Cheers to Federal Way mayor debate; jeers to Family Policy Institute of WA | Mirror editorial

• Cheers to the debate over Federal Way's form of government. For the second time, voters face one of Federal Way's most divisive issues. One side of the argument seeks an elected mayor, while the other side prefers the current city manager form of government. Regardless of where you stand, a quote from French essayist Joseph Joubert sums up the scenario best: “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”

• Jeers to the Family Policy Institute of Washington for inflicting its dogma of intolerance upon this state. The institute praised Referendum 71's inclusion on the November ballot, an effort by opponents of legislation that expands domestic partnership rights to gay and lesbian families. The legislation also grants senior domestic partners the same rights as married partners, all without actual marriage. The Family Policy Institute has called this legislation a "threat to religious liberty" as well as a "bribe" for seniors. In reality, this legislation is a threat to deeply-ingrained prejudices and a fear of change. Throughout history, any attempts to expand the rights of marginalized people have been met with resistance. Examples include women's suffrage and the desegregation of schools. Americans treasure their right to maximum personal freedom and independence. In this case, the institute asks voters to reject the legislation — and limit personal freedom and independence for a small slice of the population. That way of thinking is counterproductive to American values.

• Cheers to the Washington State Liquor Control Board for keeping liquor stores open on Labor Day. It was a win-win for both the government and drinkers. Not only is liquor a real money-maker for the state, but people need convenient access to legal spirits that dull the pain in times like these.

• Jeers to the angry partisan uproar over President Barack Obama's webcast to the nation's schools, including the Federal Way School District. He is not the first president to address students, and will not be the last. In his speech, the president encouraged students to stay in school and work hard. Those who feared the president was indoctrinating their children should check the previous president's color-coded terror alert and confirm how paranoid they're told to feel today.