• Dear Editor

Why we question the importance of a good effective Government.

Nothing I am about to write will be news to most people. Seeing it in print may help with decisions we must make in November.

Government: People power.

Too much government: Political power.

Ineffective Government No power.

Government bureaucracy, political correctness and personal agendas had priority over the oil spill. What started as an unbelievable accident was allowed to become an unstoppable monster destroying everything in its path and the livelihood of many people.

Men and women who have at their disposal the most sophisticated technology can not solve this horrific problem that NOW exists. The most sophisticated technology available is of no value if common sense does not prevail and the technology put to use in a timely manner.

With all forms of communication and transportation, (paid for by the taxpayers), available to our elected officials why was immediate action not taken to contain the oil off shore.

There is no excuse for so much time to pass before this issue was addressed.

Sometime you must use a simple un-sophisticated solution to solve or delay a problem. In my opinion, we should have used whatever means available, as fast as possible; to save and/or protect everything we could without destroying anything of value.

If your neighbor’s lawn was on fire and a bucket of water would extinguish the flames would you sit down with your family while the fire spread toward the home and devise a plan of action. I think not. You would probably help pour water on the flame. If the house was on fire you would, I hope , call the fire department, which would immediately dispatch experienced men and women to do everything possible to save or protect as much of the home as possible.

In the Gulf the oil was like a fire spreading to the shore. Quick action was needed. What we as a nation and the people in the Gulf States have lost, due to time spent waiting for permits and the indecision of those we have put in charge, is priceless.

An experienced person should have anticipated that at some point in time there would be a problem. There should have been an emergency plan in place. In an emergency it is easier to improve on an idea than to develop one.

The oil should never have been allowed to reach land. I believe this was preventable.

There are people who live in the Gulf States who had a plausible temporary solution early on. No one would listen. An emergency permit was needed meaning now, not forty + days later

I for one am not interested in hearing what this spill has done or will do to or for someone’s political career, or how it has inconvenienced someone who wants to get back to their life.

Is this Government? Too Much Government? or Ineffective Government?

My tears and prayers are for what has been destroyed unnecessarily. (in my opinion)

Lee Landers

St. Clairsville