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

Secondhand snobbery

Sun., Sept. 28, 2014

Now I can say I have heard everything.

A TV news story on Goodwill Industries’ opening of a thrift store on the South Hill sounded almost apologetic. The store manager seemed to feel the need to defend her mother’s long ago use of charity shops and thereby convince potential patrons that their shopping at said thrift store would not damage them socially. Lovely.

At the end of the story, there was also a statement to the fact that “though donations at other Goodwill stores in our area were distributed to all locations, that any donations made to the South Hill location would be used only at the South Hill outlet.”

My, my, even our used togs must be seen to have exclusivity to appeal to the discriminating buyer.

Jennifer Adams

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: letters@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-5098
Phone: (509) 459-5403