This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Deficit math the same

Sun., Feb. 3, 2013

In response to the Jan. 26 letter “Debt incomprehensible.”

Using time and distance as two measuring tools. Time: At $1,000 per second it would take 507 years (365.4 days per year) to equal a $16 trillion deficit, not including interest. Distance: Using a scale of 4 inches equal to $1 million, the $16 trillion would be equal to 1,008 miles.

I wrote this a couple years ago. Math is the same but deficit has changed.

Sherman Vassar

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