Wilson wrong on debate

Recently, it became public that Dave Wilson wanted to host a debate with Joe Pakootas. However, Wilson wanted to exclude Krystol McGee and Tom Horne from the debate, both of whom are also running. His reason? McGee and Horne express views that he considers insensitive and extreme.

If elected, Wilson will have to work with members of Congress from all over the U.S. with views different from his own. There are 435 members in the House, and 100 in the Senate. If Wilson won’t debate two other candidates, how will he work productively with the 534 other members in Congress?

Wilson had an opportunity to debate all the candidates. He chose not to. Rather than showing he can work with others that he disagrees with, Wilson sought to exclude, and therefore silence, those with opinions different than his own.

Wilson is promising to “end the gridlock” in Congress. How will he end the gridlock by ignoring those with whom he disagrees? He won’t. Wilson can’t end the gridlock. Wilson’s willingness to exclude and ignore McGee and Horne shows he thinks only some opinions matter; this type of thinking will only make Congress worse, not better.

Jeremy Dietz

Spokane