The Editor:
Nearly 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring 13 colonies free from a king’s rule. By 1789, the Constitution had been ratified, and the first Congress was convened.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the U.S., establishing the federal government’s powers and limitations, and its structure, including three branches of government.
Now the executive branch under Trump is making decisions unilaterally, including engaging in war with no congressional oversight, ignoring judicial rulings, interfering with civil rights of its citizens, including using lethal force.
This is not what the people who drafted the Constitution, the oldest written constitution in the world, had in mind. They had overthrown the monarchy that ruled them.
March 28, 2026, is No Kings Day, a national day of peaceful protest.
If you are concerned about the direction of our country, go to nokings.org to find an event to join.
Cathy Taggett
Blaine
The Editor:
As executive director of the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, I strongly support continued funding for the Blaine Welcome Center through the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee. As budget discussions move forward, it’s important to recognize the essential role this resource plays in our community.
The Welcome Center is often the first impression visitors have of Blaine. It provides information on local attractions, events, shops and restaurants, helping visitors stay longer and return, benefiting our local economy in real ways.
Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the Welcome Center makes efficient use of limited funds while demonstrating strong community support. It also offers one of the few public restroom options downtown, serving both visitors and residents.
In collaboration with the Blaine By The Sea advertising program, the Welcome Center helps promote Blaine as a destination, support small businesses, and strengthen our overall tourism efforts.
Eliminating or reducing funding would weaken our ability to welcome visitors and support the local economy. I urge city leaders and community members to continue investing in the Welcome Center and the tourism programs that help Blaine thrive.
Kristen Gomes
Blaine
The Editor:
I was traveling in India in August 1996 and went into a gift shop owned by a Tibetan man. When he learned I was American, he begged me to contact my president and ask him to please protect Tibet from China.
When I came home, I contacted the White House by phone. In those days you could speak to a caring, compassionate, well-informed person. The woman I spoke to said, “There is nothing you can do at the federal government level to make changes. All you can do is start in your own community.”
Many years later I met a woman from China. She said the Chinese people do not hate Tibet at all, only the Chinese government hates Tibet. I had a deep realization that governments are the ones that want to fight, not necessarily the people of those countries that want to fight in wars.
Cindy Kisska
Birch Bay
The Editor:
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue is at a breaking point and Birch Bay should be paying close attention.
Call volumes have surged; staffing is stretched thin, aging equipment is being pushed beyond its limits. Funding has not kept pace.
Due to state limits, the fire levy has effectively shrunk over time, leaving our growing community with fewer resources to respond when emergencies happen.
This isn’t about “extra” services. It’s about whether help arrives quickly when your family needs it most.
The fire chief has made the situation clear: Without additional funding, they may be forced to permanently close one of the three stations serving our area — or rotate closures between stations. NWFRS is going for a much needed levy lift this year. Without adequate funds there will be fewer crews and longer waits in an emergency.
Please take this levy seriously. For more information visit nwfrs.net.
Sharman Burnam
Birch Bay
