POLITICS: Deciding best directions

The Trump presidency has uncovered several weaknesses in the American system of government and, perhaps has shown that a free society, by its very nature, is prone to questioning itself and to learning from its mistakes. Some have said that is, in fact, part of the “experiment” of American Democracy. I think that is true and feel a little embarrassed that as a history student and history teacher, I never quite saw it that way. That could mean that a lot of us might need a periodic wake-up call and, as difficult as it is to experience and to acknowledge, we might be in the middle of one right now.

It could also mean that no matter your past political positions or your current political affiliation, it might be a good idea to step back and take a look at where our current tribal attitudes are likely to take us. Will it be a step backward or will it be another step forward in this great experiment? Frankly, I have no idea, but as a participant and a believer in our system’s ability to make the most of our difficulties, I’m going to do my best to contribute to another step forward in the most balanced way I can.

MORTON KRAUS

Coeur d’Alene