Check the facts
Dear Editor:
Rep. Newhouse is up to his old tricks. He is continuing the legacy of disinformation and lies perfected by former President Trump. How is he doing this? By painting President Biden’s proposed infrastructure package (American Jobs Plan) as a dangerous socialist ploy.
Newhouse says in his weekly column to constituents dated April 6, “… less than 8% of the ‘infrastructure package’ will go towards our nation’s infrastructure.” This is inaccurate: 8% of $2.3 trillion is $184 billion. There is actually $621 billion earmarked for transportation (roads, bridges, public transit, rail, ports, waterways, airports and electric vehicles).
He goes on to say, “the Biden Administration wants to raise your taxes to pay for it.” That is also inaccurate. There is currently no plan to raise individual taxes. At present, Biden’s plan is paid for by increasing the corporate tax rate and making it harder for American corporations to get away with paying zero to little in taxes.
Please, don’t just take Rep. Newhouse’s word for things. He is only sharing with you what he wants you to see. He is not being a just and fair representative. He can argue against the plan all he wants but he needs to be honest with the facts.
And don’t just take my word for things either! In these times, the only way to protect yourself from disinformation is to read the information yourself. Don’t fall victim to believing that every social program is radical and socialist just because someone says so. Research a variety of sources, left, right and center, and decide for yourself.
Patti Nordby
Winthrop
Don’t Forget Loup
Dear Editor,
When I first spotted your editorial (April 7), I looked forward to some publicity (and information) for the organizations that have expended considerable energy towards reaching their respective goals – how those organizations help our community and provide something that is not otherwise provided, and, if not done, how our community would be lacking: the Winthrop library, the Twisp Civic center, and the Okanogan County Fire District 6 new building, all of which are worthwhile enterprises and have strong followings.
But you made no mention of another. The Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation (LLSEF), just one more 501-c-3 nonprofit, has been raising funds to improve their facilities for several years and is well on its way to accomplishing its task. Although it is not strictly a “civic” construction project, the Loup certainly serves our community and will strive to do more with its newer facilities.
Unlike any of the three you mentioned in your editorial, the LLSEF has not received any state, federal or outside grants to accomplish its task, but is close to achieving its goal through local donations. The Loup is part of this community, which includes the Methow, Okanogan and Chelan valleys. The Methow Valley News has been a steady supporter of the Loup, but I needed to point out this omission as our construction project is major, with all the associated hurdles, as well.
Chris Stern
Winthrop
Three digits
Dear Editor:
A Letter to the Editor I Should Not Send:
The letter (April 7) of outrage simmers,
perks to a boil of hubris.
Was it meant to be published in the April 1 issue?
Dialing 10 digits instead of 7
to order pizza adds three beads
to your abacus of indignation. Three.
Consider, for a moment,
your suicidal neighbor —
hands shaking, eyes watering over
phone pad numbers swimming out of focus –
failing to find the 10 digits
to live. So much easier with three.
Sam Owen
Winthrop
