Veterans have earned the services they receive. Electing Trump would endanger them | Opinion

Veterans’ services should be protected

As a Navy veteran, I am deeply concerned about the future of veteran protections in our country. Thanks to my service and work with other veterans, I understand the unique challenges faced by those who have sacrificed for our nation — but I can guarantee you that Donald Trump does not.

Trump’s Project 2025 agenda poses existential threats to the institutions we rely on, including privatizing the VA to pad his billionaire buddies’ pockets at the expense of American service members, slash crucial veterans’ benefits and jeopardize the future of VA hospitals.

Having served on the Washington State Rehabilitation Council, I’ve seen firsthand how critical VA hospitals and benefits are, especially for rural and disabled veterans. The potential privatization or reduction of VA services under Project 2025 would be catastrophic for countless veterans who rely on these services for their healthcare.

Unlike Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated a genuine commitment to veterans by passing historic legislation like the PACT Act and investing an unprecedented $163 billion in earned benefits to service members, veterans, and their families. As veterans, we’ve sacrificed much for this country and are committed to protecting the benefits we’ve earned.

Jayson Morris, Seattle

Mello should respect the initiative

In a recent candidate forum, Ryan Mello was asked about his stance on the initiatives on the ballot and how they affect businesses. His response was he opposed them but what he said afterward was appalling. He stated he thinks the legislative process is a better way to make law where you can get compromise and mentioned about bringing stakeholders together to make law.

The voters of this state have used the initiative process to bring us public records, abortion, gun control and tax relief. If the legislative process worked so well, then why did they roll back police pursuit restrictions? If the legislative process worked as intended, then many issues like housing, public safety, taxes and transportation would not be so broken. The Pierce County Sheriff’s office allowed pursuits as soon as that initiative was put into law.

The recent attacks on the initiative process make me question whether Mello really values the input of the voters. His words are an attack on direct democracy. Our state Constitution states: “All political power is inherent in the people.”

Mello should re-read our state Constitution and really understand the oath he took to uphold it.

Daniel Hodun, Bremerton

Police chief should be transparent

I am disappointed by the secrecy the city has displayed with regard to the handling of the recently-announced administrative leave of the police chief, one of the most regarded public offices, entrusted with the enormous power and responsibility of protecting and serving our community. This development comes at a critical crossroads in our city’s policing history, and preserving and earning the public’s trust every day is paramount.

While I recognize that there are policies to uphold — and fully believe in the need for due process of investigation and unbiased fact-finding — I also believe passionately in the right of the public to feel safe, informed and heard. The city has an ethical obligation to provide context and reassurance in the face of a public official, occupying a safety-critical executive role, being placed under an administrative action.

A fair balance can and should be achieved between sensitivity to the private nature of an ongoing investigation and deference to the public’s right to be informed of, and have input in, their community’s leadership decisions.

Anders Ibsen, Tacoma