YOUR OPINION

There are people that just don’t understand how some things work or how they are accomplished. Some just like to rant about Mr. Trump, due to their lack of comprehension. Others use a small amount of truth and develop imaginary scenarios exploiting the facts to complement their narrative.

This apparently is their code and principles for communication. When a difficult issue is identified by our government, rather than look for solutions, these folks say it can’t be fixed.

Regarding enemies of our country, they say don’t intercede when they are a threat to us or they might retaliate. When Mr. Trump shows leadership by solving old problems and creating new opportunities for America, naysayers give him no credit. A secure border, bailing out American cities that are overrun with crime, lowering energy costs, dramatically slowing illegal drug traffic, a thriving economy, new investment to the U.S., to name a few.

This didn’t happen by chance. True leaders aren’t motivated by how many people think he’s a great guy. Their goal is results.

To those that live in whine country, are the grapes too Sour?

Merry Christmas to all!

K.C. Hunt Newport

Obama for House in 2026

Do you yearn for a president who is not cruel, vindictive, racist, hateful, liar, corrupt, convicted felon, and wannabe dictator, and for a Congress not typified by our own MAGA toady Republican Michael Baumgartner?

Do you yearn for someone like Barack Obama who, in fact, is currently trying to save our democracy? Then let’s get him to run in 2026 for a House seat currently held by a Republican— there are three in Obama’s home state of Illinois.

John Quincy Adams (1767 – 1848; 6th US president 1825 -1829) is the only president ever to serve in the House of Representatives after his presidency (for 17 years 18311848). At age 80 he collapsed on the floor of the House and died two days later in an adjacent room.

Adams was considered a leader in the House right up to his death and considerably more effective there than as President. He strongly opposed slavery so it’s especially appropriate that Obama be the first former US president after Adams to serve in the House and carry on the Adams tradition.

EPILOGUE: An appropriate revision of this letter was published online and in print by the daily newspaper Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Norm Luther Spokane

Newport levy, bond deserves

support

The levy is a REPLACEMENT Levy for the current levy that runs out in 2026. It has been set at a lower rate than the current levy you are paying for now. This levy is necessary because Washington state does not fully fund the educational programs Newport Schools provide. Think of it this way. If you want programs such as extracurricular sports, counselors, smaller class size, school nurse and resource officer and much more, you will want to consider voting yes for the replacement levy.

The bond will be on the same ballot in February and will fund a remodel of the High School. Newport High School was built 45 years ago. After that length of time the building needs a new roof and HVAC system, improvements in many areas including the gym and science rooms, and an upgrade in safety features. That high school building needs your help now to bring it up to date, make it safe for our kids and preserve its structural integrity for the future.

Please consider voting “yes” twice in February for our kids’ education and our community’s future.

Martha Nichols Newport

Trump at war

Trump took out a couple more narco boats. For those that think this is just Trump protecting Americans (and Europeans) from drugs aren’t thinking deeply enough. He is at war with the cartels/deep state by squeezing their cash flow. He is neutralizing them. There have been mass arrests of cartel members and leaders by other countries. Some being extradited to the US. BTW, if you don’t think some politicians have cartel money in their bank accounts, you’re not thinking deeply enough.

Why does the US have the largest Navy deployment off Venezuela since the Cuban missile crisis? Trump is blocking and seizing oil tankers and bringing the oil to the US. In 2007, Venezuela nationalized their oil and other resources. American companies lost oil rights and land. The companies sued and won. Venezuela never paid up, until now. Trump wants it back.

The DOJ is releasing Epstein documents. During their probe they have discovered more than 1,200 victims and families. A vast majority of victims were under age at the time. Panic in the elite class?

Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

EMS saga not over

The EMS Ambulance saga isn’t over. The same problem that caused multiple private sector ambulance companies to fail still exists. The fire districts will respond and transport patients that don’t have insurance and can’t pay for the transport. That means that all property taxpayers in our county cover the unpaid or underpaid ambulance costs.

Yes, that’s socialism at its best. We are a community and not sovereign individuals who have no relationship to other persons living in our county. We don’t leave people without money lying in a ditch after a traffic accident. We don’t cry about having to pay for another person’s carelessness or misfortune. We pay for a fire service that runs ALS ambulances with funds from our property taxes without an EMS taxing district.

When the fire department responded and transported my wife to two hospitals with a broken hip, I didn’t cry about the inefficient, wasteful and fraudulent nature of the government. It’s the same satisfaction I have when the county road in front of my home is plowed after a snow storm. The same thing happens when mail is delivered to my mailbox. Thankfully, Democratic socialistic government provides essential services to everyone in our community.

Pete Scobby Newport

Selkirk concert outstanding

The Selkirk Middle and High School Winter Concert at the Cutter Theatre was a fantastic way to close out 2025. The theater was packed, the sound was excellent, and the entire evening flowed smoothly from start to finish.

The students, along with Mr. King, put on an outstanding and genuinely entertaining performance that kept the audience engaged throughout. It was clear how much work and heart went into the program, and the crowd responded with well-deserved applause.

If you haven’t had the chance to attend a concert, play, or event at the Cutter Theatre, this was a great reminder of what you’re missing. It’s a wonderful venue, and nights like this show just how special live performances in our community can be.

Nick Tucker Newport

New Year’s resolutions

Many of us start the New Year by making resolutions to improve our lives. Now is the perfect time to get serious about making positive changes. We live in our bodies, our homes, and our communities. Our resolutions could include each of these.

MOVE YOUR BODY. Find a routine that pleases you and do it, faithfully. Become healthier, stronger and more flexible.

Maybe decide to improve your diet, eat healthier, less junk food.

MAKE YOUR HOME A SPECIAL SPACE. Clean, sort and donate, so you feel a welcoming embrace when entering. Surround yourself with colors that you love: art, objects that make you smile or feel centered, photos, mementos, (maybe special rocks or feathers you found while walking), souvenirs of a happy trip you took. Or wanted to take.

COMMUNITY. Are there skills or interests you have that you would be willing to share? Local clubs and organizations usually welcome volunteers. Support what is important to you. One woman makes cookies every week for her local fire department. Animal rescue centers welcome volunteers to help care for animals waiting for a home.

It’s winter, it’s dark, and for those who don’t enjoy outdoor activities it can feel long. One option is to get depressed - and cranky. Another option is to decide to take care of ourselves - seriously.

PRACTICE KINDNESS. It helps you and everyone else.

Bon Wakabayashi Spokane