Opening our pocketbooks isn't really the answer. We are now paying approximately 40-45% of our personal annual income in taxes, visible and invisible.

The problem is not that the money isn't there, because it is. The problem is that it's being spent on the wrong things. Grants are frequently given for things like discovering the color preferences of mice, and which ethnic group has the worst body odor. The local Native American tribe, which already has a casino, was recently given free money from the State in the amount of $4.5 million to build a waterpark/resort. NAs do not pay taxes. Here in WA, any town can apparently get a similar amount to build a set of four roundabouts where they are neither wanted nor needed. The waste continues, ad naseum.

We vote these suckers into office then sit watching stupid 'reality' shows and sitcoms while we let them do whatever they darn well please. Do we hold them accountable for their actions? Do we watch to see if they stick to their promises? No, we do not. Maybe it's time we started to insist?

Sue