Young man's story

offers food for thought

A young man lived with his parents in a public housing development. He attended public schools, rode the school bus, participated in the free lunch program, played in the State parks, and swam in the city pool. He entered the Army and upon discharge kept his national service life insurance. He then enrolled in the state university working part time in the State Capital to supplement his G. I. Bill.

Upon graduation he married a public health nurse, and bought a farm with an FHA loan and obtained a Small Business Administration loan to go into business. A baby was born in the county hospital. He bought a ranch with the aid of another G.I. loan and obtained emergency feed from the government.

Later he put part of his land in the Soil Bank. His parents lived comfortably on the ranch with their Social Security and old age assistance. REA lines supplied the electricity. The Department of Agriculture helped clear the land. The County Agent showed him how to terrace it. Then the government paid part of the cost of a pond and stocked it with fish. He was guaranteed a sale for his farm products by a Federal Agency. Books from the public library were delivered to his door. He banked his money, which a government agency insured.

One day he wrote his congressman: " I wish to protest excessive government spending and high taxes. I believe in rugged individualism. I am opposed to all socialistic trends, and I demand a return to the principals of our Constitution."

RAY MILLER

Sandpoint mayor