It's time to wake up

To the editor -- I read with great interest the June 23 letter from Jesse Torres: "God is not looking down kindly." That was a great letter.

In God's word, Matthew 24:7-8, we read, "For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: And there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."

It is time for America and all people to wake up. I believe our Lord is trying to get our attention. It won't be long until our Lord will return.

Let us ask ourselves, "Am I ready for His return?"

HELEN GUERIN

Yakima

Selah's zoning mess

To the editor -- I just finished reading the article about the Selah City Council's decision to reverse their prior decision and allow a multifamily subdivision in Selah. According to the neighborhood group, it had requested the zoning map from the city of Selah, but was never given a copy. Is the city trying to cover something up or is this an honest mistake?

I'm neither siding with the neighborhood group nor with Mr. Torkelson. I understand the neighborhood group's concerns. I also believe that Mr. Torkelson has a right to earn a living.

MATT STEADMAN

Selah

Ybarra is worthy

To the editor -- Of all the qualified candidates running for Mary Skinner's 14th District legislative seat, Vickie Ybarra brings a unique blend of practical and policy experience. A nurse by training (she also earned a master's degree in public health at the University of Washington), Vickie is currently president of the Yakima school board. She served for several years on the State Health Board and works as long-range planning director for the Yakima Farm Workers Clinic.

In terms of our legislative delegation, Vicki offers participation as a Democrat. She is well acquainted with the cutting-edge issues of education and health. Vickie offers a fresh perspective solidly grounded in a thorough understanding of the opportunities offered by a diverse population situated in a challenging agricultural economy. Vickie believes health and education are subjects knitted together, especially for young people. Her life of public service reminds us of a more idealistic time, when we believed that we are all in this boat together

Voters are sometimes given a marvelous opportunity for a new voice to represent our changing area. Vickie Ybarra embodies change at its best. I hope she will receive careful consideration by all voters as we head toward September's primary election.

DON W. SCHUSSLER

Yakima

Crime's true costs

To the editor -- Re: The June 24 letter, "Broken system." This letter concerns a part that is not in place. Instead of just paying their debt to society, I would have the court assess the true costs of the crime regardless of ability to pay by the one declared guilty by the court and then this person would be paying 10 percent of their income for as long as it takes to pay back this "bill" or until this person dies.

In this way, the sooner this person can get out of jail to begin such payments, the better for the victim. So many of the people in jail really are not belonging in jail to begin with, but there is no viable alternative for the court to use other than the parole system. And it doesn't pay the victims any compensation for what was done to them by those found guilty by the court.

ROBERT B. LOCKHART

Yakima

Support Bouchey

To the editor -- This letter is in support of Kevin Bouchey, who is running for county commissioner in the upcoming elections. I have known Kevin personally for over a decade. I can speak to his business sense, his contributions to community, his desire to see that county commissioners make good decisions and his motivation to promote economic growth in Yakima County.

One need only look at the mysterious decisions made by incumbent commissioners including, but not limited to, purchasing property in Toppenish for the ill-fated jail and then trying to blame the City of Toppenish for their failure, taking away a functioning and profitable railway from a dedicated Toppenish community group, and the decision to move a wrecking yard to our gateway, given that the wine and tourism industries are so important to our economic future.

We have seen enough of this. Let's break the chain and elect a man who will use that good business sense in coming to smart and responsible decisions. Let's elect Kevin Bouchey.

GAYLAND PEDHIRNEY

Yakima

The greater good?

To the editor -- I'm looking forward to the day I no longer need to take responsibility for myself. When I don't have to shop for or pay for my own health care insurance. The day I don't need to deal with an insurance agent who is only looking to make a quick buck from my health insurance premiums. Looking forward to the day when my neighbors -- who may work harder, longer or smarter to earn more than me, who may have made greater sacrifices to get ahead in life -- pick up my premiums for me. Thanks in advance. It will be greatly appreciated.

What I'm not looking forward to is the sub-par treatment that comes with universal health care. Government workers making my treatment decisions, like the recent decision in Oregon. It will cost too much for the chemo to treat your cancer so we denied that life-saving treatment. Don't worry though, because we will pay for your doctor-assisted suicide, that should ease your mind.

Today the chemo's too expensive; tomorrow you're too fat or old. Next month you voted wrong: Sorry, we can't help you. Oh well, we need to give up a little for the greater good of the masses.

TIM MOREHOUSE

Yakima