It's a small world, and drier
Sitting in the Inland Northwest, watching the tragedy unfold for Southern Californians fleeing wildfires, we're not as removed from that world as we think. Thursday's editorial explains.
Matter of Opinion archive for Jan. 1, 2007
THURSDAY, OCT. 25, 2007
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24, 2007
Firestorm: A Spokane Connection
Thanks to reader George L. McAlister, Systems Librarian for Spokane County Medical Society, who sent this interesting e-mail:For some local flavor on the San Diego wildfires, I’ve been having an interesting experience with my children, Erin and Brett, who were forced to evacuate their home…
Letter: Don't foster dependence
Re: "Easy food deadly for grizzlies," Oct. 21:This article ought to be a wake-up call for everyone that thinks we are helping an animal when we give away free sustenance for any reason. In this case, it appears that the wildlife photographer may have been…
Hanford museum?
Today's editorial looks at plans for a museum to commemorate the development of nuclear weaponry and the role Eastern Washington played in it. You can read it and then comment.
TUESDAY, OCT. 23, 2007
Coincidence or campaign politics?
Just after the primary ballots were mailed, Mayor Dennis Hession announced a plan to hire more public safety officers and staff for the ombudsman's office.And as general election ballots arrive in homes, he announces a plan to cut the utility tax.It wasn't surprising to see…
Nothing but the truth
Lying's as easy as ever; getting away with it, fortunately, is harder. In Our view, that's a good thing.
MONDAY, OCT. 22, 2007
Magic spell
If you're one of those who think education theorists are too quick to abandon certain proven teaching methods (such as memorizing multiplication facts), take a look at the two stories that appeared side by side on Monday's front page.Under "Spokane Schools are adopting writing-based spelling…
Getting the week off to an inspiring start
If you missed last week's news story about a dedicated Spokane teacher -- or even if you didn't -- here's an editorial on the topic. Don't bother, though, if you hunger for cynicism.
FRIDAY, OCT. 19, 2007
Save Our Pavement!
It won't be long now. Area streets are damp today and slickened with fallen leaves, but snow isn't far behind and a determined community of drivers will outfit their vehicles with quasi-chainsaws and resume the winter ritual of tearing up Inland Northwest streets and highways.…
THURSDAY, OCT. 18, 2007
Bush wins on SCHIP
Veto override fails by 13 votes.In the Washington state delegation, U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings remained the lone opponent to the bill that would've expanded the program. Republican colleagues Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dave Reichert voted to override the veto.In Idaho, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson voted…
Does the campaign tone bother you?
We're troubled by the negativity that has taken over the contest between Spokane mayoral candidates Dennis Hession and Mary Verner. Our comment appeared today; you can add yours by posting a comment below.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 17, 2007
Colbert for president
Finally, this nation, this race will get the truthiness Americans crave. Here's the annnouncement.
Escaping Spokaloo: Memories Wanted
My Sunday column was about growing up in Spokaloo, the great underdog city. It's changing rapidly, and we're almost hip now. Unbelievable.Feeling in a nostalgic mood this morning? Share your memories of growing up in Spokane when we were as far from cool as possible.…
TUESDAY, OCT. 16, 2007
Iraq War vets weigh in
We've discussed this some in Comments. Thought I'd bring it out for a broader debate.This week, Gen. Sanchez, the former top commander in Iraq, had some critical comments for the president, National Security Council, Congress and, yes, the media.In addition, a dozen captains who once…
"The self-licking ice cream cone"
That's a term used to describe the process of politicians slipping earmarks into spending bills and then getting campaign contributions from the beneficiaries. It was used in an article about George Nethercutt and a Liberty Lake company. Well, the Seattle Times has found that this…
Letter: Gang numbers
(...) These gang numbers have been inflated for years (note the current quotes: 900 gang members and 7,000 associates) for funding purposes. It has been long known that the use of the term "associates" covered nearly everyone that looked cross-eyed at an individual who participated…
MONDAY, OCT. 15, 2007
Weekend letter: Budgets and bonds
What is the answer? Where does our money go? Why do we always need new bonds to pay what should have been within budget for repairs and maintenance for parks, streets, etc. etc. etc.? Every business runs on such a budget!Who is in charge of…
Endorsements keep coming
Monday's "our view" takes a look at contested municipal elections in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake. Read them and post your own thoughts.
FRIDAY, OCT. 12, 2007
And the winner is ...
... Al Gore. The former vice president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for inventing the Internet, er, spreading the word about man-made climate change, largely through the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."Thoughts on this or global warming in general?
Friday's Loose Thread
What's on your mind as we head into the weekend?
THURSDAY, OCT. 11, 2007
Matt Lauer to interview The Craigs
On Tuesday, Larry and Suzanne Craig will be interviewed by NBC's Matt Lauer in prime time.Will you watch? What do you expect them to say? Will it be as uncomfortable as this press conference with U.S. Sen. David Vitter and his wife, Wendy?(Item via Talking…
Thursday's editorials
1. Post Falls ought to let go of its "old" City Hall. It's not worth it for taxpayers.2. Conservation Futures Tax is well worth the levy. It's best way to ensure wide-open spaces.
Letter: Political panhandlers
Sometime before Nov. 6 you will be asked to go to the polls and vote. During the past three months or so, many official representatives of government groups have said they want more of your money. (...)1. New city administration building for the Valley2. New…
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, 2007
Endorsements: Do you care?
The Falls guy poses the question. Feel free to answer here.
Wednesday's Loose Thread
Happy Wind's Day. Anything you'd like to praise or pooh-pooh? Gopher it.
A Matter of Opinion is really a matter of three opinions – those held by the people responsible for the opinion pages of The Spokesman-Review. Check in regularly to find out what they’re up to, what they think and where they differ and to joust with them if you want.
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