GOVERNMENT

Reader concerned by recent 'decrees'

Did anyone else notice some of the insane "decrees" by two different elected "leaders" recently? The mayor of New York City decreed that soup kitchens feeding the city's homeless could no longer accept certain donated food because they "may" be too high in sodium or fat, or "possibly" not be high enough in fiber. Better to let the homeless go hungry, I guess. I don't know about you, but if I was homeless and hungry on the streets of New York City, I'm sure I might resort to desperate measures in order to feed myself. But Mayor Bloomberg thinks it's better to control what the generosity and compassion of donors to help feed the homeless may be permitted!

And in Los Angeles, it has also been "decreed" that illegal immigrants whom are stopped for a driving infraction and found not only to be illegal but also not to have a driver's license or insurance will no longer have their cars impounded for 30 days. Legal immigrants and citizens without driver's licenses will still be subject to vehicle impoundment. More special treatment for the lawless behavior of a growing number of people.

These "decrees" are coming from people elected to serve, not to rule. Even though they are "decrees," they still carry the weight of legislative law. Which carries the implication of compliance by force, what government is. George Washington said it clearly, "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and fearful master."

True, two cities far from Moses Lake. But have you seen some of what gets considered at city council? Let alone in Olympia?

Pay attention, people, and speak up!

Jon Smith

Moses Lake