The Democrats have had their chance. It’s time to give the GOP a crack at governing | Opinion

Democrats have had their chance

We see where Democrats are telling us if Trump is elected, it’s the end of democracy. If Trump is elected, will he open our borders to drug dealers and human traffic tiers? Or send illegal aliens to communities where social and educational services are overwhelmed? Will he use the government to prosecute his political rivals? Or attempt to remove candidates from the ballot? Or grow government where unelected bureaucrats control our lives? Or use government influences to enrich family members? Or promote a dual legal system? Or promote America last policies? Or restrict parent choice programs? Or assume powers not in the Constitution? It seems we already have these policies. Maybe it’s time for a change to Republican leadership … whomever it might be.

Donald Havre, Richland

Crime can make holidays hard

For many people, the holidays are a wonderful time of year. For others, however, the holiday season can be overwhelming. For those who have been victims of crime, there may be many changes that affect holiday traditions: moving, changing schools, differences in income, separation from family members and/or strained relationships, court obligations, and more. It can be helpful to have a plan for the holidays. Have realistic expectations: everything does not have to be perfect! Prioritize: allow yourself to say “no” to activities or invitations that require a lot of your energy, while also avoiding isolating yourself, which may increase feelings of depression or loneliness. Create some new traditions. Stick to a budget to reduce financial stress. Take care of yourself: keep healthy boundaries, get enough rest, listen to music, or talk to a supportive relative or friend. Acknowledge your feelings, and ask for and accept help when needed. If you are struggling during the holidays in the aftermath of a crime, help is available, 24 hours a day, at the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) – (509) 374-5391.

Anna Hahn, Richland

Demonstrations must be peaceful

The current war crimes committed by both Israel and the Palestinians have fueled a wave of hostility and some violence in the U.S. While some of our citizens have strong opposing views, any violence must stop and demonstrations must be peaceful. It is truly a shameful thing when visiting or American Muslims or Jews are insulted or murdered, or their places of worship desecrated.

Antisemitism and Islamophobia are wrong and should be denounced immediately and without compromise. Americans are better than that. We need to respect all mainstream religions, whose purpose, disregarding flaws or false narratives to the contrary, is to help mankind obtain a state of grace while here on earth. As citizens, we need to take care of each other, and look out for and protect our neighbors. Personal prejudices must be suppressed, and hatred should not be tolerated in any form.

The U.S. should do everything in its power to secure the safe release of hostages, provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, stop the deaths of Palestinian and Israeli civilians, de-escalate this conflict, and make every effort to ensure this never happens again. We can help in this effort by expressing these wishes to our federal politicians.

Bill Petrie, Richland

Support the Cougs

I’m writing this letter to express serious disappointment with the Apple Cup opinion published Nov. 10. The Tri-City Herald should be supporting Eastern Washington and WSU. I grew up in a small town here on this side of the state. I lived on the west side for 13 years, and I know how little respect they have for eastern WA, let alone the Cougs. In a year that’s been full of disappointment with the collapse of the PAC-12, the last thing our hometown paper should be doing is calling WSU the lesser friend that has been kicked to the curb. Seriously, this piece could have highlighted some of the great Apple Cup games in history. Who can forget the Snow Bowl back in 1992 when Drew Bledsoe made every kid in eastern WA a Coug fan for life with his pounding of the Huskies?

I think you blew it. It would have been so simple to acknowledge the meaning of the game for over 100 years, and to remind Cougar Nation that we have some proud memories. Next time, please ask a Coug fan to write the opinion, and keep the west-side arrogance on the west side, where it belongs.

Matt Stadelman, Richland