Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Here.

Americans have a very poor sense of duty. Washingtonians exemplify the lack of this trait. Individualism reigns supreme here. Same-sex marriage and legal marijuana have a lot of support, but needed income taxes fall on deaf ears. Residents of this state are all for it until they have to pay taxes for it.

The problem proponents of income taxes have is in convincing the middle class that these taxes will fall on only the rich. This fear shows how much Washingtonians lack a sense of duty. Washington state’s regressive tax system, underfunded educational system, and lack of social services are the shame of the nation.

Individualism, although responsible for much human progress, fails to acknowledge humanity’s tribal roots. Under tribalism, there is the whole and the one. The whole has a duty to the one and the one has a duty to the whole. In Washington state, many people believe the poor have the duty to pay high taxes, but the state has no duty to the poor.

The rights of the state’s most vulnerable citizens are wrapped up in state and local income taxes. Seattle’s attempt to right this matter with a modest income tax is fraught with difficulties. It is, however, a good place to start.

Dale McCracken, Renton

Note from KBJ: The whole? Isn't that fascism?

Just out: The Obama Administration knew far in advance of November 8th about election meddling by Russia. Did nothing about it. WHY?

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2017

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To the editor:

Thank you for drawing much-needed attention to the frightening speed and heartlessness with which Senate Republicans are dismantling the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act along with Medicaid. (“GOP's secret Trumpcare bill will impact a sixth of the U.S. economy. What could possibly go wrong?” editorial, June 21)

I am sick with worry about the suffering this will cause—for people with preexisting conditions, for the 24 million who have gotten much-needed coverage through expanded Medicaid, for middle-class families with elderly parents in nursing homes, and for those of us on employer plans who will see our coverage decrease and lifetime spending caps imposed.

Trumpcare has something to hurt almost everyone—except the very rich who will get a tax cut and can afford to self-insure. Is this really the kind of society we want?

Cynthia Freeman, Los Angeles

Note from KBJ: Earth to Cynthia: ObamaCare is a disaster. Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats lied to enact it and many people have lost health-care coverage because of it. Even those who haven't lost coverage are now paying far more for the coverage they have. Good work, Obama!

Here.

Here.

Hai Hai (1987). Thirty years gone.

That is one tough little doggie! (A cyclist chases a loose dog through the streets of Mexico City.)

I broke my left collarbone for the first time five years ago today, during a bike rally in Waxahachie, Texas. This X-ray image (click to enlarge) shows the titanium plate and screws that were inserted into my body to repair the shattered bone. (It was in five pieces.) During the past five years, I have pedaled 22,883.3 miles. Today's ride of 35.2 miles gives me 2,599.7 miles for the year. The heat index was 98º when I left the house and 110º when I returned.

Don't go, John!