See all the bike paths around the Tri-Cities? That’s socialism coming for us all | Opinion
Bikes peddling toward socialism
José Antonio Viera-Gallo, a Chilean politician, said: "Socialism can only arrive by bicycle."
Who can forget the images of bicycle-riding North Vietnamese communist soldiers coursing down the Ho Chi Minh Trail to "liberate" the democratic South. Few remember the tyrannical World War II Japanese riding on bicycles into Malaya and Sumatra, wresting control from their European colonizers. On bicycles!
The point is, I am concerned about the proliferation of bicycle paths and lanes in the Tri-Cities area, and what this may all foretell. Who is responsible for this vision for our community?
Wellsian Way was a four-lane road. Now it's one lane each way, a center turning lane, and communist bicycle lanes down each side! Do I ever see a cyclist on these lanes when I drive down Wellsian (in the new resulting traffic congestion!)? You're more likely to see a moose than a cyclist in this town.
Bicycles are tools of commies and socialists. These paths and lanes are for only one thing: to usher in their left wing, 'green energy,' fossil fuel-hating, automobile-loathing, bird-killing wind farm, solar power loving agenda.
The enemy is at the gates, wearing cycling shorts and armed with "The Communist Manifesto."
John Anthony Fisher and Satoe Fisher, Richland
Public lands topic for voter forum
The Leagues of Women Voters of Washington and Benton-Franklin Counties are pleased to present the candidates for the Commissioner of Public Lands in a debate on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland. The 60-minute debate will be in person and will be recorded and livestreamed by Northwest Public Broadcasting.
Voters will hear the candidates respond to questions from the public about the office and how they would fulfill the role of commissioner of public lands. Voters can submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing
"We ask voters to join us ... to hear directly from candidates on how they plan to handle the job. We ask voters across the state to send questions, or to bring their questions to the debate so we can put them to the candidates," said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.
The public is invited to attend the in-person forum. NWPB will also stream the forum on its YouTube channel at .
After the event, voters will find the forum posted on www.lwvwa.org and www.nwpb.org .
Diane Molleson, Richland
Catnip oil repels pesky mosquitoes
Courtney Shapiro's in a Sunday's Explore section was interesting but missed one of the best natural mosquito repellents. It is derived from catnip.
More than a decade ago DuPont developed a hydrogenated (stabilized) version of catnip oil (HCO) as an effective mosquito repellent. This product was licensed to Entomol for commercial use and sale. It is safe, EPA registered and is way more effective than DEET and other commercial mosquito repellents.
"Under the agreement, Entomol receives a commercial license to DuPont HCO patents, knowledge and commercial formulations for the manufacture of topical HCO insect repellents. The active HCO ingredient, as well as repellant formulations composed of HCO, have been registered by DuPont with EPA," according to a news release.
It is available on Amazon as nipt!, "Essential Oil Insect Repellent, Repels Mosquitoes & Black Flies, Plant Based, Pleasant Smelling, Pump Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) : Health & Household."
Full disclosure: I played a part in the invention as supplier of the hydrogenation catalyst and one of the Dupont inventors is a friend.
James F. White, Richland
Pasco reader's political choices
Today I see three politicians that feel strongly about God and our country. The first is Donald Trump. I have followed his progress since 2016. He always talks about God in his speeches. After his assassination attempt he gave credit to God for saving his life. He loves all the people in our country.
Next is Jarrod Sessler. He prays for this country and its people. When he won the primary, he gave credit to God. Third is RFK. He felt God wanted him to run for office and prayed every day of his campaign. He wants to make our children healthy again. God has called these men to save this nation from tyranny.
Kim Spencer, Pasco
No attempt to ban overnight camping
Come on Tri-Cities people. Since the city of Kennewick and Benton County won't enforce the no overnight camping at Columbia Park, Lawrence Scott Park, Walmart or anywhere alongside the road or parking lot for that matter, why don't we all take our RV's/cars/trucks down to Columbia Park and line the entire park from Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex to the Reach Museum and have a campout party?
Just think, we don't have to pay anything, and we can throw our garbage all over the park and roadside for someone else to pick up, and the city won't do anything about it.
The homeless have taken over the parks in Kennewick and it is just getting worse as time goes by. There have been two motorhomes living in the parking lot at Lawrence Scott Park that have been there for over two months
Let's take our town back and say goodbye to the people that law enforcement or city of Kennewick won't touch!
