TNT letters to the editor: Cult of Trump, conservative values and taxing the rich
Cult of Trump
Why have Cult of Trump Republicans become so anti-Constitution, anti-democracy, anti-science and anti-public health? They continue to push misinformation and untruths concerning the 2020 election, the Jan 6 insurrection and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of actual facts, they support Trump’s “Big Lie” — that he won the election, even though he lost both the popular and Electoral College vote. Republican controlled states are now passing voter suppression bills, even some that would allow their legislatures to overturn the vote of their citizens.
They continue to deny that Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to overturn the election. How can anyone who was at the Capitol or saw the news coverage not view this as an act of insurrection?
These cultists won’t accept facts or information from medical and scientific experts on the pandemic. They don’t believe in vaccines or masking. They think this is a violation of their rights, when in fact, it is these things that will ensure the public health and common good of this nation.
There is a saying: “You are entitled to your opinion, but not alternative facts and misinformation.”
Steve Golubic, Puyallup
Not all conservatives
I would like to advise my left-leaning friends on a critical political reality. Just because a person holds conservative values, believes in patriotism, secure borders and less government — along with some fiscal responsibility — does not make them a Donald Trump clone or mean they even like him as a person.
I describe myself as a conservative. I did not vote for Donald Trump in 2016. The continued press and internet content painting him and all conservatives as evil, democracy-hating zealots is simply untrue. It seeks to cancel and vilify the views of millions of Americans. It only serves to perpetuate the divisive environment politicians of every ilk have fueled of late.
Donald Trump could be a distant memory if the left-wing media outlets would allow it. I can only assume they fear his return though they have no valid arguments to proclaim Biden’s administration as an improvement. Recent polls appear to say much of America agrees he is failing.
We would be much better off focusing on what we can do together to be better as people and a country. The continued pressure and reminders of why we should dislike each other are not serving anyone well.
Mike Ogden, Puyallup
Tax the rich
Re: “Want a property tax break? So do we. Here’s how to make your voice heard in Olympia” (TNT, 10/08/2021)
I would have more faith in the wisdom of lowering taxes if this was a bi-partisan op-ed instead of two Republicans, both claiming the state of Washington is just awash with cash. Washington state isn’t in the top 10 most taxed states nor is it in the bottom 10 — which tells me we are probably taxed appropriately.
Washington has been rated number one for the most regressive tax system, however, and having the first $250,000 of property value property tax free would benefit the lower middle class and poor. But why not offset this tax reduction with an income tax of 5% tax on incomes above $400,000? Those higher income people can afford the additional tax while helping out the less fortunate — as well as lessening the currently regressive existing tax.
John Whitmore, Gig Harbor
This story was originally published October 14, 2021 at 5:00 AM.