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I am angry and appalled at the continued walkout by Senate Republicans.

I have followed media reports as well as newsletters produced by Sen. Tim Knopp throughout this session and I can find no logical or reasonable explanation for the selfish and destructive posture that he and his conservative colleagues have adopted towards conducting — or rather not conducting — the necessary, legitimate business of the citizens of Oregon.

And by the way, I would feel exactly the same way if Democrats were pulling a stunt like this.

I see two things: First, that Knopp has a petty, petulant personality conflict with the Senate president that he himself has fostered.

And second, like so many Republicans across the country, Knopp and his minions are hellbent to force minority rule on the public. To Sen. Knopp I say: If you can’t sell your philosophy and radicalism to the voters, then that’s on you. Punishing the majority of us for your political disappointments is reprehensible and just plain wrong.

Get back to work.

Cast your votes and deal with the results.

— Jeffrey Richardson, Bend

Regarding the Republican state senators who have walked out rather than participate in what they consider to be unjust legislation, I presume they must see themselves as acting in the great American tradition of civil disobedience. Like Thoreau, who went to jail in protest of slavery and an unjust war? Like Daniel Ellsberg, who on releasing the Pentagon Papers, said, “I am prepared to answer to all the consequences of this decision”? Like the great heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, who endured savage beatings and imprisonment?

What is the response of these highly principled and selfless culture warriors when faced with the consequences of their actions, i.e., the constitutional amendment passed by 62% of the voters?

Why, it’s lawyer up and look for loopholes, boys!

Even if their shameless machinations prevail, such courage and sacrifice is sure to be rewarded by the voters next election. And I’m looking at you, Tim “Knope!”

— Jim Mahoney, Bend

I cannot understand the people who want to join “The Greater Idaho” movement.

I grew up there and I have family that live there.

The federal minimum wage there is $7.25 a hour. Try raising a family on that.

Idaho is a “right to work” state. They want to keep unions out as best they can so that keeps wages down.

If you want to live in a Republican state, move there.

— Ann Crawford, Prineville

The article in Thursday’s Bulletin outlines the impasse going on in our state government. As governor, you could have an impact on getting back to business. The Republicans are out of line in my opinion (and I am registered as a Republican, just so you know). However, regarding House Bill 2002 — I would recommend that bill is not the hill to die on. Oregon already had strong protections for women needing abortions and transgender folks. To hold up the entire legislative session to protect children under 14 who may need abortions without parental consent — give me a break. Millions of people live in Oregon. How many are affected by this bill vs the myriad bills that could be helping the whole state? To quote the article in The Bulletin: “House Bill 2002 would guarantee the rights of children of any age to access abortions, birth control, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and prenatal, delivery and postnatal care without their parents’ knowledge.”

I do support the other pending law for more realistic gun controls — restrictions on assault-style weapons, the age required to purchase some guns, red flag laws, and universal background checks. Perhaps the Democrats in our now-dysfunctional Oregon Senate could agree to drop House Bill 2002 to get the Republican senators back to business but let the gun control legislation move forward? The majority of people in the U.S. want tighter gun laws to protect the rest of us!

— Cynthia Magidson, Bend

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