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

No servitude, except …

Sat., Jan. 26, 2019

So (Secretary of Commerce) Wilbur Ross recommends a payday loan for federal employees either furloughed or working without pay?

I think he and the administration should read the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:

“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

Obviously lawyers have found loopholes here.

Barbara Morrissey

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