sanders’ funding and Eason’s politics, and weigh in on Israeli/Palestinian war
Why is Maggie Sanders’ campaign funded by outsiders?
I am writing to express my deep concern about the Port of Olympia Commission District 4 candidate, Maggie Sanders, whose campaign appears to be heavily influenced by out-of-county contributions, particularly from the Seattle area. It is disheartening to learn that $26,000 of her campaign funds have come from Seattle, while only $8,000 had been raised locally as of Oct 8.
This raises questions about the true interests behind her candidacy and the influence of external forces on our local politics. Seattle’s attempt to buy our community’s decision-making process is worrying and must be addressed.
In this critical election, we need a port commissioner who genuinely cares about our community. Rose Chiu Gundersen is the right choice for Port Commissioner. Let’s stand against the influence of external money and support a candidate who truly represents our values and interests.
Charity Slawter, Olympia
Is Eason an independent or a Republican?
In a cynical effort to present herself as a moderate to the electorate, Vivian Eason has registered to run as an independent in her bid to become Thurston County Commissioner in District 4.
In 2022, she ran unsuccessfully as a Republican against Tye Menser, losing the vote by over 10%. So, is Vivian Eason an independent or a Republican?
The evidence suggests that she is far to the right on the political spectrum. According to the Public Disclosure Commission, at least 25% of her campaign funding comes from the Republican Party.
The evidence also suggests that she is not only a Republican, but that she is a MAGA extremist. In a comment responding to a letter to the editor after the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach Trump over the Jan. 6 insurrection, she was critical of Jaime Herrera Beutler’s vote to impeach, accusing her of being a “Democratic puppet.”
I think that Thurston County voters deserve a Commissioner they can trust, not a politician who tries to hide their real identity. Don’t be fooled by Eason’s attempt to portray herself as a moderate. Vote for Wayne Fournier, a Democrat and the real moderate in this race, when you cast your ballot for County Commissioner District 4 this November.
Jon Ceazan, Olympia
Stop genocide now in Occupied Territories
I write as an individual who has lived and worked in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I can personally affirm that Israel is an Apartheid regime, but don’t take my word for it: Look at B’tselem, Human Rights Watch, or Amnesty. I feel devastated at the level of violence. The U.S. government is only escalating this violence.
The Israeli government is actively threatening to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The exits from Gaza have been bombed. Water and electricity is shut off to 2 million people, half of whom are children. The level of violent missile attacks against residential neighborhoods is unprecedented. Thousands have been killed and there is a delay in the numbers reaching the world.
I demand that Biden and Congress take immediate action to prevent genocide against Palestinians. End the blockade of Gaza. End the bombing. This is not an equal conflict — we have the ability to deescalate. Ending the cycle of violence will take a free Palestine — meaning equal rights for every person regardless of who you are, no Apartheid wall, right of return for refugees, and freedom of movement for all.
Emily Antoon-Walsh, Olympia