Energy choices not so simple

After seeing the kayaker protesting hydropower on the front page recently (April 3, “Kayactivist, after island stop, takes message to Olympia”), I checked to see what resources are currently used by our island’s energy supply company, Puget Sound Energy.

While some are berating the use of clean hydroelectric power, many others are still unaware that coal — coal! — provides 18% of what we currently use from PSE for electricity on Vashon. Which would we rather use to power our island?

Apparently that question will be moot, when PSE, as compelled by state law, will eliminate its use of coal-powered energy at the end of this year. It would be interesting to read in The Beachcomber why and how PSE will replace coal — and how much more that will cost average ratepayers who are already shocked to open their mail.

Following coal’s demise, “evil” hydropower will continue to provide at least 30% of our juice. How much would it cost us if we paddled along in protest with the famous “kayactivists” and eliminated hydropower too? Dare I mention natural gas?

These choices come with costs, costs that can bankrupt home and business owners. The public should know what those costs are going to be before we encourage them to climb aboard a leaky boat.

John van Amerongen

Violent slogans not helping

“They should all be shot.” This sentiment, declared when speaking about the Trump administration by a person who is otherwise normally kind and gentle, echoes an alarming vein among those against President Trump.

On Vashon, two signs stood out recently that spoke to this same sentiment. President’s Day found me rubbernecking through the 4-way stop in town. “Make Marksmanship Great Again,” read the sign I gawked at. Did that mean what I thought it meant?

This last week, the attention grabbing sign read, “They want 1939 Germany, let’s give them 1789 France.” Really? You want to bring back the guillotine? Let’s kill all of our leaders, rich people, priests, and dissenters. The French Revolution did not end well.

I can’t help but notice the irony here. You’re worried that Trump will somehow end democracy, so you suggest killing him and those involved with him? Is that the picture of democracy?

In a healthy society it is good to have differing viewpoints, but killing people is something entirely different. Murder is never the answer.

Rebecca Medeiros

Praise for road crews

I am writing to praise the work of the King County Roads Division on Vashon. Have you ever noticed that the person who mows the roadsides is careful not to mow the sword ferns? Take a closer look next time you are out on the roads. I’m sure that this effort takes twice the amount of time this task would normally require. When I drive elsewhere in the state mowing crews cut down everything in their path regardless.

Sword ferns are important environmental indicators of climate warming and provide habitat to a host of birds, insects and small mammals. From a practical perspective, their slow decomposition of fronds prevents erosion and allows for bank stability. For all these reasons and for their beauty alone, I send my heartfelt congratulations to these folks for keeping Vashon so lovely.

Sue Trevathan