Letters to the editor

CRT the enemy?

To the editor:

I want to thank a recent letter writer for pointing out the real enemy of the people that “will divide and destroy our nation” — Critical Race Theory. It claims that liberals are particularly receptive. That is scary. As a liberal, that terrifies me, although I am not sure how it will affect me and my fellow citizens. However, he mentioned CRT 23 times in his letter; it must be dangerous.

What a revelation! Ignorant me. I worried about COVID-19, domestic terrorists, a nuclear North Korea and 100-degree weather in Western Washington. Now I learn it’s CRT we need to fear. I think I’ll move to Afghanistan and watch the “division and destruction of our nation” by the forces of CRT from the safety of Kabul.

James Behrend

Bainbridge Island

Get shots

To the editor:

I am 91 and enjoy being well and happy. I got two COVID-19 shots as soon as I could, hoping that would protect me. I presume it did.

I wore a mask in public grocery shopping. I still wear the mask at the store, even though some of the help doesn’t (that was before Monday). I don’t want to get or give any disease — be it measles, whooping cough, common cold, etc.

I know government, scientists, unions, etc., all have opinions.

How many Catholic teachers and children wore masks this last school season? How many got COVID? How many died?

I don’t wear a mask because someone tells me to. I wear it as a precaution because I don’t want to get or give. So to answer the question have you had your shots I say, “Yes.”

Dick Krutch

Bainbridge Island

No signs

To the editor:

During a recent cordial phone call, Bainbridge Island City Councilmember Brenda Fantroy-Johnson and I agreed that neither of us, during the general election campaign season, would promote our run for council using yard signs. There are other ways in which we can promote ourselves.

While I respect everyone who ran for office during the primary election cycle, it seems to me that there were a lot of yard signs planted along our busy roads. The signs can be a distraction to drivers, and they definitely clutter our beautiful natural landscape. It’s important to be conscious of the environment.

For those candidates who do choose to use yard signs, please consider using biodegradable signs, or recycle your signs within a timely period after the Nov. 2 election.

And please remember to vote.

Chris Smith

Bainbridge Island

Who are they?

To the editor:

Who is Bainbridge Island City Council candidate Clarence Moriwaki? And who is Rasham Nassar, the incumbent mayor running against him? I honestly want to know. I want a debate to learn and vote intelligently — maybe you do too?

Moriwaki has attended no debates in his challenge to Nassar, so I don’t know his positions. I’ve heard, “nice guy,” “long-time Islander.”

But I have questions.

In 2018, Moriwaki sued to stop an Islander from insulting him online, claiming the statements were defamatory. Since public figures receive fewer defamation protections than private citizens, Moriwaki argued he was not a public figure: “Moriwaki is a private citizen and is not currently engaged in political activity or any controversy on Bainbridge Island; he has no role to play in any votes or resolution of current political issues…”

But wait — Moriwaki’s campaign page says, “I have served Bainbridge Island for more than 20 years on numerous boards, organizations and community groups.”

Moriwaki declared he “… is not a spokesperson for Inslee, Obama … [and] … has no role to play in any ongoing political controversy.”

But his webpage boasts, “Clarence has held responsible positions for President Bill Clinton, Governor Mike Lowry, Congressman Jay Inslee, Lt. Governor John Cherberg, the Washington State Senate, Sound Transit, ACLU of Washington …”

What gives?

I have questions for Nassar too. “So, you’re an environmentalist, but what will you do for Bainbridge businesses?” “Did you really kill that hotel project in Winslow?” I was excited about that.

This isn’t a hit piece — I don’t know which candidate I’ll endorse.

But debates are integral to the democratic process. We must hear the candidates speak if we are to judge their articulateness and competence.

Personally, I crave three debates: one on business, one on the environment, and one on spending. (Oy, the spending!)

Consider the gauntlet thrown.

John Du Wors

Bainbridge Island