Editor:
This is a time in history when I believe all Americans are watching "the greatest show on earth" as it unfolds in Washington. Since World War II when my husband and children's father, along with other members of the community were sent off to war, "I've had my ear to the ground," so to speak.
I'm interested in seeing how our governmental issues over money will be resolved this time, if indeed, that happens.
We have all watched the Republicans stonewall President Obama in prolonged "offers of compromise" with the cliff hovering threateningly in the background.
Did anyone ask why the stonewalling?
It appears well within reason the Republicans are hog-tied - so indebted to lobbyists, they dare not do contrary to the mob's orders. It isn't the NRA only.
We need to understand members of both the Republicans and some Democrats are being gifted by pharmaceuticals, Food and Drug Administration, corporations and a host of big businesses, all looking for a vote that will help to enhance their prefects. It's all about money. Who wants to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?
Many of our government officials and employees came to Washington to get rich.
The gifts and perks from the lobbia by far has exceeded honest money. Think about the billions of dollars that became lost or stolen by the George W. administration. Halliburton construction still on the payroll.
Our Medicare fraud, doctors, medicines and therapies, electric chairs, many kinds of expensive equipment ordered for patients that don't need them.
It is easier to count Americans who are not on unnecessary drugs than those who are.
Shortly after World War II, Russia's Stalin, who headed their country, was quoted as saying, "Give me one year and I can bring the Americans to their knees without firing one shot." He may have been right.
The Constitution, as written, more than 200 years ago, is no doubt a remarkable document of antiquity. The faithful labor of men who were dedicated to God's teaching of honesty and compassion for mankind and country, leaves us with sobering thoughts. While there is no doubt it was fitting exactly to the needs of the country and people 200 years ago, we today (I believe) have outgrown or grown out of the traits and decency of our founding fathers.
For instance, how can we sit back and watch Congress take advantage of employment and at the same time steal from us, the personal use of government aircraft, make sneaky deals with lobbies to vote as the lobbyists say, for huge sums of money? Or how can we know what they are doing and yet allow them to work a lifetime, some having to be helped in to work, due to old age or sickness. All government employees should have limited terms of employment.
Where are the punitive measures to apply at a time like this, when outsiders have taken over our government. Our President is openly insulted by Senators and Representatives.
The Republicans have continued to accept their paychecks though they no longer take orders from the American people who pay them.
We should not allow ourselves to be hobbled by the reverence for the Constitution.
Adding several rules that take back the control of our country will not make the document of less value.
Any changes in our Constitution would have to be made by ballot.
Finally, I think many of us recall when R.J. Reynolds, Phillip Morris and other tobacco companies were adding chemicals in cigarettes to cause smokers to become more addicted.
They eventually admitted the secret that made them multi-multi billionaires selling products they knew would cause death. We need to read food labels carefully. The public is being misled about sugar content, fructose, corn syrup and some items that are not on the labels though should have been.
People are turning to holistic healing with herbs, therapies, etc.
Natural cures they don't want you to know about.
It has been suggested some medicines are treated with chemical additives to increase appetites of the obese.
We need to blow the whistle, not be frightened and cover up lawlessness.
Una V. McLaughlin
Sebring
Sunday, January 13, 2013 - www.newssun.com/ltr-011313-McLaughlin