23-02-2025
Why is Trump hostile to Canada? Washington, speak up for us
Many Canadians are concerned about the threats of tariffs and the unwanted calls of Canada becoming the 51 state. What happened overnight, and does the US have to take such drastic actions? Any problems between friends are best resolved by negotiations, where mutual respect and facts are the main ingredients for success. Countries become incensed if their sovereignty is questioned. Only a few people in Canada want to consider joining the US. Our countries are different in many respects. We have good friends in our community, but they don't want to live with me, and I'm not with them.
Canada stood by their U.S. neighbor, when U.S. embassy personnel was threatened in Tehran in 1979 or at 9/11 when US citizens were stranded in Newfoundland.
What I'm asking you to do is to talk to your senator and congressional representative to encourage the federal administration to engage with Canada more constructively. The U.S. and Canada have more to gain by cooperating than by having a full-blown hissy fit. With all the uncertainty, let's show the world that we can be a beacon of cooperation and mutual respect.
Lutz Budde, Oona River, British Columbia
I am from Tacoma. It is critically important that WA pass a Mandated Clergy Reporting Bill that will add an important layer of protection for our kids and grandkids; people in Tacoma need to understand why because these bills are in front of the legislature right now.
In Washington, religious institutions are exempt from reporting credible knowledge of child sex abuse.
This has contributed to an epidemic of abuse by those who have taken advantage of this loophole in state law. Washington is one of only five states where clergy are not required to report child abuse under any circumstances. If passed, SB5375 and HB1211 would bring WA in line with six other states that require clergy to report child abuse, even when disclosed in confession. To be clear, if these bills pass into law, the only people who would have to worry about the privacy of their confessions are child abusers. No one else, and Washington protects the identity of reporters.
Critics argue this legislation infringes upon religious liberty; it does not. The Washington State Constitution states that religious freedom 'shall not excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the state.'
Sharon Valdés Huling, Seattle
I'm a college student, and like many my age, I haven't thought much about long-term care. It feels distant —something to plan for later. But accidents, injuries, or illnesses can happen anytime.
That's why I support SB 5291. Many Washington workers now recognize that WA Cares offers strong return on investment compared to unaffordable private insurance. SB 5291 strengthens and improves WA Cares to ensure long-term sustainability by making it possible for Washington workers to opt into the program if they've previously opted out and giving workers more flexibility in how they qualify for benefits.
Most young people can't afford private long-term care insurance. If I ever need care, WA Cares might be my only option.
Minh Nguyen, Des Moines
Just about every day I read about another senseless death on our state highways. I'm scared to drive on them.
Is there something more that we as a state can do to stop the bleeding? Keeping intoxicated drivers off the road is one battle. But what about all of the wrong-way drivers that cause accidents and deaths? Is there something more that we as a state can do to help prevent these types of situations?
I think the Washington State Department of Transportation could do a bit more in this area. We need more signage on our highway ramps, indicating that the driver in going in the wrong direction and needs to stop. We need big, red signs, on both sides of the ramp, with flashing lights that say 'Stop! Wrong direction.'
And I stress the need for the flashing lights. As a resident of this state, I am pleading for the state to do more to stop the bleeding, at whatever the cost.
Peggy Thompson, Tacoma
