Letter writers weigh in on sidewalks, Israel and Palestine, and plans for Oakland Bay
Street story was a missed opportunity
Thank you for that article about the people who ran all of the streets in Olympia and Lacey. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Eichler present his experience at a Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting a few years ago, and I am glad that his endeavor is still getting attention. Such a cool project!
The article, however, missed an opportunity to mention the City of Olympia’s Transportation Master Plan, which includes sidewalk projects for the next 20 years.
It also would have been worth mentioning the comprehensive plan updates that are getting underway in both Lacey and Olympia (and the other Thurston County cities). These plans set the vision for our communities for the next 20 years, including our transportation needs, such as sidewalks, bikes, buses, and streets. The joggers profiled in this piece saw our cities in a moment in time, and these plans help set the stage for improving our streets and sidewalks in the future.
Rebecca Brown, Olympia
Thank you for op-ed on Israel-Palestine conflict
I just want to thank you for running the op-ed by Therese Saliba on Nov. 12 titled “There is no military solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, but war continues to destroy.” The mainstream media continues to beat the war drum without considering the root causes of this conflict and the long-term consequences of war. Gabor Mate, a Holocaust survivor, said that we must consider the point of view of those on the other side of this issue.
Although there is no justification for Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7, there are explanations for it, which stems from over 75 years of a brutal settler colonial regime on the Palestinian people and their lands. Let’s consider the perspective of the thousands of children who have been killed by Israeli bombardment of Gaza. What will become of these children, who have lost everything — their primary caretakers, family, friends — and are continually being traumatized by war? The world has turned their backs on these children, which then makes these children vulnerable to the recruitment of groups like Hamas. Thus, war furthers cycles of violence and trauma, with no end in sight.
Saliba made an excellent point by saying that there is no military solution and war will only continue to destroy. All human life is interconnected and we are only as well as those with the least among us. Again, thank you for publishing this important op-ed.
Prita Lal, Olympia
Stop Taylor Shellfish from taking over Oakland Bay
Give ‘em an inch, they’ll take a mile. Mostly Taylor Shellfish developments are 3 or 4 acres. This will be 50 acres! Smack in the middle of Oakland Bay. How will the Orcas navigate around this monstrosity? What about boaters, water skiers, kayakers, or fishing? This will be the largest project in the U.S. or the world: 50 acres, 33,000 bags of oysters covered in oyster fecal matter!
We’ve worked since we were 13 years old, finally arriving at retirement! We could’ve chosen anywhere to live in the world. We chose Oakland Bay. Our dream home isn’t free and clear, we’ll pay a large house payment for 27 more years like most on the bay. This development will greatly impact our final years, our children and grandchildren. The lease is supposedly 12 years, but DNR often allows tenancy indefinitely. Taylor Shellfish can sell their DNR tenant rights to anyone they choose including foreign interests.
DNR stands for Department of Natural Resources. This is not natural! It’s the privatization of a natural resource that belongs to all of us! And Taylor’s fees are a pittance! Selling these tainted shellfish to Asian markets means the state doesn’t even get taxes!
Get involved! A Gofundme account is ready for you to help us fight to save Oakland Bay! Anything helps. The attorneys fees are very expensive, little guys to fighting Goliath. Join us today! Proud to be a part of Friends of Oakland Bay.
Susan and Gene Gonzales, Shelton
