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

Why get involved?

Sun., June 22, 2014

Why is it that we in the United States are even considering interfering with what’s happening in Iraq? Two different factions of the same religion, Islam, are fighting one another in the name of Allah. Is that any of our business?

Our nation’s first thought seems to be to question whether or not we should jump in to try to stop this conflict. Would it not result in countless more lives killed and destroyed, more debt amassed? How would it make our country any safer? Is this being patriotic? What exactly would be accomplished except to create more hatred and animosity toward us by the rest of the world?

Must we really try to be the savior of the world, fixing everything, everywhere else?

Bernadine Van Thiel

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