Who works for working people?
During the recent presidential debate, Republican candidate Donald Trump talked again about his proposal of a 10% tariff on all imports into the United States. He also has proposed a 60% tariff on China. The 10% plan would result in average estimated additional costs per U.S. household between $1,700 and $2,300 annually. The China tariff on its own would increase household costs by $1,950.
These are conclusions two economic organizations have determined after studying his proposals: American Action Forum — Jacob Jensen — and the Peterson Institute for International Economics — Kimberly Clausing and Mary Lovely. They conclude: “In sum, Trump’s tax proposals entail sharply regressive tax policy changes, shifting tax burdens away from the well-off and toward lower-income members of society, while harming U.S. workers and industries, inviting retaliation from trading partners, and worsening international relations.”
Ask yourself, “Do working people need to pay more for everyday goods that tariffs would bring?” It amounts to an extra sales tax for the middle class. And Trump’s plan to extend the 2017 tax cuts would add between $4.1-$5.8 trillion to the national debt, according to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Budget Model, cuts which have shown to mostly benefit the small, top high-income group. Working people pay the costs of Trump’s tariff and tax plans — it seems to not matter to him.
Who does care about finding solutions to economic challenges in our region is Marla Keethler, Democratic candidate for Washington State Senate, District 17. As mayor of White Salmon, she has brought a level of commitment to working with diverse groups of people to address shared problems and finding common ground to help make solutions and resources more available for families and communities. That includes steps for increasing affordable and diverse housing, finding ways to have accessible and affordable childcare, advocating with the bridge commission for replacement of Hood River-White Salmon Bridge and seeking avenues of funding, and local decisions for rural school districts. She also supports healthcare for families and reproductive freedom.
Here is a person who has and will work for working people. Let’s put Marla in the Senate.
Steven Woolpert
White Salmon
Vote Lathrop for AG
I have lived in Oregon for 61 years and have seen a lot of changes during that time. But the rise of crime of all kinds, drugs on our streets, and homelessness is something that surprises me everyday. It is time for some changes in leadership. That is why I am voting for Will Lathrop for Attorney General for Oregon. Will is an experienced prosecutor and will reduce crime and help get drugs off our streets.
Vote for Will Lathrop for attorney general.
John Cochran
Hood River
Every life precious
I am grateful to live in a community that strives to protect and support its children. As a mother, pastor, and person of faith, I believe that all life is sacred and all children are precious.
Grounded in this belief, I am horrified, enraged and heartbroken that our government continues to use my tax dollars to bomb, starve and maim the children of Gaza. We are paying the bill for the bombs and bullets that the Israeli military is using to kill civilians, including more than 16,000 children in the past 10 months. That is more children than attend school in Hood River, Wasco, Skamania, and Klickitat counties combined. Every one of them precious.
If you don’t want your tax dollars used to kill children, I encourage you to reach out to your United States senators and ask them to support a ceasefire and an end to the unconditional arming of Israel.
I also invite you to join us in a peaceful, interfaith, family-friendly action on Fridays from 5-5:30 p.m. at the corner of Second and State streets in Hood River.
The precious children of Palestine, Israel and all corners of this earth deserve to live in peace — protected, respected and loved. They need our bread, not more bullets and bombs.
Rev. Vicky Stifter
Hood River
Vote yes for CGCC
I am writing to express my strong support for the upcoming bond measure for Columbia Gorge Community College. This bond is more than just an investment in education — it’s an investment in our community's health and economic future.
The college’s program for training nurses and healthcare workers is vital to ensuring we have a skilled workforce ready to meet our community's healthcare needs. With a national shortage of healthcare professionals, our local college is stepping up to fill the gap by providing high-quality, affordable education and training. By supporting this bond, we are supporting local students, creating jobs, and strengthening our healthcare system.
A strong community college leads to a strong local economy. The economic benefits are clear: More trained professionals means more employment opportunities and better healthcare services for everyone.
I urge my fellow community members to vote in favor of this bond to ensure our local college continues to thrive, and our healthcare system can grow more robust and responsive.
Judy Richardson, MD, MBA
The Dalles
Republicans for Harris
Why are so many Republicans endorsing the Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris for president of the United States? Answer: Our lives and our country depend on it! Donald Trump is a threat to American democracy. He wants to be a dictator. His focus is himself and regaining political power rather than serving the people and our country. Our once respected Republican Party has become a disaster under Donald Trump, who spreads hate, division, violence, chaos and lies. After he lost the 2020 election, Donald Trump started the "Stolen Election Big Lie." He knew he lost the election, which he recently admitted, saying "by a whisker" (7 million votes). His vice president, Michael Pence, knew he lost the election. Fox News reporters knew Donald Trump lost the election. However, they became Donald Trump's parrot by spreading his lies. Many of my Republican friends, neighbors and family members believed these lies! We must choose our sources of information from reliable sources. May I suggest a few? Local and national newspapers that print both sides of an issue, correct themselves when they publish incorrect information and have earned the respect of their readers. Some reliable national news media are: New York Times, USA Today, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, PBS, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and CNN. Fox News is not a reliable source of political or scientific news. Caution: Be aware of what you see or hear on social media. In conclusion: I am encouraged so many former Republican Cabinet members and respected Republican leaders have announced their endorsement of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as president and vice-president of our country. Looking forward to the upcoming vice-presidential debate and a "second" presidential debate with Trump and Harris!
