Dictator on Day One

Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, and his “IT muskrats,” without requisite vetting or security clearances, have been granted authority by President Trump under the “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), not a legal department, to unlawfully and without precedence, enter Federal Agencies. This has given them access to critical, sensitive, restricted programs and data, including access to YOUR Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as well as collecting and disrupting agency mission essential transactions.

This is unlawful and unconstitutional because it violates the “separation of powers” under our Constitution, and the rule of law. In the short time Trump has been in office, DOGE has “invaded with no oversight” the Treasury Department, Office of Personell Management (OPM), General Services Administration (GSA), and others, while totally dismantling the US Aid for International Development (USAID). DOGE is conducting an illegal “Digital Coup.”

Only a president with nefarious intent seeking unlawful access to federal agencies, interfering with their mission responsibilities, while intentionally bypassing and usurping Congressional oversight, would attempt such a violation of our Constitution, to empower himself with unlawful authority while never taking responsibility for his actions.

Since his inauguration, Trump pardoned over 1,500 “J6” criminals, unlawfully fired 18 federal agency Inspectors General (responsible for preventing crime and corruption), and he has threatened to purge “without cause” about 5,000 FBI agents involved in “J6” investigations, for correctly doing their job. This is about illegal political retribution and retaliation, the actions of an “authoritative dictator,” and Trump is once again in violation of his presidential oath of office to protect and defend our Constitution, and the rule of law.

At this writing (2/7/25), these and other presidential unlawful actions are now the highest national security and Constitutional threat to our country and our democracy. “See something, do something” – if we as citizens are complacent to simply watch these actions destroy our democracy, then we are complicit with the problem. Please call and write your state and federal congressional representatives NOW, stop these unlawful actions, and demand responsibility and accountability in government.

Rich Snow

Sequim

Sunshine Festival Duck Walk

I love Sequim Sunshine Festival in March. It’s the first of the year after the long winter. It brings us closer to a great summer. It brings tourist attention to downtown, Carrie Blake Park and Pioneer Memorial Clubhouse.

I have one goal when I go to a festival: have a good time. It’s hard for me to have a good time anymore at Carrie Blake Park. I love Carrie Blake Park, I really do. But I hate all the duck doo-doo that covers nearly all walking surfaces there. It’s everywhere and it is sticky. Please, please I’m begging someone to implement a plan to clean the grass and sidewalks for all the guests who will attend in a few weeks. We all have an expectation of festival sanitation. Clean the duck walk.

Stirling Hall

Sequim

Sincere gratitude

On behalf of the Sequim Prairie Garden Club, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude to Olympic Theatre Arts for their help with our recent skit featuring Punxsutawney Phil. Their assistance with costume design and the loan of hats to enhance our performance was invaluable.

The theater’s creativity and enthusiasm were instrumental in making our skit a success. We truly appreciate their willingness to share their resources and expertise with our organization.

Support from organizations like Olympic Theatre is essential to fostering a vibrant community in Sequim. We thank them for their partnership.

Ellen Castleman

President, Sequim Prairie Garden Club

Common bond

I was particularly moved by the spiritual leader, Bishop Mariann Budde, in addressing the enormous responsibilities facing the newly elected president. The Bishop outlined the pillars of unity which are appropriate for a nation’s leader.

Among those critical traits are Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Humility, Compassion, and Mercy. These are the tools needed to honor the inherent dignity of every person. I believe there are many people who love each other and know right from wrong. More or less, I think our people enjoy living in a civil society.

I am shocked and terrified that our county’s leader lacks any shred of decency, however. I have read that people close to the former and now current leader found him to be morally bankrupt, breathlessly dishonest, lethally incompetent, and stunningly ignorant of virtually anything related to government, history, geography, human events or world affairs. Others have said he is the stupidest president in history. I do not approve of the direction our country is headed.

I know that most of life is a delicate balance. In these moments of reflection, I am not powerless. I have not given up. I will resist. There is plenty to do and people to get excited about who may bring positive change in this moment. I hope you will join me in promoting positive choices. Our government has a purpose and that is to promote our values in a principled manner. I will be supporting social justice, economic prosperity, wise environmental stewardship and pursuing these goals at the city, county, state and federal levels. My responsibility for cherishing these values is driven because I think we all have a common bond as fellow humans on this earth.

Bill Biery

Sequim

Shout-out to Walmart

A big shout out to Jerry, Dee and several employees at the Sequim Walmart who retrieved the “cash back” which I had left behind at a self-service checkout. The cash could have been taken by the next customer using that register, but an alert employee put the money in an envelope with register number and time, and when I went to customer service later that day to check, my receipt verified my claim.

I am so grateful for the honesty, integrity and helpfulness of these employees.

Susan Park

Sequim