Commentary

Youth Forum: Yes, the death penalty is inhumane; it’s also just

By Andriel Gonzalez / For The Herald The death penalty is inhumane, but that’s why it makes so effective, that’s why it should be allowed.… Continue reading

Comment: Cuts to science grants threat to our health, economy

Federal funding through the National Science Foundation has provided countless benefits to our lives.

Comment: The gift 747 was only one problem in Mideast trip

Along with the thinly veiled bribe, came a shift to excuse the region’s autocratic monarchies.

Comment: Era of Buffett-, Gates-style philanthropy is ending

The tech billionaires see their space and AI quests as better than a bequest to fight poverty and disease.

Comment: AmeriCorps staffers were making America healthy again

A modest stipend for students was providing experience and value. Until the Trump administration fired them.

Comment: GOP’s tax cut bill is ill-timed for economic moment

If a recession does hit, it’s the lower- and middle-income who can spend the economy’s way out; not the rich.

Comment: When should judges have power to tell a president no?

Birthright citizenship is clearly law. What was up for debate is the fate of nationwide injunctions.

Comment: Cuts to Medicaid will make fentanyl fight harder

Medicaid’s expansion is helping many get the addiction treatment they need, reversing the crisis.

Comment: PBS, NPR need funding, and a good shake-up

PBS’s best dramas come from British TV. It needs to produce its own money-makers like ‘Downton Abbey.’

In the summer of 2021, members of the Skagit River System Cooperative counted fish in the restored estuary of Leque Island near Stanwood. What they found was encouraging. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210817

Comment: Ignoring the climate choice to adapt or die

The loss of funding for climate adaptation science will leave regions to weather impacts on their own.

In the summer of 2021, members of the Skagit River System Cooperative counted fish in the restored estuary of Leque Island near Stanwood. What they found was encouraging. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210817

Comment: Compare tax choices of 3 states and watch what happens

Idaho and Montana cut their taxes. Washington raised taxes to historic levels. Will an exodus result?

Comment: Democrats’ tax plan aimed at ‘villain,’ hit consumers

The governor should veto a B&O tax increase that will hit food prices at stores and restaurants.

Among the programs sponsored by Humanities Washington was a Prime Time Family Reading Event at the Granite Falls Sno-Isle Library in March. (Rachel Jacobson)

Comment: Loss of humanities grants robs us of connections

The loss of $10 million in humanities funding in the state diminishes what celebrates human creativity.

Among the programs sponsored by Humanities Washington was a Prime Time Family Reading Event at the Granite Falls Sno-Isle Library in March. (Rachel Jacobson)

Forum: Know how to reach out and help someone in crisis

Mental Health Awareness Month offers an opportunity to learn how to help those in need of services.

Comment: A bumpy travel season for U.S. tourists, destinations

Even with a pause in some tariffs, uncertainty is driving decisions on travel in and out of the U.S.

Comment: Trump’s break with Netanyahu just keeps widening

His trip to the Middle East, without a stop in Israel, is the latest example Trump has moved on.

Comment: Fair’s fair; kids get 3 dolls, Trump wants 3 jets

Trump’s tariffs require austerity from Americans, except when Trump sees a shinier aircraft on the tarmac.

Comment: Governor should veto change to mortgage interest deduction

A provision in state tax legislation would increase mortgage costs for families buying homes.

Comment: Nonprofits filling gap left by federal cuts isn’t answer

Relying solely on donors to fulfill needs means providers no longer are accountable to the people.

Comment: Welcome South African refugees, yes, but Afghans, too

There has been no good explanation why Afrikaners are admitted, when so many others are turned away.