In junior high school civics, we were required to study how our government works. After that, I never even thought about it. I thought there would always be a Constitution. I thought only lawyers needed to know about all that.
I have since learned that the Constitution is not a given. It might not always be there. It can be corrupted. It can be abused by foreign governments as well as citizens of the U.S. who allow it to remain vulnerable. It can be abused by neglect.
One thing that the current administration has done for me, is that it has reignited my junior high civics class. I never thought we could lose our rights. I never worried until the past three years. So, I began studying how our government works. I began studying the Constitution. I began listening to all sides of the the issues, not just my own.
I invite you all to do the same. Read the Constitution. Study how the government works. Embolden yourselves with knowledge. Ask questions of your representatives. I have written to Sens. Dan Sullivan, Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young and I have always received answers that tell me my letters were read.
I seldom agree with them, but I am always impressed how my opinions are taken seriously.
— Spruce Lynch
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.