What will we give up for less government?

We all talk about having less government. Our government is looking over our shoulder and invading our privacy. Our government is spending too much money. Our government is wasting money.

Who is the government? They are us. You and me. And I have some questions.

Who do we ask for help when there is a Katrina? Who do we ask for help when there is a Mount St. Helens? Who do we ask for help when there is massive flooding in the Midwest? Who do we ask for help when there are a rash of tornados destroying entire towns?

We are now asking for help in squelching widespread salmonella in our egg supply and, heaven forbid, a nationwide infestation of bedbugs.

We ask our government for help; more money; get FEMA, the EPA and the FDA on the job right now. Time is of the essence.

And in the midst of all this we want less government and less government spending.

I have one question: What are we willing to give up?

LARRY SMITH

Sandpoint