I would be happier if I could focus most of my attention on summer activities. However, I can’t stop being aware that D.C. is like a child’s room that hasn’t been picked up for months.

Puerto Rico remains a hurricane disaster a year later. Hundreds of immigrant children callously separated from their families have yet to be reunited. We are no closer to a compassionate, rational immigration policy than a year ago.

Instead of addressing climate change, we are making it possible for corporations to mess up the planet even more.

The tax reform plan fails to reduce income inequality or the national debt, it makes both worse. Students aren’t going to be helped with loans for college education scams like that of Trump University.

A leadership vacuum continues to make us vulnerable to Russian interference in our upcoming election and worse. North Korea remains a nuclear threat.

And I am afraid the billions set aside to help farmers weather the consequences of an irrational trade war is just the beginning of what this is going to cost us.

I am sure you can add other examples of unfinished or neglected responsibilities.

If any of these examples, or others, have unsettled your summer, write or visit your representative’s offices, and make a commitment to vote this fall.

Taking any step will make you feel better and free you up to enjoy your camp or vacation.

Jim Owen

Belfast