Thank you

Community support a blessing

On July 15, we lost our son, Malachi DeWalt, to a tragic accident. It was the most devastating day of our lives and will continue to keep hold of us for the remainder of our lives. When we were at our lowest, family, friends, complete strangers and local businesses came to our aid. So with this letter, we would like to thank the following families: Thomas, Dozier, Jones, Johnson, Stockton, Square, Lawrence, Wett, Gaines and extended DeWalt family members.

We would also like to extend our thanks and gratitude to Pastors Rachal, Litton and Coleman.

Thanks for all the love and support from all the families in Renton, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, Belfair, Poulsbo, Silverdale and Seattle.

Also, we would like to thank friends and family on Staten Island, N.Y., Plano and Missouri City, Texas, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

We would also like to thank the following businesses for their kindness: Kinkos of Silverdale, Fred Meyer of Bremerton, Puget Sound Energy, Peninsula Psychological Center; the following Port Orchard businesses: Albertsons on Sidney, Rent-A-Center, Flowers to Go, Port Orchard Signs, South Kitsap Helpline and Security Financial.

We would like to thank Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church, Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Rill’s Life Tribute Center, Burley Glenwood and View Ridge Elementary schools, Waste Management/Brem-Air Disposal, Warren Avenue Pee Wee Association, the city of Seattle, J.C. Penney, all the semi-pro teams in the NAFL and NWFL and the organizer of the car wash held in Port Orchard.

All the love, support, food and donations have been greatly appreciated. We have been so blessed with the help we have received and it has been such a big help to have the community rally together and help our family.

We also appreciate Darlene for all her help with the programs and buttons.

THE FAMILY OF MALACHI DEWALT

Bremerton

All-day kindergarten

It’s not fair in CKSD

I am a proud parent of a son at Brownsville Elementary School and another son scheduled to start kindergarten this fall. I am very happy with the education they’re receiving — the staff and the PTSA are exceptional.

But my concern is this:

How can a school district offer free all-day kindergarten at several schools and not at others?

For instance, Cougar Valley Elementary School parents lobbied and got their all-day kindergarten changed to free. Woodlands all-day kindergarten is free. However, Brownsville is not. All I hear is that it’s “based on demographics” but I don’t believe that. I used to teach at many different schools in CKSD and demographically, it’s pretty evenly matched. I don’t see how Cougar Valley can justify free all-day kindergarten and Brownsville parents still have to pay.

I think this needs to be investigated. I respect Bremerton for going district-wide with free all-day kindergarten and I respect North Kitsap School District for saying all of the all-day kindergartens have to pay.

But for CK to say some get it free and some don’t — that just does not seem fair.

DANA POST

Bremerton

Iraq war

Excuse for territorial expansion

The more likely explanation for the United States’ invasion of Iraq is the neo-conservative Bush Regime’s commitment to the defense of Israeli territorial expansion.

There is no such thing as a neo-conservative who is not allied with Israel. Israel hopes to steal all of the West Bank and southern Lebanon for its territorial expansion. An American colonial regime in Iraq not only buttresses Israel from attack, but also can pressure Syria and Iran from giving support to the Palestinians and Lebanese. The Iraqi war is a war for Israeli territorial expansion. Americans are dying and bleeding to death financially for Israel. Bush’s “war on terror” is a hoax that serves to cover U.S. intervention in the Middle East on behalf of “greater Israel.” Why don’t we let them let their men and women fight their own battles? God forgive us for not adhering to your word.

BILL COLLINS

Bremerton

Decision 2008

Vote for John Clark

Why does electing the right person to the position of Auditor of Kitsap County matter? It is a position which does not get much publicity or headlines except when something goes wrong, like four years ago in Seattle when votes were found in some very odd places.

Kitsap County has a record of honest voting procedures. It is important that we elect a person who will continue that tradition in a bipartisan way.

We need a county Auditor who will protect the integrity of our voter registration process and will ensure our ballots are secure and counted accurately. Candidate John Clark shows the leadership and integrity to fill this important position.

Please vote for John Clark for Kitsap County Auditor.

KAREN QUINN

Poulsbo