Ziggy: From someone who was born in Spokane, grew up in SE Spokane County and spent their entire adult life in Kootenai County, I am mystified by all of the "gated communities." As Robert Frost might say, "what are you walling out, or walling in?" What ARE they walling out? A wandering lumberjack, a night travleing coyote, a stray housecat, or perhaps an Idaho native? Are they afraid of us? Are they afraid of wild animals? The walls won't keep weather out. As I said, I am mystified. And as for the armed guards at Geezer Ranch (a term of affection coined by locals), what's that all about? I also wonder when these millionaires check themselves into a local nursing home, which will eat up all their $$$, will their kids be able to keep these mansions heated on their $5 an hour jobs here in Kootenai County?

DFO: I love that description: "Geezer Ranch." As far as gated communities go, you have a good point. Who are they trying to wall out -- the $5.15 an hour hired hands who flip the burgers of their fast-food shops, change the sheets in their hotels, and manage the cash registers in their stores? I'm just glad they're far enough out of town that they don't clog up our roads (any more than they already do) with their Hummers.

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