I am writing this in response to the persons who try to tell U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings that he should support job bills. Well, I know that in the real world there isn't any government job bill; it is taxpayers' money taken from the taxpayer and giving it to folks who can't make it on their own. I think Doc would do good as the rest of Congress to oppose any so-called "jobs bill."

Where was the free money when I went to work at 14 so I could graduate high school and help my mom support our family after my dad Passed?

People like Doc and a few others know that what made America great were those who established their businesses without a handout.

I know that 55 years ago, a small vegetable farmer gave me a job and I will be forever grateful. That farm also sponsored what was called fresh air projects, so kids like me and some from the big cities could work, earn a meager wage and be proud to earn 75 cents per hour. It wasn't what wages were even then, but we were happy to earn it. This is what a small business is about.

Melvin Lilly, Pasco