Letter writers take on Gaza conflict, timber harvests, Trump’s ballot spot and capital gains taxes

Two-state solution is best option for Gaza

After a month or so of heartrending violence by Israelis and Palestinians, I think all agree that those who have committed war crimes, from either side, should be punished. Who to blame has long lost any meaning. Each side has its claims, dubious or otherwise.

Most who seek any kind of peaceful settlement often refer to the two-state solution. I don’t think it is antisemitic nor anti-Palestinian to favor placing conditions on part of our foreign aid to these sworn enemies. The conditions should be based on the recipients achieving measurable steps toward a meaningful two-state solution.

Currently, the US provides considerable foreign aid, mainly military, to Israel even as its leader refuses to consider the US-backed preferred solution to the decades-long conflict. The Palestinian leadership counters with an equally intransigent position.

The US must make both parties accountable. Only the US has the lever to do so – but does Congress have the courage?

Tom Lineham, Olympia

There is no planet B

A neighbor who knows I’m committed to saving our mature forests approached me last week to celebrate the fact that rural schools and fire departments would be funded based on the Department of Natural Resources’ largest, $55 million purchase of 9,000 acres in southwest Washington.

Reading Hilary Franz’s quote, “This land will remain in timber production in perpetuity, and our county’s residents, schools, and fire districts will benefit financially for generations to come,” prompted him to assume that the news would be well received. Sadly, absolutely not. Commissioner of Public Lands Franz’s comment is a prime example of misdirection, misinformation, and egregious corruption in public land management.

To be clear: Over 8,000 acres (90%) will be used to generate revenue for the department through commercial timber production and harvesting. Under 10% will protect wildlife. And a measly 2% of the school building construction budget actually goes to the schools from only specific land parcels, not all.

This radically imbalanced, counterproductive decision exacerbates pollution and hurts salmon recovery, obliterating the state’s most impactful free option for meeting our climate goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The loss of Western Washington forests at such an alarming rate cannot continue.

Our priority must be to enact a moratorium on the sale of mature forests and protect these precious resources. Specifically, I despair that two irreplaceable Capitol Forest parcels called Carrots and Cabbage Patch are for sale and may be clearcut unless the public stands together; only then can we thrive together in Washington state.

Julie Ratner, Olympia

Remove Trump from WA’s primary ballot

The Washington State Supreme Court should take Donald Trump off the primary election ballot. Join Maine and Colorado and the 15 pending states to say “no one is above the law,” especially when running the United States. This only makes sense to save our democracy.

Jean Garwood, Lacey

Capital gains tax is a win for Washington

The Washington state Supreme Court’s decision on a capital gains tax was a win for Washington kids and families.

The capital gains tax on the super rich will affect just 0.2% of Washingtonians, approximately 7,000 of the wealthiest people in the entire state. The rest of us, especially parents like me, will benefit from the increased investments in early learning and K-12 schools.

Kimberly Abbey, Olympia