Support for the LGBTQIA+ community, concerns over forced prayer and other Herald letters
Pride Month needs BFHD support
As members of PROTEC17 working at the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), we want to express our deep disappointment with the decision by the BFHD Board of Health that prohibited social media posts about Pride Month this past June, as well as related comments made by Board members. In our work, we strive to treat all people with equal respect in order to build trust and partnership in our community. We support our co-workers, friends, family, and neighbors in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Agender (LGBTQIA+) community.
We believe an important piece to enable equitable access to our programs and services is the ability to communicate effectively. In fact, these are two of the Ten Essential Functions of Public Health outlined by the American Public Health Association, which we are duty-bound to uphold as public health professionals. Pride is public health.
All of the services at BFHD are equally available to everyone. We serve the public to the best of our abilities regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, etc. We will continue to uphold our duty to our profession and our community.
Suzie Saunders
Union Rep. for PROTEC17 Members at Benton-Franklin Health District
He was taught myth about Court
When I learned about the U.S. system of government, I was awed by Supreme Court justices, believing they were incredibly wise men (predates Sandra Day O’Connor). I marveled at their ability to judge constitutional questions impartially and arrive at a just decision. I also wondered how such wise jurists are identified.
As I got older, it became obvious that I had been taught a myth. In reality, justices are selected by politicians, not on the basis of wisdom or scholarship, but based primarily on their predilection to decide issues as preferred by the nominating president, then confirmed or not by senators based on their own prejudices and political party affiliation. The most probable product of this process is a court of mediocre jurists, although occasionally the politicians make a mistake and a person of wisdom and integrity gets nominated and confirmed.
Brett Menaker, Kennewick
Heed Voltaire
We should not ignore history. French philosopher Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, said, “Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities (the Trump White House) has the power to make you commit atrocities (the January insurrection).”
Gene Campbell, Richland
Letter on abortion was ‘laughable’
In his laughable letter to the editor, David King claims that granting states authority over abortion access is misogyny. I’m not sure he understands the word. Misogny: contempt or prejudice against women. Giving each state the right to govern itself is not inherently misogynistic or feminist, it is simply a reduction of federal overreach.
And of course, as for the crying and gnashing of teeth over women controlling their bodies — there is a 100% effective way to never, ever need an abortion: Don’t have sex if you don’t want a baby, or for 99% effectiveness, use birth control. This is about the body of the unborn child, not the body of the mother — the child within the mother is its own separate person, who deserves all of the protections of the law. Aren’t you glad your mother didn’t abort you, Mr. King?
Melissa Mooney, Kennewick
Pray in the hall
In response to John Trumbo’s letter seeking agreement on his request to pray prior to meetings, I say no! If Mr. Trumbo wishes to “pray for guidance,” he may do so prior to the meeting in the hall. Stop trying to cause issues where there aren’t any.
Linda Lamb, Kennewick
