Letter to the editor: Size doesn't matter in government

One of George Will’s recurrent themes is the evils of big government (“Stuck in a ‘rule stupor,’ ” Jan. 28). Let’s take a look at history. Herbert Hoover is rated as one of our worst presidents, yet many consider him a great humanitarian. However, he believed in unfettered free market capitalism, and the result was his inaction during the Great Depression. Then with a combination of regulated capitalism and social programs, we came out of the Depression. World War II (saving the world from nationalistic fascism) created the largest, most diverse, most vibrant middle class the world had ever known.

Unfortunately, in the 1980s, Ronald Reagan declared “government was not the solution but was the problem.” Since then our economy has been sliding downhill.

I take issue with Will’s and Reagan’s position. It is not the size of government that matters but the competency. If the last four years have taught us anything, it is that competency matters. You can not gut agencies (CDC) and expect a positive outcome. If you set up an agency to fail, you can not then say, “see I told you, government does not work” (USPS). You cannot fire people who speak truth to power and fill those positions with lackeys who pledge loyalty to the leader above all else and expect departments to function.

We need people at all levels of government who are knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated to the advancement of U.S. citizens. We should have zero tolerance for those playing political games for their own power and money.

Joanne Garing

North Huntingdon