Good reminder we must downsize

The shutdown resulting from the Democrats’ stubborn refusal to negotiate the ill thought out health-care plan that the majority of citizens reject provides a marvelous opportunity to reflect on how much government we really need. Is anyone really missing it? Yes, we are inconvenienced by parks being closed and such, but remember that this is only a ploy to inconvenience the ordinary citizen.

Ask yourself why the parks get closed when park employees are some of the lowest paid employees in the government and parks are one of the rare government pursuits that actually generate income. Meanwhile, many high-level employees in our nation’s capital continue to work. I spoke to a former colleague of mine in D.C. this morning and both he and his wife, who is also a government employee (non critical), are working.

This time affords the opportunity to look hard at our government and then demand change. We should demand that Obamacare be scrutinized not just signed into law without knowing what it says as Pelosi admitted to. We should demand that the government be reduced by getting rid of ineffective programs and mandate that social services’ agencies actually do their jobs and prevent and detect frauds in entitlement programs that steal tax payers’ money and prevent funds from going to people who truly are entitled to it. Mostly we should demand that the government not expand to accommodate the new health-care tax.

Dale Morris

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Students make their way through a portion of a secure gate a fence at the front of Lakewood Elementary School on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. Fencing the entire campus is something that would hopefully be upgraded with fund from the levy. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Levies in two north county districts deserve support

Lakewood School District is seeking approval of two levies. Fire District 21 seeks a levy increase.

Eco-nomics: What to do for Earth Day? Be a climate hero

Add the good you do as an individual to what others are doing and you will make a difference.

Comment: Setting record strraight on 3 climate activism myths

It’s not about kids throwing soup at artworks. It’s effective messaging on the need for climate action.

People gather in the shade during a community gathering to distribute food and resources in protest of Everett’s expanded “no sit, no lie” ordinance Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Clark Park in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Comment: The crime of homelessness

The Supreme Court hears a case that could allow cities to bar the homeless from sleeping in public.

toon
Editorial: A policy wonk’s fight for a climate we can live with

An Earth Day conversation with Paul Roberts on climate change, hope and commitment.

Snow dusts the treeline near Heather Lake Trailhead in the area of a disputed logging project on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, outside Verlot, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

A judge clears a state program to set aside forestland and sell carbon credits for climate efforts.

Harrop: Debate remains around legalized abortion and crime

More study will be needed to determine how abortion, poverty, race and crime interact.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, April 21

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Keep paramedics by passing levy for Fire District 21

I live in and pay taxes in rural Arlington. Our fire department… Continue reading

Prevention still best medicine for kidney disease

This well-presented story from facts shared of stage-5 kidney disease needs to… Continue reading

Saunders: Iran’s attacks of Israel happened on Biden’s watch

We can’t know if a Trump presidency would have made a difference. But we know what happened Oct. 7.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.