Joe Stewart
The Dalles
Pro dictatorship?
Do Donald Trump’s supporters have any concept of living under a dictator?
Have they ever studied Russia under Putin, Venezuela under Maduro, Chile under Pinochet, Germany under Hitler?
Or closer to home, where Cuba traded one dictator, Fulgencio Batista, who committed genocide against opposition, for a “better” one, Communist Fidel Castro?
Are they currently watching Benjamin Netanyahu stay in power to avoid jail time from corruption charges — convicted felon Trump’s goal? Despite massive internal Israeli protests demanding his resignation, Netanyahu continues his annihilation of Gaza.
Can they relate to being jailed, beaten and even killed, for opposing a dictator, as illustrated recently by Putin opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death and 24 Venezuelan Maduro protesters killed? Trump has pledged to jail political opponents, saying “such people will be ‘sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country’” (Spokesman-Review, Sept. 9, 2024).
Also, I ask Trump supporters, unless you’re wealthy, do you think he will change and actually support measures that benefit you rather than simply continuing to talk like he does to stoke your emotions and anger?
Project 2025, written by Trump’s associates, is his dictator playbook; he admires autocrats like Netanyahu and especially Putin, to whom Trump would hand over Ukraine.
Norm Luther
Spokane
Keep Newhouse
I encourage you to not let Dan Newhouse’s single vote on impeachment weigh more than his daily contribution over the years leading the charge advocating for rural policy issues.
He voted his conscience. Have we not all done that a time or two? Don’t throw one of the most effective United States Representatives out with the dishwater. Listen to your conscience. Vote for who you know can best serve rural America.
As a conservative champion for rural communities at home and in Congress, Dan Newhouse has proven he has what it takes to get the job done right. The Western Caucus, advocating for rural policy issues throughout the West and beyond, is a premiere organization in the U.S. House of Representatives. They are working to encourage responsible resource development and energy independence; unlock public lands and meet the multiple-use mandate; protect communities from wildfires by advancing active management of forests; supporting the water infrastructure that makes our way of life possible across the West; and empowering our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and agriculture industry to continue to grow the food that feeds the world.
The Western Caucus membership is 113 U.S. Representatives. These are Representative Newhouse’s peers. And who is the elected Chairman of the Western Caucus the past two years? It is Dan Newhouse. Amongst his peers, he has strong leadership skills and great respect. Should we not think likewise when we have the opportunity? Vote for Dan Newhouse for U.S. House of Representatives, 4th Congressional District, Washington.
John Miller
Goldendale
Harris for education
At a campaign rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 23, Trump promised to “demolish” the Department of Education (newrepublic.com/post/186295/donald-trump-campaign-promise-education-project-2025). This proposal comes right out of the Project 2025 playbook, which Trump says he knows nothing about, even though this document was developed by many former Trump advisors and officials.
Harris vows to “keep the department open.” Unlike Trump, she knows that the Department of Education supports students with disabilities as well as students living in low-income neighborhoods (npr.org/2024/09/08/nx-s1-5103698/trump-harris-election-platforms-education-views). Eliminating this support will result in schools losing dozens of teachers and classroom aides.
Democrats support public schools; unfortunately, Republican leaders want to siphon funding away from them, directing money to private and religious schools.
Every vote matters. Vote for the Harris/Walz ticket. They support the Department of Education, public schools, their teachers and our students in obtaining the best education possible. Vote blue up and down ballot and support our public schools.
April George
White Salmon
Political divide
Today I learned that one of my neighbors is no longer willing to lend me his pickup truck so that I can pick up a pallet of pellets for my stove this winter. I have appreciated his help in the past. When he and his wife moved to my neighborhood, I went to their door with wine and a warm welcome. My dad was an immigrant to this wonderful country we live in; both my parents taught me to show kindness to strangers, because thereby many have entertained angels unawares.
The reason my neighbor is no longer willing to lend me a hand is that I am displaying a "Veterans for Harris" sign on my front deck. Twenty years of service taught me that freedom is worth fighting for, and we all have the right to our political opinions without having to agree with each other.
I thought that was what being an American meant. Apparently, my neighbor does not agree. In his America, we must all have to think and vote the same way. That is not the country I defended and it is not the country I want to live in.
So it saddens me that he would turn away from helping a neighbor because we do not agree on the same presidential candidate. I am sure I can find someone else to help me get some pellets and I hope everyone will get out and vote for the candidate they believe in. God bless my neighbors and God bless America.
