Washingtonians can exercise freedom and caution

Gov. Jay Inslee had to know a showdown was coming with Eastern Washington.

State law allocated him 30 days in which to operate under emergency authority, unless the Legislature convenes and passes a concurrent resolution. That didn’t happen.

And with his initial stay-home quarantine issued Feb. 29 due to the coronavirus outbreak, many east of the Cascades have been anxiously awaiting the governor’s nod to return to work, to recreate and to shop.

Without even a cautious nod, the tension has been rising.

On Tuesday, April 21, commissioners in neighboring Franklin County reached their breaking po...