The following Letters to the Editor appeared in the July 15, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.

America’s 250th Celebrations

Dear Editor

We would like to thank all of the people who organized activities for America’s 250th anniversary. We really enjoyed the scavenger hunt and other activities. We have a lot of wonderful people in our small valley.

Gary and Joyce Hancock

Trump and Putin

Dear Editor

Trump must pressure Putin on Ukraine.

So why won’t President Trump put some pressure on Putin? I am sure many of us would like to know.

If you have been reading up on this conflict, you will see that Ukraine is hitting Russian oil sites very hard, while the Russians continue to attack civilians in Ukrainian cities.

So will Putin enlarge this conflict to attack another NATO nation? Let us hope not!! GO Ukraine!!!!

Jeff Bowen

Caricatures

Dear Editor

On July 1st SVI graciously published my letter to the editor about the danger of caricatures – how they can reduce entire groups of unique individuals to one-dimensional figures that are easier to dehumanize, hate, and violate. I was stunned by the caricature that was published right above my letter. The week’s cartoon featured an imposing Uncle Sam holding the Declaration of Independence. He is glaring in condescension at a potbellied brown man with thin limbs and an earring and holding a sign that says “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” The man’s bugged eyes are staring in disbelief at the Declaration of Independence as he sputters “Wait… what? ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’??!” Uncle Sam’s face and overalls are covered in dirt and he is wielding a hammer from the USA toolbox at his feet.

What does this mean? That immigrants (or anyone who is a darker shade than white) are lazy, free-loaders who don’t understand the hard work that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” entails?  I am saddened that this racist trope ran in my hometown newspaper, not to mention during the week of America’s 250th. We are a multiracial nation of immigrants, we always have been. The immigrants I personally know love this country and work back-breaking hours in jobs most of us wouldn’t want (or last long at) in their pursuit of happiness.

For the record: Uncle Sam has always welcomed multiracial non-citizen immigrants into the Armed Services indicating that his symbolic persona respects and reveres the love of country that immigrants to the US demonstrate. Nearly 50,000 foreign nationals currently serve in the US military. It is important to point out that dirt from manual labor is more likely to be found on the clothing and face of an immigrant than on a Federal authority figure. And wasn’t the OG “gimme, gimme, gimme” embodied in white Manifest Destiny??

SVI, if I have misinterpreted the July 1st cartoon, please help me (and other community members that share my disappointment) understand its intended meaning. The irony exhibited indicates problematic beliefs that deserve to be challenged.

Stephanie Henderson

Elections and Voting

Dear Editor

On Tuesday, November 3 mid-term elections nationwide will set the course for decision that will impact us all. Wyoming’s August 18th primary elections will determine the November candidates available for our votes. Midterm primary elections historically suffer from an exceptionally low turn-out rate; less than 30% of eligible voters typically make their voices heard. This translates into a list of candidates for election who represent the view of a small minority of the people in their district or state.

To help ensure all voices are heard, I believe we can actively encourage greater participation throughout our county. On Friday, July 17th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Star Valley Common Ground, in partnership with the nonpartisan nationwide group “Good Trouble Lives On” will host a community gathering at Marge Grover Memorial Park in Alpine, Wyoming. Attendees can learn who is running for state and local offices; what candidates are saying about protecting representative self-government; how to register to vote (voter registration forms will be available); and the status of mail-in voting. Enjoy music and light refreshments at this evening’s opportunity to connect with and hear from fellow citizens about concerns and ideas.

An informed electorate makes for a responsive, people-powered government. Let’s get out the Vote!

Connie Burke

Defending Capitalism

Dear Editor

My family and I had a fantastic 250th July 4th celebration with most of our fellow Wyomingites. President Trump enhanced the events even more at Mount Rushmore and Washington DC.

I believe the President was spot on warning Americans about communism in today’s society. It is happening right before our eyes. The new Mayor of NYC is controlling rent costs and wants to control groceries etc…  Bernie Sanders, and AOC are of the same mindset as the Mayor to tax the rich. The Northeast, Illinois, Minnesota, the front range of Colorado and of course California are all moving towards socialism/communism. USA is the greatest and most generous nation on earth and capitalism is the main reason. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Cubin, President Trump and many other successful business men and women supply people in the world with things they need and want. THAT’S CAPITALISM! Good for them. They employ thousands upon thousands and pay plenty of taxes.

Common sense tells us that the White House needs a large secure ballroom to host the world leaders. It is not just President Trump’s ballroom, it’s for all future presidents. Approximately $400 million in private commitments is not all that shabby. So we the people should expect to pay a portion of the ballroom.

My wife and I moved to beautiful Star Valley 50 years ago. We raised our family and appreciated the good schools that our children had and grew our successful business with the help of the community. So we are successful capitalists in Wyoming. We are blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors throughout Star Valley that are hard working, loyal Americans with traditional values.

Thankful for all of our freedoms,

Rick Jackson