Too many want
help for no cost
My parents taught me to work for the things I wanted.  Getting something for nothing was not good.
When I was selling computer systems to run state lotteries, a mentor of mine, Bill Tuck, told me, “The trouble with the lottery is it promotes the idea of getting something for nothing.” I got out of the lottery business. I did not want to promote getting something for nothing. Getting something for nothing is tempting to us all. It’s the basis for all cons.
I understand that the Social Security system is a Ponzi scheme where the initial participants receive enticing benefits but those joining later are ripped off. If we had to pay for the actual cost of Social Security, we would purchase an annuity instead. But recipients like the idea of getting something for nothing and our younger generation feel they are helpless to change it. So Social Security persists.
Sadly, our current leaders have no interest in fixing the Social Security system, in spite of the fact the cost of delaying the fix is estimated at $600 billion a year. More sadly, we don’t want our leaders to fix the problem (we vote them out of office when they try).
Our government is currently seeking to administer health care because we want the most expensive health care available without having to pay for it. The government has already demonstrated its expertise in creating the false impression that we can get something for nothing with its administration of Medicare and Medicaid. Recipients like these programs, but their unfunded liabilities cannot be met by our economy.
When we want something for nothing we turn to government. Our politicians delight in creating the impression of giving us what we want in order to be re-elected. This process is destroying our country.
My parents were right.
ED ARNOS
Grand Junction

Teen crooks rest easier
with no adult charges
Since District Attorney Pete Hautzinger won’t press adult charges against two 17 year olds with 76 charges (50 felonies), and prior offenses, I’m sure all teenagers can breath easier.
Maybe they can live with him under house arrest.
NORMAN WOOD
Cedaredge

Government seeks control
of all aspects of our lives
The government either wants to tax or control the following: education, environment, banks, credit cards, car companies, health care, soda, cigarettes, beer, pop, marriage, prayer, guns, ammunition, unwanted babies, unwanted pregnancies, cow emissions, car emissions, public lands, oil and gas production, farms.
It seeks to take property to build roads, etc., impose a death tax, overturn states’ rights, place a tax on everything we use or eat, determine whether we are a Christian nation or not, allow one-world military, one-world religion, one-world monetary system.
All I have left is chocolate. Oh no, there’s sugar in that.
And some people hate Bush?
LAVONNE WILSON
Grand Junction

Daily Sentinel provided
great coverage for vets
Many thanks and kudos to The Daily Sentinel and writers involved for the wonderful coverage, published May 26, about the honor, recognition and remembrance extended to our veterans and presenting Memorial Day celebrations as they should be. The contents of the articles were very gratifying and complete. If the newspaper is a reflection of the thoughts and feelings of the people of the Grand Valley, we are truly blessed.
But wait, there’s more: The next day, The Daily Sentinel gave us a heartwarming report about baseball player Marty Gantt, who overcame obstacles and did not give up. Marty is an inspiration to many and we readers are better for it. Young people are encouraged to go on to bigger and better things because of Marty Gantt.
Thank you, Daily Sentinel, for tremendous reports.
HELEN CAPPETTO
Grand Junction

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 2:53 pm and is filed under Printed letters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.