TNT letters: Sanctions against Russia; salmon recovery; slanted shooting coverage
Salmon and the Snake River
Re: “Seattle’s Skagit dams harm salmon and orcas, but WA Dems focus only on the Snake. Why?” (TNT, 03/15/22)
Bank robber Willie Sutton, asked why he robbed banks, famously answered: “Because that’s where the money is.”
In a recent op-ed published by The News Tribune, Sen. Keith Wagoner (R - Sedro Wooley) wonders why salmon and fishing advocates have placed such a special focus on recovery of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and its main tributary, the Snake. Because, Senator, that’s where the fish are. Or were. Once, 10-16 million salmon and steelhead returned to the Columbia to spawn each year. Wild fish returns these days are more often measured in the tens of thousands than millions. We’ve lost many salmon populations – and the irreplaceable benefits they bring to our region.
In countless ways, salmon define our region and support our special way of life here. But unless we, together, make smart, bold changes, they will continue to disappear. Our recovery efforts today must be region-wide — in both the Columbia-Snake and Puget Sound basins. Enhancing access to the Snake River Basin —with the largest, highest and best-protected salmon habitat remaining in the continental United States — by removing four federal dams and replacing their modest services is America’s greatest salmon restoration opportunity today.
Marc Sullivan, Sequim
Russia sanctions
Re: “‘Canceling’ of Russian artists is the new McCarthyism” (TNT, 03/04/22)
Yes, we should feel badly for Russian performers — and for all Russians suffering from the many sanctions. Being “strong” is a premium Russian value, and the country’s government uses performances of artists and athletes to project Russian strength over the “weakness” of others — a tool effectively employed since the days of the Soviet Union.
Sanctioning Russian athletes removes that tool and forces athletes and their organizations, along with the sanctioned businesses and banks, to pressure their government to reconsider slaughtering innocent Ukrainians. Comparing these sanctions to McCarthyism is ridiculous. McCarthyism involved our government punishing our citizens for suspicion of communism — a clear violation of our constitution.
NATO imposing sanctions on Russians for their country’s murderous actions has nothing to do with McCarthyism. We are trying to save lives. Ironically, Cowen, an avid anti-communism propagandist, embodies the perpetuation of McCarthy-like fear mongering. Why anti-communism now, when there are so few actual communists left in the United States?
Anti-communism is a right-wing tool used to frighten people into opposing corporate regulations and higher taxes on the wealthy — programs providing protections and greater services for the poor and middle classes.
John C Alessio, Steilacoom
Slanted shooting coverage
Re: “Man suspected of shooting deputies has criminal history” (TNT, 03/17/22)
As long time subscribers we want to voice our displeasure with The News Tribune’s coverage of the recent shooting of two Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies.
Running the picture of the shooter was unnecessary, as were the many words of praise and excuses for his actions offered by his friends and family - including sentiments that the system failed him.
All of these hurtful words — and so many of them — were surely uncalled for. Who should the article be about?
Mary Haines, Lakewood