Letters lament Goodwill Outlet closure, argue against Israeli military aid, grieve for women’s rights
Closure of Goodwill Outlet is huge loss
As of Nov. 10, the community’s beloved Goodwill Outlet on Martin Way East is permanently closed. Thousands of people from more than 20 miles around depended on this source of affordable, sustainable, priced-by-the-pound clothing and more.
The Olympia City Council and Goodwill Industries have yet to respond to the petitions active on Change.org that have been signed by nearly 600 people. The public needs to be made aware of this issue and be given a chance to make their voices heard.
This isn’t just a thrift store, it’s a place where families and friends bond, where community and creativity flourish, and it’s a place where those who are struggling can get what they need. If you really care about making a difference in the community, please make this story known.
Hana Wing, Tumwater
We have an obligation to stop supporting Israel’s military
The United Nations’ International Court of Justice ruling, in July, argued that Israel’s continued seizure of the the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) of East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank is illegal and that it must be ended immediately, and that through annexation and permanent control, Israel continues to frustrate the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and violates fundamental principles of international law.
It stated that Israel should evacuate its settlers and military forces from the OPT and reverse its annexation of Palestinian territory. Additionally, the court asserted that states are obligated NOT to recognize Israel’s illegal acts, such as annexation, and must refrain from providing aid or assistance that maintains Israel’s illegal presence in the OPT.
Following the ICJ ruling, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding that Israel immediately withdraw from East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.
In addition to international law, U.S. law also requires us to stop sending military aid to Israel. The Arms Export Control Act, and the Leahy Amendment exist for a reason. It’s time we follow the law, our morality and ethics and stop military aid to Israel, as we should to any country committing human rights abuses and war crimes.
As a country, and as citizens, we have an obligation to not provide Israel with military support, or support that prolongs annexation and oppression.
Bill Dole, Olympia
A thought for Veteran’s Day
Last week, I attended my granddaughter’s fifth-grade music program honoring our community’s military veterans. While a stage full children sang of patriotism, there were several moments that moved me emotionally.
I felt American pride as the children sang songs of patriotism and recognized the sacrifices of our service members, past and present.
However, one moment eclipsed all others and left me contemplating a mix of emotions that are deeply seated at the core of my being as an American woman.
A young girl took center stage to lead her classmates in singing a song of patriotic pride. It was lovely and sweet and innocent; until one line in this song changed it all for me. As she proudly stood front and center, she sang these words: “I am a citizen. I have equality.” At that moment my heart broke and I wondered, “Who’s going to tell her?”
I wondered how she would learn the inherent fallacy of those words.
She is not equal in a court of law, where the voice of a powerful, white man is believed over the voice of a woman.
She is not equal in the workforce, where a qualified woman is consistently passed over for a white man.
She is not equal in a doctor’s office or emergency room, where men decide her fate.
Will you tell her the words of that very patriotic song are false?
Karin Anderson, Olympia
This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 5:00 AM.