Critiques of WA gas prices are misguided. Stop whining. Drive a fuel-efficient car | Opinion

Critique of WA gas prices tired and predictable

First, it was all Joe Biden’s fault when gas prices were high two years ago. Now that the price is gas at Costco is cheaper, there isn’t praise for Biden — just more complaining.

A recent letter writer ranted about Washington’s gas prices compared to prices in Massachusetts, calling the state of Washington “greedy.”

Massachusetts has an overall higher state tax compared to Washington when you consider other taxes like a state income tax, property tax and B&O fees.

Last, and most important: Buy a car that gets great miles per gallon or a car that doesn’t even need gas.

Seems to me the ones who complain about gas prices most drive huge SUVs or large pickup trucks — and live in towns like Roy where you have to drive to get anywhere.

John Whitmore, Gig Harbor

JFK’s legacy includes the Peace Corps

With the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, there were many articles about his accomplishments, but I saw none about his greatest legacy, the Peace Corps.

Some people may believe it no longer exists — and others may have never heard of it. But the Peace Corps is still alive and well.

Over 250,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in over 60 countries, working in education, health and community development. The work of Peace Corps Volunteers not only helps people in poor countries; it wins firm friends for the United States.

The Peace Corps is a very cost-effective agency: the entire Peace Corps budget is only 1% of the entire U.S. State Department budget.

By the way, there is no age limit for joining the Peace Corps: I myself served in Thailand in my 20s, and again in South Africa in my late 60s.

The Peace Corps’ website lists many opportunities for serving our country while promoting peace abroad.

Jonathan RC Green, Fife

Low voter turnout a result of one-part control

Why a low voter turnout?

In a one-party state, voting is boring.

In a Constitutional state, there are at least two parties — but in Washington, candidates who are cursed with even a whiff of conservative are scoffed at or ignored.

Washington voters are elegantly granted permission to vote on tax measures that have already been passed by the arrogant legislature — with no attention paid to the results.

Why bother voting? They do it for us.

Pierce and King counties are sinking in drugs, murder and crime.

And yet the beat drags on Pathetic.

Judy Olson, Sumner