Reader weighs in on government shutdown

The "government shutdown" certainly showed the lack of integrity of the imperial Federal government. I am not angry about it, just certain specific aspects of it.

First, I consider it theft of the taxpayer's wealth for Congress to pay the salaries of those workers who were told to stay home. If they were not working, they should not have been paid! That may seem harsh, but I would like to think that many (or at least some) have the integrity to recognize their duty as public employees should be to minimize the cost of government.

Second, I am not happy with those in the Executive branch who used the "shutdown" to disrespect the members of our active military, their families, and the veterans.

Third, it is disgraceful that on-going scientific research was disrupted. For some projects, the failure to properly collect data at specific times created a permanent loss that cannot be replaced.

Fourth, investigations and reports regarding the Benghazi, Fast & Furious, and IRS targeting scandals were pushed aside.

Fifth, defunding of the (un)affordable health care act was not accomplished. On the other side of this "coin," probably fewer regulations got written! The "shutdown" demonstrated the ugly, no leadership, no compromise, infantile temper tantrum behavior of the government. Some citizens learned that they can live without the Federal Government.

Some representatives in Washington DC recognize that the Federal government spends too much money. Others seem to lack sufficient intelligence to recognize the Federal Reserve's unlimited printing of fiat currency will eventually degrade the value of the dollar bill such that a single square of toilet paper will be more valuable! Think it can't happen? Look up Germany's Weimar Republic (1921-1924). It is history that is not well taught in our public schools.

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake