We're not cash poor; we spend too much

In the news it was pointed out that the states of New York and New Jersey have begun to realize that the problem facing the political leaders wasn't the need for more taxes, but they - the government - were over spending. The governors of those two states are working to lower their budgets. Thus far they have cut $600,000,000. And this is from two Democrats. There is hope for the rest of the states.

Unfortunately, the two governors are facing a lot of resistance. Not from the people of their respective states, but from their own party members. Which leads one to think that the politicians are more concerned with special interests and pet projects than their constituents.

What is what is wrong in Illinois. The people are overtaxed because the government overspends. Those in government are so worried that the special interest groups will not grease their palms with money for their re-election. And, after all, what is more important - the people or their re-election?

Unfortunately, here in Illinois the people are not organized to compete with those in power. A single voice can't beat down those that think that they have all the answers. If they had any idea of what the people they are supposed to represent really thought and were concerned with, they wouldn't be voting the way they do.

Let's hope that someone in Springfield will wake up and begin to realize that the problem is not with the people of the State of Illinois, but those who are in Springfield - the over-spenders.

William Swearingen

Elgin