Government can work, often does

I once made a new acquaintance who became animated when he found out that I am a liberal Democrat. He loudly expressed his disdain for "big government, the nanny government, etc." and dared me to name any successful government program.

I asked him how he got to work that morning. Did he use public transportation or did he drive a car whose safety record is the result of government regulation on a highway that was built by a government entity with tax funds? Did he go to public school? Are any of his relatives receiving Social Security and Medicare? Does he drink water supplied by a government agency concerned about supply and health considerations?

Has he ever needed to dial 911? Who would he call in case of a house fire? Who delivers his mail?

This is a short list of the services that are being provided by government for citizens of towns, states and our nation.

Government sometimes fails, as does private enterprise. Productivity, public or private, is dependent upon the abilities and motives of those in charge.

If we want to change government, we should become involved with campaigns and elections. If we want to change private enterprise, we should withhold our patronage.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows