Sophistry, not journalism

We found the Sept. 1 editorial, “Thanks, Gov. Inslee, but new face needed,” both sad and disappointing. It appears, to us, as largely unfair and certainly partisan.

For example, the statement: “Washington has real problems that need real solutions and leadership.” What state doesn’t? Or: “… last thing WA needs is four more years of a governor banging his head against the climate wall.” Notice the analogy of what a crazy person might be doing. How about: “Inslee has done little to improve the political environment in the state.” What would you have him do? Pretend to be a Republican? And our favorite: “Inslee’s willingness to cater to the worst instincts of the Democratic base…” Minimum wage is mentioned but the partisan reference is unnecessary.

This editorial suggested that Gov. Inslee is: 1) past his prime, 2) has failed on too many issues and 3) should move aside for new blood to take over. We disagree. We read that Washington recently was ranked number one on the list of all 50 states (an overall ranking based on desirable livability factors). Doesn’t it seem possible that Gov. Inslee may actually have had something to do with Washington heading that list? The writer may well be a Sultan of Republican Sophistry, but his criticism of our governor short-sighted.

William Malloy

Liberty Lake