I surprisingly agree with George Nethercutt about money in politics ("What's In Their Wallet?," 5/11/17). I don't agree with his recall of the 1994 election, wherein he unseated Tom Foley. History proved his message, which didn't cost much to get out, was as good as Grade A fertilizer. In the end his cheap BS smelled the same as the highbrow stuff. His message was fraught with lies. Also, the notion in which politicians should regain the art of persuasion seems quaint, as I personally imagine today's persuasion resembles strong-arm tactics used by Goodfellas. Mixed seating in the House, strict term limits, repeal Citizens United, and return rights of corporations to that of corporations, not individuals, would be a start at getting D.C. to acting more functional. Until we have a serious reset, the status quo will probably remain.
Steve LaCombe
Spokane Valley, Wash.
Readers react to "Uncertain Future" (5/11/17), our story about the Carlyle Care Center ceasing to serve the mentally ill, and the repercussions:
Elizabeth Parker: The poor, sick and vulnerable always get walked all over and dumped on.
LuAnn Hundley-Suryan: They already moved the veterans from a nicer facility so people re-entering after prison had more space. Now the people at the Carlyle have to move.
Ella El: This is an embarrassment to Spokane. Shame on the City's Government who recently forgave $550,000 in loans and tax revenue for the developer remodeling the Ridpath, but cannot help house the mentally ill.
LauraLee White: There's nowhere for them to go! This is heartbreaking. All in the name of money.
Isaac Jack Jr.: Legal abandonment by the state of Washington. Failure to protect the less fortunate. Spokane used to be known as a town with a heart. ♦
