Shine a light on government

Well, I was wrong! I always believed that a Democrat never found a tax he did not like. Last Sunday’s letter to the editor, “Farm Democrats oppose tax,” proved me wrong. Larry Ludwig, secretary for Washington Democratic Agriculture and Rural Caucus, states that SB 5911 – proposing a B&O tax on Washington state farmers – is “ill-conceived.” Good for Larry and all Democrats who oppose this tax. It is about time their voice be heard.

Also on Sunday, the political cartoon by Joe Heller shows a newspaper that headlines “Papers close as gov’t grows.” If The Spokesman-Review is to survive, it must become more meaningful. One way of doing so is to provide the reader in-depth coverage of what is happening in our state Legislature, courts and governor’s office – just fair and balanced information/facts. State government dictates our quality of life. Newspapers should inform the reader what government is doing before legislation is signed into law.

Save our newspapers. We need them. Spokesman-Review, follow your moral compass: The “purpose of a newspaper is to give readers the information they need to do their duty as citizens in a self-governing society.” – Doug Floyd, S-R editorial page editor, Jan. 4, 2004.

Thanks, Larry, for your letter.

George C. Herion

Spokane