Joy to the people and state government of Washington! Sen. Patty Murray (D) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D) have succeeded in bringing millions for our ferry system.

Most don’t know this is their own money. Our evolved system of government whereby elected members of Congress — double oh’s, if you will, a license to steal — ensure their continual re-election by bringing home the bacon. It is the law of guaranteed incumbency.

Of the 535 members of Congress, only a handful have chosen not to do so. The remaining members (most of dubious character), know that plundering the public through earmarks has left our children and grandchildren indebted for generations to come, but really don’t care. How many of them can honestly say, “We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor?”

Obama’s first 100 days have added $43,000 in indebtedness for every American family, and the best (or worst) is yet to come!

Obama’s empty promise of not signing any bill containing earmarks was just another politician’s lie when he signed the stimulus package containing over 9,000 of them. How many more will there be in the upcoming budget?

Apparently, the citizens of Island County don’t mind paying for bridges to nowhere in Alaska, boardwalks in Delaware, and amusement parks in Florida. Could it possibly be true that citizens of North Dakota, New Hampshire, and 47 other states, along with Eastern Washington, think it is just wonderful to spend their tax dollars on ferries which they will never ride?

Benjamin Franklin said, “When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” I am convinced that the majority of Americans are the proverbial frogs in a pot of gradually warming water. And I am afraid the water is sadly about to boil.

William Paul

Oak Harbor