Opinion Pages

All can speak out against harmful rhetoric

I am late in responding to Mike Ivaska’s recent commentary, “On Giving Each Other Room to Think.”

In the past, I have been moved by Mr. Ivaska’s writing on current events, most recently about the devastating war in Ukraine, and the seeming helplessness many, including myself, feel in the face of our ongoing pandemic and present national political climate. His compassion and consideration for the hardships these difficult times have brought to communities on Vashon and beyond comforts me.

While I respect his convictions and beliefs, I was disappointed to read his view on progressivism, accusing it of utilizing “a totalizing approach,” which I find is a common refrain from conservative pundits seeking to score political points by further dividing and alienating those simply seeking a seat at the table.

I do agree that understanding rather than blanket condemnation should prevail. However, his claim that “conservatives seem much more willing to let differences be” is, in my opinion, wishful thinking, given the current hysteria over banning books deemed immoral or explicit by social conservatives.

Mr. Ivaska is not a bigot, nor does he speak for the entire conservative movement. And while I am deeply uncomfortable in houses of worship because of my sexuality, I am certain that if I joined any congregation on this island, I would be welcomed. But at this moment, it appears to me that many on the right are more eager than ever to erase groups of people from public life and to replace actual histories with their chosen narratives.

So yes, I believe other mindful and well-meaning conservatives can “do better,” not to conform to a way of thinking that is incompatible with their beliefs or faith, but to speak out against harmful rhetoric and marginalization rather than abide by it. I’ll do my part. Please do yours.

— Paul Rowley

Earth Day

Addressing air quality and climate change

The Earth Day section in The Beachcomber was wonderful, but it seemed to only focus on the ground beneath us and not the air around us. This was quite evident as the final page of the section had a half-page ad for carbon-emitting vehicles. There’s so much more we can do with our air quality and climate change, especially in regards to transportation. Have you noticed how our public buses on Vashon/Maury are underused? Why are there no dedicated bike lanes on our islands? Why are there so many cars and most are limited to a single driver? Why is there only one electric car charging port and so few hybrid/electric cars? Why are there no safe walking areas on our roads? Why are there so many carbon-emitting aircraft over our islands? When we become aware of how we move around, we need to realize that it’s not sustainable for our planet.

— Alex Echevarria

New Legislation

Stop Presidential corruption

According to recent polling, 84% of voters—Republicans and Democrats alike—agree that no president, regardless of party, should be able to obstruct and undermine the will of the American people or exploit weaknesses in our political system for their personal gain. In our polarized politics, that bipartisan support is a huge deal.

So, what can we do to protect our democracy from presidential corruption? Pass bold legislation like the Protecting Our Democracy Act. If passed, it would prevent future abuse of presidential power and corruption, increase transparency, and ensure presidents of either party can be held accountable.

If the average person used their public office for personal gain, they’d go to jail. So why should the president be allowed to act with impunity?

That’s why I’m urging Congress to pass the Protecting Our Democracy Act. We must prevent future presidents of any party from abusing the power of their office.

— Carl Olson

Hit-and-Run

Concerns about alcoholism

I am grieving the unthinkable death of Nathan Dorn on April 4. It brings me once again face to face with the cunning, baffling, powerful disease of alcoholism.

We are all potential victims. Deep gratitude goes to those who reached out to bring the perpetrator into custody. Vashon is a community with minimal law enforcement and lots of opportunities to consume alcohol. Please be aware: this could happen to any of us.

— Irene Otis