On Oct. 16, the Tri-City Forum featured several columns by local tea party leaders. I thought that these were well written, truthful and accurately reflected the concerns of the tea party, which should be all our concerns. These men and women are to be commended for their dedication to a worthwhile effort in working to control an out-of-control federal government.

What a difference a week makes! On Oct. 23, the Herald published an In Focus column by Mark Mansperger, which subjected us to his usual mindless politico-babble. It's a mystery to me on why you keep allowing this demonic diatribe to blemish your fine newspaper. It would be impossible to address all his goofs, gaffes and gaps within my word count, so I'll just mention one as an example. He praises the federal government's largess in funneling all that money to the Tri-Cities and can't understand why anyone would object. Duh! Where does he think that money is coming from? Obama's stash? Actually 44 cents out of every dollar is either borrowed or printed. Even the dimmest bulb should be able to understand that the gravy train cannot long continue down this track without derailing our nation.

Jim Watkins, Pasco