Letters question how tariffs help, oppose making voting harder, ask drivers to slow down
Affordability? Explain how that works
Would someone please explain to me how starting a trade war with the intent of bringing all the manufacturing that moved overseas back to the US is going to be good for the average American? I don’t claim to be any sort of economic genius, but with our cost of living and higher wages, including the benefit package that goes along with those wages, how is anyone going to be able to afford anything?
When you watch a show like Shark Tank, anyone with a great idea is chastised if they mention they want their product produced in the United States. Without exception they are told the only way to be profitable is to have their product produced overseas, namely China. What’s changed? Has Donald Trump suddenly found the magic solution? Are the respected economists who are sounding the alarm of where the economy is headed if this continues all wrong?
I for one don’t see how the math works, so if someone can please explain to me how it does, I’m all ears and more than happy to admit I’m wrong, but so far I haven’t heard anything from anyone clarifying how this is a good thing. All I hear is just “trust the process,” “Trump knows what he’s doing.” I’m sorry, but I’m a bit more skeptical than that and would like some real clarity, please, instead of just “trust me.”
Mark Turner, Olympia
There’s a bill in Congress to make voting harder for everyone
The League of Women Voters’ mission is empowering voters, not suppressing them.
Under current U.S. law, it is illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. Additionally, we have robust processes to ensure that only eligible voters are casting ballots.
However, Congress is about to vote on a bill that requires all eligible voters to provide citizenship documentation.
Under this law, every single American citizen would have to show very specific documents, such as a passport or an original birth certificate, in person when registering to vote and anytime they update their voter registration.
Many of us in Thurston County would be impacted by this law at some point in our lives. For example, military voters would be required to present documentation every time they re-register to vote when their family moves. Married women who have changed their name would also be required to secure updated documentation to register to vote.
Under the so-called SAVE Act, voters must show citizenship documentation every time they register, including after a move.
Call your U.S. Senators, Patty Murray at 202-224-2621 and Maria Cantwell at 202-224-3441, and your U.S. Representative, Marilyn Strickland at 202-225-9740.
Annie Cubberly, on behalf of the Leadership Team of the League of Women Voters of Thurston County
Tackling Morse-Merryman speed zone
Late summer of 2021, with some gentle nudging, the City of Olympia did put in a painted and signed crosswalk at the intersection of Amhurst and Morse-Merryman. With Margaret McKenny Elementary School and LBA Park just down Amhurst a bit, there is a real need. There are lots of crossing pedestrians. Thanks, City of Olympia.
One more request? Recently on 22nd and on North Street, the City has installed electronic speed indicators. On Morse-Merryman, drivers often use the 35 mph to be the minimum! We would like speed indicators on Morse-Merryman too.
Back in 2021, we were told essentially “You can’t always get what you want” regarding electronic speed indicators. We would love the traffic to slow down. We believe “that it doesn’t hurt to ask” again. Thanks.
Paul and Janice Woolson, Olympia