Breaching the Snake River dams is a horrible idea and other Herald letters to the editor

Breaching Snake dams terrible idea

Breaching the Lower Snake River dams (LSRDs) is a terrible proposal. I have read the arguments for and against breaching the dams.

I conclude the proposal for breaching the dams to be unconvincing.

However, I believe a persuasive case for preserving the dams can be made on the following few simple facts:

There is no guarantee and not even a good case that breaching the dams will restore fish runs to historical numbers.

But, it is guaranteed that breaching the dams will result in:

A loss of reliable clean energy that does not contribute to climate destruction.

A loss of efficient transportation of produce on the river (e.g. by barges versus trucks).

A loss of water flow control (e.g., water storage for drought conditions).

It is a science-based fact that the planetary climate is deteriorating at a rapid pace. And little is being done to avert a climate catastrophe.

We are approaching a critical decision point regarding our global climate.

It is possible-and perhaps likely that the deteriorating climate will not allow a long-term recovery of fish populations. This is a truly sad prospect that I hate to consider.

But it is a real possibility that must be honestly faced. It would be a maximum of irony if we removed the dams, gave up our Northwest clean electricity and other benefits of the dams and the fish populations never significantly increase anyway.

I repeat, breaching the Lower Snake River dams (LSRDs) is a terrible proposal.

Tris McCall, Ph.D., Kennewick

Time for change in government

Our representative government no longer supports the Constitution and, from my experience, does not represent the citizens of our state. It’s time for some new blood in Congress. All of them need to seek work in the private sector.

They, our representatives, have become the ruling elite. They have created a living behemoth that sucks our treasury dry, placed our nation in financial jeopardy and have no respect for the rule of law or our nation.

The mob that attempted to take the Capitol has resulted in arrests, investigations and hearings in an effort to find the root cause of the attack. In my opinion, it was a very disrespectful act. Our representatives have all spoken out regarding this sad moment in our nation.

When the Supreme Court decided that Roe v Wade was not protected by the Constitution all hell broke loose. Instead of finding the words to bring calm and respectful discourse, most of the liberal/progressives incited protests at the homes of the court members.

Please study the candidates and ballot initiatives carefully. The futures of our children and nation are at stake. Make our representatives adhere to it unless you want tyranny.

David Thompson, Kennewick

Villareal will be excellent judge

I am thrilled to have the privilege of supporting Carlos D. Villarreal for Franklin County District Court judge. Mr. Villarreal is one of the greatest people I know. He will bring wisdom and compassion to this position, balancing justice and mercy in the cases brought before him. As judge pro tem in Franklin County for the last 10 years, Mr. Villarreal has stepped in as a judge when called upon. He has demonstrated great leadership, kindness, and integrity.

The experience Mr. Villarreal has had over the last decade as a judge in our county makes him extraordinarily well-prepared to begin this new role with remarkable effectiveness and expertise from day one. Additionally, he is a longtime resident of Pasco and Franklin County, and is committed to ensuring that we have a safe, wonderful community in which to raise our families. Please join me in supporting Carlos D. Villarreal for Franklin County District Court judge.

Dr. Aaron Richardson, Pediatrician, Pasco