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

What’s really ailing us

I don’t know how we got here, but here we are. Many blame Donald Trump, but that alone can’t be it. Oh, he didn’t help but what matters is that we all tumbled into that rabbit hole, and even if he loses the coming election, we are still down here without any quick way back up to the sunshine.

The zero-sum game is what Congress (yes, Republicans AND Democrats) and Donald Trump are all about, and that attitude has infected far too many of us. “I’ll get mine and forget everyone else. Party!” The white-washed fence that was American civility and generosity was apparently painted on only one side, and the unpainted backside has been rotting for years. He just didn’t get the other boys to help re-paint and repair it.

At my age, it breaks my heart to leave this to my kids and grandkids but people are responsible for their own actions – their own minds. It’s amazing how many choose to not use theirs. I’m not usually this downbeat. I’m sorry. I wish I had the vaccine for what’s really ailing us: selfishness and greed. It’ll take a while to come up with that one.

Doug Kaer

Spokane

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