Letters: Soldiers Attack Family After 1919 Shootings; Tax Boosts Will Hurt Everyone But the Rich; Pastor Stands Behind Middle School Principal

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Soldiers Attack Family After 1919 Shootings

In reference to the article/obituary of Dorothy M. Smith on May 9, I send my sincere condolences to her family. I didn’t know Mrs. Smith but I’m sure the lifelong memory of “unknown men” coming to their home searching for her father on Nov. 11, 1919, must have been terrifying to a 7-year-old child. 

My family lived in the camp at Kopiah, where my father worked in the mine. A mob of about 30 soldiers arrived to search the homes looking for union men. My brother was 2 years old when his mother answered the door, holding him in her arms. A soldier slammed her with the back of his arm, knocking them and the door into the wall while several other soldiers rushed inside, guns drawn and crouching against the walls running from room to room.

When they found no men they began destroying everything in the house. They used their sabers to slash through the mattress, pillows and curtains, and used knives and an ax to smash furniture and walls. They even tore the railing off the porch.

My brother was too young to remember the trauma of that day but he did remember that his father was taken away and didn’t come home again until he was 14. (see pictures on pages 119-120 in my book “Ripples of a Lie.”) 

My father was not involved in the riot of 1919 but he was a union man and an eyewitness to the raid on the hall. He could not be allowed to become a witness for the defense, so he was framed and buried in prison with seven other innocent union men. 

Unfortunately, there is very little truth in this article, which repeats the 95-year-old cover-up story told in 1919. There was no “violent clash on Centralia streets,” no “firing from both sides of the street,” and no “unsuspecting veterans,” since the upcoming raid had been planned prior to Nov. 11, even articles in the newspaper. 

The building owner and union men had notified the sheriff, who refused to help them. Flyers had been printed and distributed in hopes the people of Centralia would put a stop to it. 

The union hall had been raided, union men beaten and run out of town just two years before. No one was “unsuspecting.” Perhaps Justyna Tomtas was confused about who led the “well planned ambush” when she wrote this article. 

I was fortunate to know some of the prisoners and/or their children. I learned this story from the people who were actually there. I added years of research to have documented facts, pictures, letters and legal papers.

“Ripples of a Lie” is the only book written by a family member of those involved. The book is available at the Lewis County Historical Museum, but I would be happy to send Tomtas a copy of the truth. 

Esther Barnett Goffinet 

Lewiston, Idaho

 

Tax Boosts Will Hurt Everyone But the Rich

Recently I was notified of an estimated $100 billion in proposed new taxes. The tax proposals ranged from increased gas/tab taxes, cap and tax, state income tax, etc. These taxes will raise the cost of gasoline, heating, food, everything you buy.



Alarmed, I called my state representatives and the governor’s office. The governor’s representative didn’t want to hear that these new taxes would hurt the poor. He tried to give me the bum’s rush off the phone. When I asked him if he cared, he said that the governor didn’t initiate bills. 

I said I understood that, but the governor could either pass or veto a bill. I guess he thought I was either stupid or ill-informed. Besides, I’m sure the governor’s people think government largess will solve the problems caused by tax increases that hurt those living on the margins. Who wants to be in the position of asking, “Please, sir, may I have another bowl of porridge?”

Anyone who thinks new taxes will hurt only the rich may be surprised. The rich might cut back on a latte or dinner out. Or they may hire what is politely known as an undocumented worker. The rest of us will be pushed harder to make ends meet.

The next time I hear someone complain about the high cost of living, I’ll ask if he contacted his state representatives or the governor’s office. If he or she hasn’t, I’ll know I’m hearing the plaintive bleating of a sheep. 

Dolores Blanck

Toledo

 

Pastor Stands Behind Middle School Principal

To anyone who may be following this story I would like to share my support and faith in Centralia Middle School Principal Gregory Domingos. I have known Gregory for over 7 years and stand by him all the way. 

I pray that all of us will put the best construction on everyone who is willing to do the best for the people they serve in less-than easy-situations. 

Paul Hermansen

pastor

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Centralia