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“Lost Cause” (10/17) by Mitchell Polman—subtitled: “The tortuous path to becoming a tour guide”—describes correctly the difficulty in getting professionally licensed here in D.C. But it’s probably a good thing Polman did not get his license.

To be a good guide, you need a great love of this beautiful city; patience with your clients, young and old; stamina to fight the weather, traffic, long lines—and lots more. Monetary rewards shouldn’t be high on the list. The perseverance required to become a guide will definitely be required later, and that doesn’t seem to be in Polman’s nature.

Bethesda, Md.