We have all heard the drumbeat from the right-wing mindlessly chanting former President Reagan’s tenet that “the government is the problem.” It is uttered by those on the extreme right as though it is an established fact, but it is anything but. If you are not already irretrievably poisoned by drinking the Reagan Kool-Aid, you should attend an Island County commissioners’ hearing on the first Monday of the month when county employees are recognized for their service to the public.

If you do attend such a meeting, you will walk away with an abiding conviction that Reagan was completely wrong about the value of government. You will be filled with pride as you listen to these humble public servants talk about how much doing their job in an excellent manner means to them. They are all truly dedicated to serving all citizens of Island County and we are all the better for their service.

Of course I won’t delude myself into believing that extreme right-wingers, like Commissioner Emerson will ever make this concession. There is a way for her to avoid having to publicly honor and recognize the value of government employees – she could resign. That action would be perfectly consistent with Reagan’s philosophy because she truly is a “problem.”

Nels Kelstrom
Clinton