Ignorance is no excuse

The agnostic socialist Bertrand Russell said: “I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.”

Since the Industrial Revolution, man has contributed to the global environmental changes we are currently experiencing. Developing nations are continuing the process at an alarming rate. But, like gravity, some choose to consider that theory rather than fact. Regulation and change is their nemesis to free enterprise.

One need look no further than Florida where a sheet of plywood went from $15 to $40 in one day.

Societally, while denigrating those who gave voice to the masses and advanced the health of others, advocates of nationalism should beware that hegemony of the United States, also advocated by Russell, is a dangerous precept.

The irony is that Russell also said, “The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.”

Roger B. Huntman

Sequim

Help keep community, cats healthy

Amid all the negativity surrounding the upcoming elections, National Feral Cat Day on Oct. 16 brings a positive message of helping feral cats and the community. It’s important to realize that the goal of TNR (trap neuter return) is to stabilize and gradually reduce the number of unwanted, abandoned feral, stray, community, barn and outdoor cats.

These cats are homeless due to human irresponsibility and indifference. It is not their fault, they deserve to be helped by humans not sentenced to die. TNR involves caring volunteers using humane traps to safely catch the cats then getting them spayed/neutered, rabies shot and ear tipped for identification by veterinarians.

After recovery, the volunteers return the cats and provide care as needed. The cats will not be reproducing so the numbers of cats will reduce naturally without killing them.

Feral cats are the same species as pet cats, and can thrive in any landscape.They are just as healthy as pet cats, but they are not socialized to humans and are therefore unadoptable. They have lived alongside humans for more than 10,000 years. There are always going to be some outdoor cats, barn cats, farm cats etc). The goal is to reduce the numbers and make sure every cat is cared for and about, and most important — fixed.

From 2003-2013 the number of local governments with official policies endorsing TNR increased tenfold, with hundreds of cities and towns successfully carrying out TNR programs. That number continues to grow every year.

The alternatives to TNR are cruel and don’t work. Thanks to TNR and pet cat spay neuter assistance programs, the number of cats killed in shelters has dropped from a high of 75 percent or more in the 1970s to below 10 percent in many shelters. Our fine shelter, OPHS, has reduced its euthanasia numbers to almost 5 percent.

Lets all support cat spay neuter and TNR to help get that close to 0 percent. Happy National Feral Cat Day!

Linda Dennis

Sequim

Support I-1491

I am writing in support of initiative I-1491: Extreme Risk Protection Orders, which is on the ballot for November’s general election.

If approved by a majority of Washington voters, this initiative would give an important tool to families who are fearful that a loved may commit suicide or an act of violence to others.

They can petition a court for a hearing, and if there is compelling evidence of a high risk of self-destructive or violent behavior, the judge can suspend that person’s access to firearms for up to one year.

If circumstances warrant, the judge also can refer the person to chemical dependency or mental health counseling.

Due process is protected: The subject is notified of the hearing, petitioners have to present evidence under oath and there are criminal penalties for filing a false petition or providing false evidence.

This law is modeled on other protection orders in our state (such as domestic violence protection orders). Similar laws have been enacted in other states.

I-1491 is on the November ballot because the Washington Legislature has failed to address this gap in our laws.

Please vote “yes” on I-1491.

Aaron Barnes

Sequim