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

Letters make a difference

At times I’ve thought letters to the editor don’t make a difference, but are merely a forum to let our voices be heard. When Sen. Maria Cantwell encouraged attendants at her recent town hall meeting in Spokane to write letters to the editor as a means to promote change, I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

I was so wrong.

Aug. 19, I woke up sad and exhausted from the hard work involved with my commitment to stand up against hate-filled speech and behavior. But when I read the letters from Elaine Tyrie and Jack Sandberg against white supremacy and all the letters speaking out against the Steve Massey column about transgender identity, I felt a spark of hope.

With the encouragement from letter writers, my amazing friends, family and community, I am no longer discouraged, but inspired. Aug. 19 also happened to be Spokane’s Unity in the Community celebration. Another reminder of the goodness, friendship and light in our world.

So thank you writers of letters to the editor. You have made a difference. You lifted me up, encouraged, and energized me. To those of you who don’t think your letters to the editor makes a difference, they do.

Amy McGarry

Spokane Valley

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) 459-3815

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