Letter: Houston devastation shows us why government is important
As the champion of conservative ideal, President Ronald Reagan said that government isn’t the answer, it is the problem, and conservatives have chanted that mantra over the years as a fundamental pillar in their platform. Nowhere is that sentiment held so close as in Texas, where federally funded social support and government intrusion are four-letter words.
That takes me to the recent tragic events in Texas that could cost more than most small nations’ GNP to fix. Don’t get me wrong, I have great empathy for those impacted by Harvey and have donated to the poor souls in Texas, who intentionally built in flood plans as the local government was bound by no land-use constraints. One can only wonder how those conservative Texans will square their values today as the necessary federal aid arrives.
Perhaps those of us in this country should take pause to reflect again on what should be the responsibilities of the government towards it’s citizens and not readily accept those trite policies or simplistic campaign promises without question.
Bob Lober, West Richland
This story was originally published September 7, 2017 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Letter: Houston devastation shows us why government is important."