Contrast in values

Do we value each person, even (especially) the least among us? Or, are dollars – even the last dollar earned by the richest person – more important? This election puts our values to the test.

Unless Congress acts, tax rates for working and middle class families will increase, and the child credit will be cut in half. Democrats want tax cuts for all income below $250,000 (household). Even the very rich would save thousands on their first $250,000; above this threshold, tax rates go to 40 percent – instead of 35 percent.

Republicans are outraged. Without tax breaks for the very rich, they insist that everyone’s taxes go up and the child credit be cut in half.

We are awash in debt. Any tax cut will add to it. Republicans insist on trillions more for the sake of the rich.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dino Rossi have staked out positions that favor the rich and insist on adding to the national debt to lower taxes on Wall Street bonuses. These positions are anathema to my values.

Patty Murray and Daryl Romeyn emphasize helping the least among us. I’ll vote for them, and I encourage you to vote for them as well.

Gregory Hooks

Pullman