Other Voices

Discover a vibrant array of voices in our community, sharing insights on key issues. From social justice to environmental sustainability, healthcare, and education, expect thought-provoking perspectives from our dedicated contributors. They're committed to driving positive change in Spokane County. We hope these discussions inspire you to engage and take an active role in shaping our local community's future.

Spokane Democrats Spokane Democrats

Public Funding for Private Schools?

JERRY LECLAIRE • Indivisible—The High Ground

There will always be those who, for one reason or another, denigrate the public schools. The schools don’t adhere to this or that parent’s view of how certain things should (or shouldn’t) be taught, often sex education, evolution, or race relations; the public schools cost too much; the public schools are administratively top heavy, teachers are paid too well, they get too much vacation. The direction of these complaints are two fold: either, as we’re seeing now at school board meetings across the country, an activist minority decides they will bend the curriculum to suit their particular ideology—or such a minority wants to establish private schools of a particular bent—and wants public money to fund them.

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Spokane Democrats Spokane Democrats

Middle Out v. Top Down: Bidenomics v. Reaganomics—a Paradigm Shift in the making

JERRY LECLAIRE • Indivisible—The High Ground

This article critiques the longstanding economic formula advocated by U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers and many Republicans, emphasizing tax cuts for the wealthy and reduced regulations as a means to spur economic growth. Tracing the roots of this approach to Reaganomics, the essay highlights its adverse effects on wealth inequality, middle-class erosion, and rising homelessness over the past four decades.

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