Letters to the Editor

Fireworks, opinions

Editor, the Journal,

I have two unrelated issues I’d like to address.

First, 4th of July celebrations. We fought a war to win our independence. We have a national anthem that celebrates “The red glare of bombs bursting in air.” Every year, I see the looks of fear, no terror, in the eyes of my horses as they run around unable to get away from the terrible sounds coming from behind us and then from across the road.

I’ve seen the trembling of a small dog as he cowers in a ball in the bathroom. When I had cats they too had fear in their eyes as they ran to find a place to hide.

I have also seen the reactions to those sounds from soldiers who served in Afghanistan. And I think of the people all over the world who hear the sounds of war on a daily basis.

I do not understand the obsession with celebrating anything with the sights and sounds of war.

My second issue is restrictions on these letters. We do not live in a bubble in Mason County. American history is being made every day across this country. We are living in a dark time, with potential to become even darker.

We should be able to speak to an issue not the person writing a letter. There should be no “response” letters. Just state an opinion. I like reading people’s opinions and I really like to know why they have that opinion. That is how we learn about issues, how we learn about people. That can lead to better understanding of an issue, which can also lead to empathy.

Donna Holliday, Shelton

Vote Beckman

Editor, the Journal,

I have personally known Richard Beckman for years. To know him is to love him. Richard and his family have been productive pillars and great citizens of our community for decades. Richard is an established business owner in our county and employs several people within Mason County and has the largest real estate firm in the county, having offices in both Shelton and Hoodsport. Richard has held several chairs within our community functions and has been recognized as Realtor of the Year by his peers. Richard is running for Mason County commissioner in District 2 and will be an asset and a great commissioner for our county. Richard brings a huge amount of knowledge and wisdom with him as he has been dealing with the county and city government for years and working in government affairs, housing and several other entities. Richard will have a running start on day one. I humbly ask you to vote Beckman for Mason County commissioner District 2. We are better together. Respectfully submitted,

Mark Carlson, Shelton

Thanks, no thanks

Editor, the Journal,

May I commend The Shelton-Mason County Journal for the community news and activities that it so thoroughly covers, especially the colorful section on high school graduates.

That being said, it did itself a disservice by its new policy of limiting the letters to the editor to one or two community topics only, removing the heart and spirit of the paper that it once had; a two-page platform whereby residents could share thoughts on all news of the day.

Mason County is affected by all that goes on in the world, and putting a “gag order” on letters of national issues is counterproductive. I used to buy this paper especially to read these letters to see how different opinions are expressed in what is going on in the world, this world that is in such turmoil.

At no time is there more need to interact and discuss and debate our world than now. I no longer have an interest in reading The Journal.

By the way, can anyone convince me elections can be fair, honest and fraud-free when in registering to vote, all you need to do is check a box saying you are a U.S. citizen? With 10 to 15 million illegal immigrants breaking our laws crossing into our country, many of whom are issued driver’s licenses and ID cards, we will never see fraud-free voting again. When we came to Shelton, we needed our birth certificates and a utility bill to register to vote. We went to the polls in person, showing photo ID and checked off a registration list as we entered a voting booth. Ballots were counted and double-checked and election results were known late that night. Little room for election fraud. Ballot harvesting, a predominantly Democratic activity, should be illegal; mail-in voting should be absentee and infirm only.

Katie Groves, Shelton

Pride march

Editor, the Journal,

Belfair’s second annual Pride In Diversity is Sunday, July 28, at 11:30 a.m. Marchers will gather at Key Bank’s parking lot off state Route 3 in Belfair at 10 a.m. for nonviolence training and then proceed up the sidewalk to the Salmon Center’s main administration building on Roessel Road. Cars will gather at 10 a.m. for decorating at the Belfair Post Office parking area, then drive south up Route 3 in support of the marchers and to show pride. Drivers will park at the barn at the Salmon Center (handicapped parking at main building). No weapons, drugs or alcohol allowed. This is an all-ages celebration. There will be food, water, salad, ice cream and a dessert auction, as well as a beautiful quilt, a lovely Hood Canal vacation, plus additional gift baskets. Come meet friends and celebrate Pride In Diversity.

Michael Siptroth, Pride In Diversity Chair, Belfair

In Jessee’s defense

Editor, the Journal,

I am writing to address the messaging of the ongoing complaints about Superintendent Wyeth Jessee. As I watch our school board meetings, I see the personal and professional attacks against him, and I personally want to speak up on his behalf.

Shelton, like any other district, is impacted by societal, financial and state-mandated changes. Superintendent Jessee must take the lead in determining how to navigate and assimilate these changes into our district regulations. Every school district is experiencing behavioral and educational challenges. This is not specific to Shelton; it is a national problem. And I don’t believe this can or should all be laid at the feet of one man.

I’m personally invested in what happens to our kids and our families. I am a district employee and have grandchildren in these schools.

Our superintendent is an idealist and a builder. He believes in the strategies being developed and the team he is building. His goals are not just meeting numbers, they are truly about the kids. He gets a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face when he speaks about them. Statistical results prove that progress is being made. The seven-year student average, graduating on-time prior to his term, was 76%. During his first year it rose to 78.8%, while still coming back from COVID. We’ve seen our kids’ on-time graduations rise to 84% in the 2022-23 school year and the scores for 2023-24, third grade ELA are up by 12% over last year’s scores. He works tirelessly and student success is critical to him, and he expects the same from his staff. He has a big job and many things that are being addressed predate his tenure. No superintendent, past or present, has done this job alone. They must rely on their people and the community to come together for support. So, I ask can we please try to collectively meet in the middle at these meetings. Show some support to our schools, even if you don’t agree with all changes. It’s fine to voice complaints but please have some consideration for the progress being made.

Scottie Perrine, Shelton