October 19, 2003

Dear Sir,

Regarding the article in the Sunday October 20, 2003 edition of the Times-Dispatch titled, “For some, politics pays the rent”, I wish to submit my thoughts on the subject matter.

I believe that there are two factors at work here. The first started with the desire, on the part of our legislators (going back many years), to micro-manage every aspect of our daily lives. From taxes to social issues there is no stone left unturned when it comes to the legislature meddling in the affairs of the citizens of the Commonwealth. This creates the need to submit over 3,000 bills (new laws) each session, all of which are given some time and discussion (remember when ten rules were all we needed?). Thus they have created their own monster. Now, many have the nerve to complain that they have to spend too much time on their responsibilities as a legislator and thus deserve more money. You’ll excuse me if I don’t curl up into the fetal position and cry myself to sleep. Perhaps they should look up the term, “Citizen Legislator”.

The second factor that has been created by this make-work mentality is the fact that many citizens of the Commonwealth have fallen into the trap set for them. Every problem, every grievance, every complaint of any kind, must have a political solution. Nothing is, or can be, dealt with without getting your local representative involved. If not him/her, then a government program has surely been created that will make things right. Thus the continued need for the full-time legislator. It is a never-ending cycle.

One wonders how we evolved and survived as a Commonwealth and a country before government programs and full-time legislators.

Sincerely,

Floyd C. Bayne