Subscribe now

Civil society lost a round

This election punctuates a rejection of tax as a dutiful burden by capable citizens. This tea party revolution proposes anarchy as a virtue and undermines that government is by the people. Again, we face the misunderstanding that individual freedom contradicts the benefits of civilization, benefits that are collected from the people for the people.

America is not Camelot, but should we deny that taxation has built the most incredible transit, formidable military, recreation, protection for the dispossessed, emergency services and creative endeavors to explore education, science, medicine and business?

Despite the need of collective contribution to focus the ingenuity of the individual, there are those who reject it. Those who believe the isolation of the cave and fire are superior to the blessings of community. The consensus point in this political climate is reduction of deficit and debt. Tax is necessary; failure to implement it will establish decline without reward.

David S. Loebach

Spokane

Letters policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form
Submit your letter here
Mail
Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email
editor@spokesman.com
Fax
(509) 459-3815
Phone
(509) 459-5430

Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy