Compromising offers the best solutions

To the Editor:

When I read the article in the DAR on Oct. 15, 2103, regarding the "Protestors Making a Point," I was amazed to read the quote from Representative Jason Smith's district director Darren Lingle.

"Never could I have imagined that an American President would barricade our national parks, rivers and monuments to score political points," Smith's letter stated. Representative Smith's vote not to pass a "clean" continuing resolution to fund the government directly led to the shut down of the government. I believe with George Santayana who said, "Those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." The 1995-06 government shut down also closed National Parks. Why would anyone believe it would be different this time? The economy lost millions or billions of dollars during this shut down. Faith in government is once again shattered.

Actions have consequences to them. Mr. Smith's vote was his choice. I hope he realizes that those who play with matches are responsible for the outcome of the fire they start and that people will get hurt.

Our country faces enormous challenges that need to be fixed in a positive way that require all of us to do our part. Our economy is based largely (65 to 70 per cent) on consumer activity and participation. My experience in life has taught me that collaborating and compromising with others usually present the best solutions to problems. I hope all of us can come together to get our country in a rising economic tide that will benefit all of us.

Kathryn M. Nolan

Poplar Bluff, Mo.