Cody Yeager
The Dalles
Inflation drop
Under the guidance of the Biden administration, inflation has dropped from 9% to 2%, and we have navigated the economic challenges left from the pandemic. Strategic policies have begun to repair supply chains, build back our infrastructure, protect pensions and small businesses, reduce child poverty and create clean energy jobs. I appreciate the leadership that holds a vision and builds a better world. The alternative seems to be blaming and dismantling structures that work, like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Civil Service.
Healthy dialogue can help us find our way through the difficult challenges. I want a thriving democracy that makes room for all the voices so we can find truly workable solutions. I am alarmed by the false idea of election fraud, dehumanizing immigrants and the encouraging of violence. I want America to be led by rational, compassionate people like the Harris/Walz team. They need the support of Democratic congresspeople to succeed.
Also consider the local candidates with an eye to family issues — those who support affordable housing, health care and child care, like Marla Keethler and Terry Niles as legislators in Washington. Let’s vote for the world we want.
Kalama Reuter
White Salmon
Pumped storage well-suited
To address the urgency of the climate crisis, we must speed up clean energy projects. Contrary to a recent article ("Tribes oppose Goldendale pumped storage project," Sept. 17), the proposed Goldendale facility has not been “fast-tracked.” It requires a federal permit, a lengthy public input process, and includes a $10 million cleanup of a contaminated site. The project is located on industrial land zoned for renewable energy that is ideal for pumped storage given the topography. I hope the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grants the license soon to advance our town and the Pacific Northwest.
Miland Walling
Goldendale
Editor's Note: The person quoted in the article did not state the project was being fast-tracked, but rather that it is important that proposals such as this are not fast-tracked.
Traditions matter
Thanks to Flora Gibson for their well-researched and thorough article on the Goldendale pumped storage project, and thanks to the paper for publishing it. The article thoroughly documents FERC’s failure to address cultural resources, which is the heart of the matter.
The project will impact our Kah-Milt-Pah neighbors in ways that cannot be undone. I know how much it means to me to visit my grandparents’ grave sites, located in cemeteries back east that hold generations of my family. I feel connected when I return to places my ancestors lived. My parents worked for decades with the Nature Conservancy to keep a pond in their home county from residential development. A bench at that pond, honoring their work, invokes their presence when I visit. Those spaces are sacred to me, even though they are much changed.
My tradition is very different from the Kah-Milt-Pah band tradition. I recognize that the spaces I hold dear were in use by Indigenous peoples long before my ancestors arrived on this continent. Nevertheless, I share and respect the feelings of my tribal neighbors about the land that has provided substance, physical and spiritual, for their own families and for those ancestors who came before.
Yes, we need to address climate change, and part of that is producing energy with less carbon impact. Yes, Klickitat County needs jobs and more tax revenue, but we can and must find ways to solutions that do not inflict additional damage on people who belong on this land and with whom we need to forge a shared vision of the future.
Money and economic benefits can’t buy a replacement for what will be lost if this project is built. We need to find a better way. In any event, economic benefits from this project may disappear in the face of growing reliance on less expensive battery storage technology.
A clarification on tax revenue. Projections of tax revenue are uncertain because governing laws change. In any case, the tax revenue would go to different taxing districts, not all to Klickitat County, so the impact on the county budget would be less than implied.
Patricia Arnold
Trout Lake
Energy storage critical
In this age of more frequent wildfires and extreme weather events, we need projects like the Goldendale energy storage facility to help ensure the lights stay on. This water battery would store power generated by wind and solar and allow us to use that power during times of peak demand. Pumped storage facilities are already the backbone of our nation’s electricity system, providing 96% of all utility-scale storage. A study by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that Washington State will require up to 12 gigawatts of energy storage by 2045 to fully integrate intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. The Goldendale project would store electricity for 12 hours and generate 1,200 megawatts of on-demand carbon-free electricity, or enough to power about 500,000 homes.
The Goldendale project will help us meet our climate goals and be a boon to our economy, creating thousands of jobs and more than $10 million in annual tax revenue. Unlike wind, solar and battery projects, pumped storage hydropower must get approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which guarantees much more oversight, public input and consultation with Tribes. I hope to see this project gain the necessary approvals from the federal government to move forward.
Dana Peck
Goldendale
One year
As the one-year mark of the genocide in Gaza approaches, the quote from the late James Baldwin has never felt more pressing — “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.”
I ask you to value the lives of all children equally. I also beg you to look at the children in your life: in your neighborhood, in your family, and under your own roof. What would you do to stop their trauma, their physical harm and dismemberment, and most importantly, their deaths?
An arms embargo on Israel, who has killed at least 17,000 children, including 2,100 infants and toddlers under the age of two, since Oct. 7, 2023, is the only way to end this senseless slaughter.
Please pressure your representatives, and any candidates you support, to call for an arms embargo. If we stop supplying the weapons, Israel will have no choice but to negotiate a ceasefire. As always – if these were your children, you’d want the world to be screaming too.
Taylor Sheeran
The Dalles
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