(S-R file photo by Dan Pelle of Charlie Ryan and his wife Ruthie)Columnist Doug Clark talks on today's front page about Charlie Ryan, the songwriter who came up with "Hot Rod Lincoln." Ryan was something of a Spokane fixture, but I didn't know the story…
Two reactions to this stunning story in Saturday's paper in which we learn that 27 percent of felony suspects are let go for lack of follow-up paperwork.1. This was released by the Sheriff's Office? Guess Knezovich was serious about transparency and accountability.2. What the heck?!?!…
So, are you voting in the Washington state presidential primary? Not me.Here's why.
...so far, at least. Let the sunshine be your inspiration. This is the first loose thread of the week, so click on comments and share what's on you mind.
Nothing's certain until it's official, but...McCain is looking relatively safe as the Republican nominee, and Obama is gaining something of an upperhand on the Democratic side. These are the two candidates who, from the beginning, have seemed less deeply rooted in partisan absolutism. McCain is…
Let's play school administrator. Teens post all kinds of personal information at Facebook and MySpace. They can limit access or open their pages for the public to see.What if you see pictures of illegal drug or alcohol use -- or anything else that might be…
From our editorial today:Over the past seven years, Medicare reimbursements have been virtually flat while annual medical costs have doubled or tripled the rate of inflation. The squeeze on providers is contributing to a disturbing shortage of primary care physicians as the older ones retire…
(Keo in front of her house near the corner of Monroe and Sinto on Spokane's North Side. Home is still there.)Iowa had a lovely dinner ready using her best china and linen. Everything went off just right -- a fine turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, string…
(AP Photo/The Idaho Statesman, Joe JaszewskiWe had a discussion, and some mild disagreement, in our morning editorial board about Larry Craig's strategy to overcome his bathroom scandal.I thought his "long-stance" strategy was brilliant. If his ultimate goal was to hang onto his Senate seat until…
Hill and Bill Inc. continue to trumpet their lead among the so-called superdelegates, who aren't expected to subject themselves to the nitty-gritty of being elected through either caucuses or primaries. They got their place at the table by being part of the Washington, D.C., establishment.…
Thanks to our own Jim Camden whose story today explains who the superdelegates are voting for and some of the dilemmas they face. Here's the handy list he also provided. Washington superdelegates:Endorsing Sen. Hillary ClintonSen. Patty MurraySen. Maria CantwellRep. Norm DicksRep. Jay InsleeKing County Executive…
I sincerely hope that city administration and staff have learned their lesson concerning advance planning and accurate weather predictions for future winters and that pothole repairs are completed properly and ice is removed as quickly as possible. No excuses for poor planning or repairs.James W.…
We had a group in today representing the Washington State Medical Association and the Spokane County Medical Association.They told us about the bills they are lobbying for in the state Legislature.One of the more interesting causes is their hope that pharmaceutical company reps won't be…
(AP photo)From our editorial today.In 2004, the Legislature, at the behest of Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda.,...adopted a pilot project that allowed the use of dogs in five counties where cougars had become a public safety concern. Now that it has proved to be a success,…
Shlup, shlup, the dogas it laps upwatermakes intelligent music, restingnow and then to take breath in irregularmeasure. -- Denise Levertov's poem "Six Variations (Part III)TV or magazine reading or digging out storm drains? What's on your evening agenda?
(AP photo)From the Associated Press:WASHINGTON — Mailing a letter will soon cost a penny more.The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 42 cents starting May 12, the U.S. Postal Service said today.The price of the Forever stamp will go up at the same…
(Photo by Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-Review)My Sunday column was about U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker's intention to move here with his wife about a year from now when he retires.He spent some time here in his childhood.Crocker seemed like a regular Spokane nice guy. Indeed,…
I was about 35 people away from making it in the doors of the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. I got there 20 minutes before the alleged start time of Michelle Obama's presentation, but like many others I was denied admittance.Did anyone have a…
So we've got Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama today. Hip, hip, hooray for Spokane! I'm impressed with the positive nature of Clinton's and Obama's recent TV ads, in Washington anyway. There may be mudslinging, but I haven't seen much of it.That's what was crossing my…
That's the view of the CIA director. Is that logic, well, tortured?Discuss.
I did vote. I did write a statement that I am not a member of either party on the ballot. I did sign my ballot. I did mail in my ballot. But my vote will not be counted because I choose to be honest. --…
(AP photo)At noon, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in downtown Spokane was packed with people attending Ash Wednesday Mass. It's the beginning of Lent for many Christian faith traditions. And as the ashes are placed on the forehead, the line is uttered that says basically…
Our view today explores the question of media attention to political candidates. Ron Paul supporters often complain that he is ignored by "the media," but certain types of attention are less welcome than others.
(Christopher Anderson photo/The Spokesman-Review)Our editorial board met this afternoon with Ryan Crocker, U.S. ambassador to Iraq. He considers himself a Spokane boy, because he went to elementary school in the Spokane Valley. He and his wife plan to retire to Spokane in about a year.…
Today's editorial urges the continuation of discussion on how to boost downtown vitality in Spokane. The last nine years have seen a lot of positive changes, but more could be in store.What would you like to see happen downtown?
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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