Letters to the Editor for Feb. 21, 2019

Reader thanks Post-Record for reporting on gun-rights rally I just wanted to say thank you for writing the article about the Patriot Prayer/WA 3 Percent rally last week. It read as unbiased to me, unlike what some of the commenters seem to think. I very much appreciated the read and the information on the event. Michael F., Washougal Want to save the world? Support New Green Deal At midnight on Sept. 5, 2017, my father and I watched Oregon burn from across the Columbia River. The flames spread across the horizon, pillars of fire shooting up into the sky as trees exploded from the heat, and when we walked away at 1 a.m. that morning, it was as bright as if the sun was rising behind us. For me, personally, the Eagle Creek Fire brought the realities of climate change home in a very real way -- for the first time in my life, our lovely Pacific Northwest didn't feel safe. Many others have felt the effects far worse, as more and more devastating wildfires and other natural disasters continue to occur. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's report last October, we have roughly 12 years to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent, or we're facing planetary disaster. I'm 29 years old. Our world could well take a turn for the inhabitable within the middle of my lifetime, and that terrifies me. Major changes need to happen before it's too late, which is why I'm asking everyone reading this to actively support the New Green Deal proposed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey. Phillip Englund, Washougal Younger generations must vote, make voices heard Voting is highly important. It is necessary that younger generations realize the importance of voting and making their voices heard. In current times, we are letting the older generations decide our future by not making our voices heard. In 2015 only 46 percent of eligible Millennial voters showed up to vote. This is because they just do not care. According to one study, between 1976 and 2015, the percentage of young voters between the ages of 21 and 35 who said they cared which party won the election dropped from 74 percent to 56 percent. In contrast, the older generation rose to 81 percent. This is a problem because people do not realize how much politics impacts their day-to-day lives. The prices of gas and other goods, our infrastructure, health systems and more all are impacted by politics. There is a large contrast in opinion and morals between the younger and older generations. With 59 percent of Millennials leaning or identifying with the Democratic party compared to only 48 percent of the Baby Boomers and 43 percent of the Silent Generation. By not showing up to vote, the younger generation is allowing the older generations to greatly influence politics and giving them the opportunity to shape society in the way they view fit. The government officials and laws chosen through voting may be completely opposed and against the morals of the younger generation, but nothing will be done to prevent these actions unless we show up to vote. However, young voters must cast an educated vote and truly pay attention and learn what they are voting for. Remember to register to vote and encourage those around you to do the same. Alyson Nicole Cline, Vancouver

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