Tariffs threaten jobs

President Trump continues his trade wars with China. The latest tariff on goods imported from China is impacting $50 billion worth of products and services. Polls conducted in early August report 45 percent approve of Trump’s presidency. The potential of more expensive school clothes isn’t eroding the president’s support so far.

Politicians will argue about what tariffs will do to the economy. Trump won the election in Deschutes County. Likely we’re not of one mind what his tariffs mean.

But, all Central Oregonians care about jobs. I hope they can agree with their political opponent that long-term tariffs will negatively affect jobs here.

The Wall Street Journal writes, “All of this and more are examples of the real and growing damage that Mr. Trump’s arbitrary and punitive trade policy is doing to U.S. companies and workers.”

Two years ago Central Oregon exported goods valued at $215 million.

Roger Lee, executive director of Economic Development Central Oregon, says EDCO has no position on the new U.S. tariffs. He adds that past free trade terms provided for healthier economies and jobs.

Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich says, “Trade was not responsible for the majority of American job losses in the last generation: technology was. That trend will only accelerate.”

Republicans support Trump. Democrats are upset about his actions with immigration and Russia.

Take a breath. Focus on tariffs. The two divergent party faithfuls might agree how tariffs can threaten jobs here.

Tim Conlon

Bend

Bend should sponsor movie nights

In the “Should Bend sponsor movie nights” editorial, the editorial board stated that the city of Bend should not spend money on sponsoring a screening of “Miss Representation” no matter how important the film’s message.

The point about budget being reserved for core city functions is valid; however, we feel the value of seeing a powerful film in a community setting should not be diminished regardless of the funding source.

When it comes to watching issue-driven films, it’s always better to gather for a shared viewing experience and ensuing conversation. Film is an important and powerful tool for discussion that builds empathy and can bring communities closer. There will never be a substitute for learning something new together, hearing perspectives that differ from your own and feeling compelled to take action.

We at BendFilm encourage nonprofits, government entities or any local group with a social mission to reach out to us. We host more than 25 screenings year-round and actively seek partnerships when we see a film that will resonate in the community.

In fact, we screened “Miss Representation” at Bend High in 2013 because we knew breaking down gender stereotypes was a crucial concept to discuss with young people.

We regularly organize panels, bring in filmmakers and gather experts to enrich screenings because the nuances in a film are meant to be debated.

In an age where it’s easy and tempting to stay at home and binge watch a show, remember how important it is to gather, connect and share.

Todd Looby

Bend

Don’t hurt pain victims

There’s a great expression in golf: “Don’t chase a bad shot with a stupid shot.”

Oregon and the rest of the country are in the grips of a tragic opioid crisis with multiple villains: the medical community’s lack of oversight and the pharmaceutical industry’s naked greed, among others.

But to chase a solution by punishing not just chronic pain sufferers in general but specifically those who can’t afford the medications they desperately need — now that would be a superbly stupid shot.

Bart Braverman

Indio, California

Wyden and New York

Your July 26 editorial failed to mention a glaring example of Oregon Democrats’ hypocrisy on the issue of an elected official’s residence.

I refer, of course, to the fact that Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. has no real permanent Oregon residence and when not in Washington lives with his wife and children in New York City.

Jeff Keller

Bend