I-1631 a call to duty

During an outstanding performance by the U.S. Army Field Band Monday evening, band leaders reminded the audience that what brings us together as a nation is stronger than what divides us. When you cast your ballot for Initiative 1631 concerning pollution, please consider the good of our nation and your fellow Americans.

In the past 15 months, five catastrophic hurricanes made landfall on American soil, destroying lives, homes and livelihoods. Shall we shrug and mumble about a “New Normal”? Shall we wait for other nations to take necessary action to protect our shores? No.

We have faced existential crises before as a nation and have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Times of crisis require solidarity and bold leadership. We must, as FDR said, “above all, try something.”

Last week, we received sobering news about the extreme danger humanity faces from a warming climate. The air we breathe, the atmosphere that supports life on Earth, can no longer be treated like a free dump yard. Working together with determination and innovation, we can still solve our greatest challenge. Voters in Washington can pass a comprehensive and fair policy to fund the solutions we desperately need. Vote yes on 1631!

Rebecca MacMullan

Spokane