It is a measure of this country’s greatness that, as some Mainers and other Americans in the northern third of the country face the cold of winter without sufficient funds for heat, the national government can cut fuel assistance and, at the same time, continue to fund aid programs in dozens of foreign countries.
We can be quite certain from past revelations that at least a portion of those foreign aid funds supplied by U. S. taxpayers will go to prop up unsavory regimes, or be lost due to the notorious “inefficiencies of government,” or contribute to questionable projects.
So, for those Mainers who might be shivering tonight, just be proud of who you are. Be proud to call yourselves American. Maybe Congress could produce a medal to recognize your sufferings. It might read, “I survived the winter of 2011-12 with no government help.”
And while they are at it, perhaps Congress could run down the top 10 U.S. aid receivers in the world, and be fairly specific about where taxpayer money is going, and why those projects are more important than shivering Americans.
Do we have a government of the United States or a government of the world? Either way, Americans, be proud.
David Fulenwider, Buckfield
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