Government has forgotten its function is to serve the people

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I truly believe the government on all levels really doesn't get it. I truly believe you have no idea how the average American feels at this time.

At this time with consumers stressed with the way things currently are I find it highly amusing that anyone with government, related to government or having anything to do with government would ask anyone in the American public for any money. When I talk with friends, family or co-workers the feeling toward government and industry at this time, asking for money takes a lot of nerve.

Personally I am tired of the whole system at the county, state and federal levels.

It's pretty sad when talking with friends and family that I refer to Maryland as the tax-and-spend state. I disagree with a lot things that both the Democrats and the Republicans are doing. I believe we should not be providing tuition assistance or drivers licenses to illegal aliens. Well, I guess Gov. Martin O' Malley is trying to find voters wherever he can. We don't have any money to build more schools but we have money to give to people who are in this country illegally.

I am tired of tax increases and utility rates constantly on the rise. I have literally been telling anyone who asks me to stay far away from Maryland. Again, Mr. O' Malley and everyone in this government is using Marylanders' pockets as their own personal piggy bank.

On the federal level, it's even worse. I don't even know where to start. I am tired of bailouts, the abuse of corporate welfare and this sick sense that we automatically owe someone a living. I have no problems with helping someone who is worth helping.

I do have a problem with repeated handouts. A business, whether it's a bank, automaker or whatever, is allowed to write down bad debt while I continue to be a responsible taxpaying citizen and am required to meet all my obligations. Also how can I give someone a tax refund who doesn't make enough money to pay taxes?

If I get a tax refund it's not a gift it's because I paid more than what I was supposed to. It's because as some people say I am giving the government a free loan. Now I have to pick up the tab for the ones who have no desire or put forth any effort toward being a productive member of society.

I wish the government would quit referring to the American people as shareholders when it comes to these bailouts. If that's the case and I am a shareholder when are my dividend checks coming this year from AIG, GM, Citibank etc.? I am not a shareholder; I am just the sucker that is going to get stuck with the bill in the end, while these high-level executives walk away with their compensation packages.

I feel that no one has the average American citizen's interest or Marylanders' best interests at heart. I am tired of the partisan games, the lobbying etc.

Personally, I feel about 80 percent of government personnel at all levels should be replaced. Maybe, just maybe, government would get the message.

I am sick of politicians looking out for those who fund their campaigns and what is in their best interests.

Really somewhere along the line the American government (on all levels) forgot its primary function is to serve its constituents.

Ric Nagy, White Plains