As the Sacklers were devastating Washington with opioids, Ferguson was fighting back | Opinion

Ferguson has led on opioids fight

In the beginning of my teaching in eastern Oregon (1978), I observed former students playing sports. If injured, they were given Tylenol (example) and later I might attend their wedding. In 1998 came opioids and later the funerals.

Many drug deaths happened. When the book, Dreamland, came out (2015), I read it immediately. It chronicles the spread of addiction from pills, to meth to black tar heroin.

Dreamland was an eye opening exploration of the American opioid crisis and the complex web of factors that led to it’s devastating impact. Many families were living through what Quinones described.

Bob Ferguson’s name became known to me as I researched because he was this gutsy Washington attorney general who knew the Purdue pharma causing the opioid crisis wasn’t a meat plant. A brilliant strategist, Ferguson was on top of the Sacklers deceit, the tar heroin, and city gangs distributing.

He did not become a millionaire from Purdue donations like a powerful Oregon House of Representatives member.

Bob Ferguson was aware, involved and showing courage to support families devastated by addiction. Bob Ferguson will make an outstanding governor as he stands up to evil.

Sally Sundin, Walla Walla

Smiley is wrong about Newhouse

Tiffany Smiley’s claim that Congressman Dan Newhouse is silent on the Snake River Dams is a desperate and egregious lie.

I worked for Congressman Newhouse for over seven years, so I am deeply familiar with his record. He’s worked to pass countless bills to protect the Snake River Dams, hosted town halls for constituents to express their support for them, testified in committees with jurisdiction over them, grilled administration officials on their secret plans to remove them, and gone on offense against politicians on both sides who have taken aim at them.

This is common knowledge in Central Washington, but anyone who doesn’t believe me could use any search engine and be met with seemingly endless articles and stories showing how tirelessly he works on just this one issue.

Dan Newhouse is a man of integrity, one of the hardest-working people I have ever met, and he fights for the issues that matter to us in Central Washington.

While I supported Tiffany Smiley for U.S. Senate in 2022, I have lost all respect for her. It’s clear she will say anything to get elected. Such people are dangerous, self-seeking, and should be nowhere near the halls of power.

Derek Flint, Ellensburg

Climate change or heat wave?

Our latest heat wave has brought high temperatures to the Tri-Cities commonly experienced by Las Vegas residents decades ago.

Imagine what our summer weather would be like if climate change were real.

Mark Sweeney, Richland

Isaacson is right for District 16

I am a Walla Wallan and retired veteran. It is my pleasure to lend support and vote for Kari Isaacson to be our new District 16 State Senator.

Kari is a dynamic individual who will be an excellent public servant. Kari’s professional career in the corporate and non-profit arenas provides an experience base that will benefit all in our region.

Her work centered on helping people and communities through identifying needs and delivering realistic solutions. I have personally served on committees with Kari.

She is a leader who listens attentively, grasps the issues and delivers pragmatic, moderate and effective solutions. Practical, Moderate and focused on the future with outstanding integrity.

Richard Best, Walla Walla

Support international students

As Nelson Mandela International Day approaches on July 18, it’s important to reflect on the value of international, intercultural high school exchanges in fostering peace and understanding. Nelson Mandela championed these ideals, and at AFS-USA, we continue his legacy by promoting active global citizenship through transformative intercultural experiences.

With over 75 years of dedication, AFS-USA brings well over a thousand high school students from more than 80 countries to communities across the United States annually. Here in the Tri-Cities students in the past three years have lived with host families, attended local schools, and engaged in community life, enriching our cultural fabric and fostering lasting bonds.

International high school students offer fresh perspectives, volunteer in local projects, and build friendships that transcend borders, leaving a positive impact on both them and their host communities. As we honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy, we invite everyone to join us in nurturing compassionate, globally-minded leaders by hosting a student or volunteering with AFS-USA.

Liz Carosella, Othello

AFS Volunteer