I found Jim McKiernan’s editorial “Democrats are starting to get on public’s nerves” in the Dec. 15 issue of your paper to be a mindless diatribe in poor taste that I am surprised you bothered to print. As a Democrat, I have been labeled a traitor and a godless threat to my country. In reality, I am a caring, thoughtful, tax-paying citizen. I vote Democrat because I care about the welfare of working people and the environment. I am weary of the vitriolic attacks by those proudly proclaiming themselves to be Republican.

With regards to the governor’s campaign: any person with a modicum of political acumen surely must know that had Gregoire been in the lead, Rossi would have surely been doing as many recounts as possible. A Rossi lead of 42 votes out of nearly three million cast? McKiernan’s naivete becomes plainly obvious in blaming Democrats for something that any reasonable person in the political arena would do. Rossi could still very well win the election, even with the hand recount.

I’m surprised the Republicans are complaining at all. They own the White House and Congress, and may possibly soon have the governor’s mansion as well. There will be plenty of time to wreak havoc on the environment at the federal level. I suppose we could do the same at the county level by throwing out any manner of growth management that is currently in place. Go ahead and overturn the CAO. Then take a drive up to the Sammamish Plateau or Snoqualmie Ridge and take a look at the future of east King County. The rural character of our Valley will inevitably be swallowed up by development. Let’s not slow down the wheels of “progress.”

If you intend to continue to use your paper for Democrat bashing, please cancel my subscription and refund any money I have left remaining. I’ll seek my news elsewhere.

Janet Sailer

North Bend