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Bravo Marianne Nichols
Well, now that we know what Iranian unconditional surrender looks like, let’s hope Commander Bone Spurs avoids any further “excursions” as we really can’t afford any more winning. At the local level, let’s give a hearty well done to our Auditor, Marianne Nichols. If the state and federal governments performed as well as her office does, perhaps we could be as proud of them as we are of her. Bravo County Auditor of the Year.
-Steve Bennett Newport
Commissioners should dress
appropriately
Reference your picture of “Kiehn retires from Family Crisis Network,” in June 17th, 2026 issue of The Miner Newspaper. The three Pend Oreille County Commissioners, who represent the citizens of Pend Oreille County, look like three substitutes for a mud wrestling contest. They are disgraceful and poor representatives for Pend Oreille County. They are dressed unprofessionally and show no respect for the citizens of Pend Oreille County.
-John Hankey Usk
It’s time for Democracy in Iran
If the United States lifts its blockade and allows the existing government of Iran to resume trade with the rest of the world, the war will be over, and we will have lost. Iran will rebuild and replenish everything we just destroyed. In addition they will invite China to help rebuild and jointly operate their infrastructure.
Chinese ships will return to Iranian ports. Once in, the Chinese will never leave.
It will be impossible for the United States to enforce any agreement with Iran because Chinese nationals will be co-located at every potential target.
We have foolishly legitimized this regime by negotiating with them. Oil revenue will make them stronger.
More missiles, more drones, more funding for international terrorism and proxy wars, a heightened threat to our allies and bases in the region, and the slaughter of everyone in Iran who dares to raise their eyes from the ground. At some point, Iran will quietly restart their nuclear program.
A more worthwhile goal for America would be to demand free elections in Iran. If the current regime refuses, we should destroy their oil industry and reinstate the blockade before it’s too late. Democracy will come to Iran if we have the courage to require it.
-Bryan Lewis Newport
Support local health care
Is there any subject that affects each and every one of us more significantly than up-to-date, accessible health care? That may be why the Pend Oreille County Commissioners unanimously endorsed the Newport Hospital bond that you will vote on August 4th.
Here is a unique opportunity for Pend Oreille County property taxpayers to have their medical bills reduced and remodel the hospital.
On your property tax statement, there is a “Tax Distribution” section.
The “Voted” section tells you how much of your taxes go to support public entities like the fire department, schools and the Hospital District. To ease the burden of increased taxes due to the bond, our hospital will credit up to $750 per year (beginning January 1, 2027, if this bond passes) from your medical expenses and Seeber’s Pharmacy prescription drugs.
This means the amount of the taxes you pay for the new hospital bond, can be used to reduce what you pay for medical bills and Seeber’s Pharmacy prescription drugs by up to $750. In other words, you still must pay the full taxes, but you can pay $750 less for your medical bills at Newport Hospital and Health Services and Seeber’s Pharmacy.
Check it out!
-Martha Nichols Newport
Analytical skills needed now more than ever
Internet use in the world of AI requires analytical skills that most of us do not have. The misinformation system works to trap us into accepting alternative facts that are wrong.
An example is a letter writer who accepts that Iran’s enriched Uranium is going be used to make a Uranium bomb. Most news sources have reported that Iran is two weeks away from a nuclear bomb for decades, yet no bomb has been created. Uranium hasn’t been used to make a nuclear bomb since 1945. Only one Uranium bomb was made, and all other bombs are made with Plutonium including the second bomb dropped on Japan.
It is difficult to understand why the media never questions a politician who claims Iran is building a Uranium bomb. Iran has enriched Uranium which is only one step in the production of nuclear weapons.
The industrial process required to produce nuclear weapons is massive and complex.
The only country to drop nuclear bombs on people is America, so we are on record as the greatest threat to use those weapons. America continues to only bomb countries that don’t have nuclear weapons, so those countries like Iran want nukes to prevent American bombing.
-Pete Scobby Newport
Writer’s head is in the sand
In response to the writer of “Trump punishes blue states,” your previous letter expressed concerns that 40% of Pend Oreille County’s voting population wasn’t represented. I provided the exact number of U.S. representatives and senators from Washington State to D.C. Of those, the exact number held by Democrats representing Washington State. Hmm, since D.C. isn’t a state, it seems obvious I was clearly referring to Washington State. Not an “opinion.” The sole error I see is that you failed to correctly spell my name, even when it was in front of you.
The writer, evidently fond of seafood, now employs sandbags and FEMA funds as another red herring in their latest letter. Regrettably, this writer’s perspective remains unchanged. They continue to live in that echo chamber which creates an ostrich effect. You know; HEAD, BURIED, SAND!
-Renee Webster Newport
