Arrow-right Camera

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

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

Can Congress lead?

I cried in my coffee on the morning of Nov. 9. The next day was Veteran’s Day, and I’ve always loved my country and thought I knew what America stood for. But today I’m asking, “Who are we?” I’m supposed to trust the checks and balances in our political system, but I’m afraid. Does Congress know how to lead?

It used to be a sacrifice to leave your family and work to help govern the country. Now you go into politics for yourself, for the power, not to serve. Money rules, people don’t. Let the weak fend for themselves, right?

I haven’t taken the time to write or phone my representatives, so I’m ashamed of myself. I’ll try to do better. I will have to work to not feel powerless.

Kathleen Smith

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
Fax
(509) 459-5098

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