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Questions for Nethercutt

Former Rep. George Nethercutt endeavors to raise civics literacy among students. I suggest he debate Spokane’s constitutional scholar and veteran Stravo Lukos on these topics: trickle-down economics (“unproven, naïve,” Pope Francis), income inequality (major cause of social distrust) and Spokane’s decidedly anti-progressive economy (conservative “leaders” rejected Ford Motors in the 1950s, and billionaire David Sabey’s biotech companies in the 1990s).

Champion of the common good, late Speaker Tom Foley ensured the poor were included in Farm Bills (Food Stamp Act, 1976). Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers represents the poorest city of its size in America by voting “no” on food stamps, unemployment, veteran’s pensions and Obamacare (Romneycare).

Her debt-conscious tea party will not compromise with anyone, let alone seven of 10 Republicans who favor cutting the gargantuan $660 billion military-industrial complex. It spies on us (thank you Edward Snowden) and makes Halliburton, Raytheon and Ingersoll Rand secure for life, unlike our soldiers.

After serving five terms (he prevaricated on term limits), would Nethercutt parrot the National Rifle Association’s stance prohibiting background checks on gun sales (50 mass shootings in 2013)? Sen. Patty Murray and Terry Novak, former Spokane city manager, did more for Spokane’s economy and the University District than any conservative.

Mike Kraft

Spokane

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