Letters to the editor for June 4

Oakland Bay proposal is a debacle

Mason County residents need to wake up on this one! I’m not sure how many county residents are aware of Taylor Shellfish’s Oakland Bay floating aquaculture permit proposal, but everyone should be.

This proposal would provide a lease to Taylor of 50 acres of the bay — the size of 2 aircraft carriers — for 99 years! This eyesore would be smack-dab in the middle of the bay. Taylor suggests this contraption would employ 2-5 employees. Goodbye beautiful Oakland Bay!

I don’t understand why there is not a community uproar over this proposed project. It has a major negative impact on not only bay residents, but the entire Shelton community and county. We need the support of all community members, including the Shelton Yacht Club, the Squaxin Tribe, the Chamber of Commerce, and anyone who derives a benefit from tourists spending time in this county.

Taylor has requested, and been granted, a date extension related to a public hearing. The new date for the hearing is 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at 415 N. Sixth St. in Shelton, or by Zoom. If you cannot attend the meeting, but would like to express yourself, contact Luke Viscusi, Mason County Community Services, at LViscusi@masoncountywa.gov.

William Lanning, Shelton

Leaders as role models

Throughout history citizens have had eras where leaders were examples of understanding, respect and honor. These individuals provided hope and stability to floundering and unstable societies. In a republic, these leaders can become role models of how to listen, cooperate and compromise through respectful and knowledgeable dialogue.

Our country has faced many trials and tribulations over the past decade. And in an era where violence, pandemics and economic uncertainty are the norm rather than the exception, we need leadership examples that stress and demonstrate integrity and respect for one another. There are a few voices in the entertainment and athletic fields that demonstrate class and unselfishness. They truly are beacons of hope.

But what has happened to the political arena. Many leaders fabricate data to fit their own agendas and selfish careers. And the media patronizes these egotistical beings by giving them coverage no matter how absurd or ridiculous the statements are. We have “role models” who have refused to listen by symbolically putting their hands over the ears and yelling “la, la, la” at the top of their lungs or resorting to vulgar language and childish name-calling.

I have known many colleagues and friends who could adamantly disagree about issues without holding a grudge or throwing temper tantrums. Politicians should maintain their ideals while respecting the ideas and differences of others. We need leaders like President Ronald Reagan, a master of compromise, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who unified a country when faced with incredible odds, and U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisolm, the champion of rights, respect and integrity.

James MacDicken, Olympia

Over 1 million killed

I have come to the sad conclusion that with all the mass shootings in America, we will certainly reach the 1 million mark in the next decade. Perhaps each city that has suffered a mass shooting and those on the horizon that will experience the same senseless tragedy can erect a black arch over their main entrances. And why waste time lowering the flags to haft staff when they can be flown at that position year around?

Even better, why not also create a new flag with a white background, showing a black AR-15 with the letters NARA beneath it. They would stand for National Assault Rifle Association. The other side would show small red tombstones for every life lost. Best of all, it could be hung above the Star Spangled Banner because owning weapons of war is more important than life in America.

This problem has gone beyond a mental health issue, simply because one’s mental health can’t truly be categorized, contained or addressed on a daily basis. And the NARA knows it. For that matter, if anyone has a mental health issue, it is the NARA. They refuse to believe that taking weapons from those who shouldn’t own them is not the solution.

It is the solution but so long as NARA money flows to politicians, the problem will never be solved.

Bob Hill, Olympia