I cheered and agreed out loud with the comments by Jim Mullen in a recent letter. I have witnessed a country that has dramatically changed its focus and direction during my adult life. Many seem to no longer want to be responsible for their actions, becoming such a dependent people that any promises by government officials will fool those to do anything to keep the status quo.
It's becoming increasingly difficult to remain optimistic about our country's continued good fortunes that has taken over 250 years of hard work, integrity and responsible living to achieve. Big government has slowly crept into our lives promising the sky, and just as any child would not turn down free candy, we, as a nation, have become as children and will take the freebies. There is nothing free. Someone has to pay for it.
I hope there are enough responsible people to see what has happened to our country and make every effort to affect change through the ballot box. Once the takers gain control, the givers will lose any say, allowing unfettered control by big government until the system collapses on itself.
Larry Reed
Parkersburg
