Letters ridicule reparations effort, praise state’s pet protection, fret over gerrymandering
Olympia should consider compensation for victims of Jeffrey Epstein
In recent years, America has reckoned — though agonizingly slowly — with the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse and sex trafficking. It is estimated that Epstein exploited and abused hundreds of girls and young women, often targeting those who were economically vulnerable or lacked stable support systems. Survivors have carried the weight of this trauma for decades, suffering long-term psychological, emotional, and financial consequences.
I urge the City of Olympia to create a “compensation and healing fund” for Epstein’s victims, particularly those who have ties to our community or have relocated here in search of peace. While Olympia was not directly involved in Epstein’s crimes, offering reparative support signals that our city refuses to be indifferent to the suffering of survivors — especially in a world where the powerful often evade accountability.
Sexual abuse and trafficking cause profound, long-lasting harm: depression, PTSD, addiction, lost educational and employment opportunities, and intergenerational trauma. Monetary compensation cannot undo that pain — but it can be a step toward justice, restoration, and acknowledgment. It can provide survivors with access to therapy, housing, education, and a renewed sense of dignity.
By stepping up, Olympia would join the ranks of forward-thinking communities that understand healing is a public good. Just as we invest in infrastructure and environment, so too must we invest in moral infrastructure —a culture of empathy, equity, and proactive support.
We must support Epstein’s victims, just as we must offer reparations to those who were never slaves, paid by those who never had slaves, in a state that never allowed slavery.
David Ross, Olympia
Only you can prevent dogs from dying in hot cars
Kudos to Washington lawmakers for passing House Bill 1046 and allowing witnesses to save the life of a human or animal who is suffering in a hot car.
Every year, dogs die because their guardians mistakenly believe that they will be OK in the car “for just a minute.” But PETA warns that on a mild 70-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly hit 99 degrees. Since dogs rely on panting to shed body heat, as the temperature and humidity around them rise, it becomes exponentially more difficult. When the ambient temperature is around 100 degrees, it becomes impossible.
Everyone can save lives by reporting dogs left in cars to law enforcement and having the owner paged at the closest businesses. If authorities haven’t responded and the dog appears to be in imminent danger, witnesses should remove the animal from the car and wait for officials to arrive. If possible, the dog should be doused with cool water and moved into an air-conditioned building or vehicle
Aspen Durand, Yelm
When democracy does not seem to work
As a retired teacher, I’ve long believed in the promise of American democracy: that every voice matters and every vote counts equally. Last week, I realized those expectations no longer hold for me or any Washingtonian.
Our state constitution requires legislative and congressional districts to be compact, contiguous, and not favor or discriminate against any party or group. Redistricting, based on the federal census every 10 years, is meant to prevent gerrymandering. In Washington, we play fair.
Yet last week, President Trump declared he is “entitled” to more Republican seats in Congress. He told Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to gerrymander districts — “five will do it” — to guarantee that outcome in 2026.
Trump’s motive is clear: Polls show most Americans reject his policies, and he fears voters will reject him and his allies next fall. His solution? Tell the governor to break the rules — to cheat. And Abbott agreed.
The problem does not stop there. By Texas giving Republicans five more House votes, all Americans will pay the price. When rigged, democracy cannot breathe.
In protest, 51 Texas Democratic representatives broke quorum by leaving the state, risking fines, arrest, and even their seats. Gerrymandering is not new in Texas — but this time, it was an explicit demand from the president.
On Aug. 16, communities nationwide rallied to protest this assault on fair elections and saluted the courage of the Texas representatives who stopped it.
What options remain to protect free and fair elections when even a president and governor refuse to play fair?
Dr. Deborah A. Moreland, Olympia