Leaders lead responsibly

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s characterization of the .S. House of Representatives health care bill passage as “an abomination” is itself an abomination. But that is no longer surprising, coming from the party of “no” that still has not accepted the widespread (House, Senate, governorships and legislatures and the presidency) Republican win last November.

At least President Trump, like former President Reagan, reaches out to Democrats and outlier Republicans to achieve enough agreement to move legislation, realizing that effective governing requires give and take. Former President Obama did not make that similar effort to govern.

Inslee doesn’t either, seemingly more interested in moving divisive social engineering like the transsexual bathroom fiasco than responding to the majority of the Washington electorate he is charged to represent. Or in supporting the growth of the state marijuana industry (because it brings in more state tax revenue?), while ignoring the resulting impaired driving carnage and increased burden on our law enforcement public servants. Or in signing executive orders making our state a “sanctuary state,” specifically aimed at blocking our new president’s effort to combat crime and terrorism perpetrated by illegal immigrants. “Resistance” is not compatible with effective people-oriented governing.

Leaders lead responsibly.

Ward B. Buckingham, M.D.

Spokane