Defending democracy
Dear Editor:
I was pleased to see all of the well written and passionate letters opposing Rep. Newhouse’s position in support of the Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. This is just the latest extreme example of undemocratic, unpatriotic and illiberal behavior, much of it perpetrated by the GOP. That said, were it not for the courage of a few Republicans at the state and local levels in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, we could be in the middle of a full-blown constitutional crisis.
Ever since the Supreme Court overturned key parts of the voting rights act in 2013, many states have engaged in a wide range of voter suppression activities. The Voting Rights Alliance lists 61 forms of voter suppression including gerrymandering, excessive ID laws and inequality of election day resources.
The Democrats introduced and passed several bills related to expanding voting rights and improving election security but these were generally blocked by Republicans. The very first bill the House of Representatives passed in the last session was the For the People Act to expand voting rights, limit partisan gerrymandering, strengthen ethics rules, and limit the influence of private donor money in politics. No Republicans voted for it.
Voter suppression activities and attacks on our democracy will not cease unless we the people demand it. So what can you do? Talk to friends and family about the importance of supporting our democratic institutions and expanding voting rights. Support one or more of the many organizations working to protect and expand voting rights. Examples are the ACLU, League of Women Voters, NAACP, Vote Latino plus many more. Most importantly, vote and vote against anyone that doesn’t support our democracy and our democratic institutions.
Dean Kurath, Winthrop
Caring for the valley
Dear Editor:
What a year it has been! Nonetheless, it is our mission to feed and care for the Methow Valley while honoring and respecting one another at difficult times in our lives and therefore, we were able to continue the holiday traditions of Neighbors Helping Neighbors Holiday Food Baskets and the Manger Mall. A holiday meal was delivered to over 120 households throughout the valley and over 160 children had Christmas presents to open. None of this would have been possible without the continued support of this incredible community and others from far and wide. The outpouring of love and support has been tremendous and has made the spirit of the season come alive with hope and joy for many in our valley.
We would be remiss not to say thank you to: Hank’s Harvest Foods, Twisp Valley Grange, Methow Valley News, KTRT, Sunny FM, KOZI, KTRJ, KNCW, Chelan Fruit, Channing Family Farm, Methownet, Trail’s End Bookstore, Winthrop Physical Therapy & Fitness, Twisp Daily Business, North Cascades Bank, Ulrich’s Pharmacy, Mazama Store, Winthrop Store, Keith and Patsy Rowland, Mick & Miki’s Red Cedar Bar, Aero Methow Rescue Service and our countless volunteers and donors. Without the support of the aforementioned, it also would not be possible to execute these programs and we send heartfelt thanks for your help and support!
We look forward with hope for a much better and healthier 2021 and wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
Jennifer Elden, Neighbors Helping Neighbors; Diane Johnston, Manger Mall
Silence?
Dear Editor:
Re: Rep Dan Newhouse. Yes, I agree. The congressman should be silent when his opinion is different than ours.
Rick D. Johnson, Wenatchee
