TNT letters: Record high prices at the pump; unaffordable housing; nuclear power
Rental market
Many people are working hard trying to move up and into better housing situations or some may even be trying to get off the streets. I work full time and my wife works part time. Our credit scores are not great. All the places we look at would take most or all of my paycheck alone. I don’t know who can afford that. Most people I know are struggling with day-to-day bills
The rental market has gotten way out of hand. This needs to be addressed nationwide. Hardworking people are getting kicked in the head while trying to survive.
Gary Ringseth, Lakewood
Nuclear option
While climate change is a serious concern, I have a difficult time taking anyone seriously who refuses to acknowledge or pursue the power of nuclear energy to combat the crisis. Nuclear power is a safe technology we already have that can put a serious dent in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as help the U.S. along the path of energy independence.
I hope that Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, as well as my representative Marilyn Strickland, are willing to push for increased domestic nuclear power, which is the only technology that we can use at a massive enough scale to make a meaningful difference in our nation’s climate impact.
Matthew Collins, Lakewood
Drill, baby, drill!
It seems every day I pass a service station to see our gas prices increase another 10 to 20 cents a gallon.
The price has been at record high for more than a month. For almost two years our government and media have told us that we must do away with our oil and gas companies and not use fossil fuels.
The government has been very successful in reducing America’s use of fossil fuel. Two years ago we had surplus fossil fuel produced in America — not anymore. Of course, a reduction of American production of fossil fuel must increase gas at the pump. Our government tells us we must stop our use of fossil fuel because a climate temperature increase caused by the use of fossil fuels. Then, without explanation, climate temperature increase becomes only climate change.
It appears climate change is hypothetical. Hypothetical change has been used by scientists and politicians for power and to make money for themselves.
Our government must use our vast oil and gas reserves in the ground to maintain our past economic standard of living now.
Donald W. Wilbur, University Place
Celebrating the U.S.
The country is quickly approaching its semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary of its founding. On July 4, 2026, it will be up to the American people to decide whether we continue to allow ourselves to be divided or once again stand united as a nation of people representing every corner of the globe.
Our country is far from perfect, falling short of the founding ideals. Yet, it’s never too late to embrace them and help form a more perfect union. As the “City of Destiny,” the people of Tacoma and the United States through our unity have the power to make our voice be heard. Utilizing our Constitutional rights, we can demand the change required to bring the true potential of our country to fruition but also begin to implement the change required to put us on that road.
Coming together as an united people and letting our collective voice be heard through the celebration of our country is a powerful message. This can only happen through the participation of our local communities in planning our country’s semiquincentennial. Through this local level participation, a celebration of what our country can be is the first block in a solid foundation of change.
Steven Hakansson, Tacoma