More or less government isn’t the issue

To the editor:

It's ironic that Jeff Kaufmann ('Keep GOP debate, campaign on track,” Aug. 6) chose railroad development in early Iowa as his starting point in arguing for less government. Those railroads were heavily government subsidized with free (government) land and discounted land to any who would settle near them.

More recent generators of vast wealth and social progress - the interstate highway system and the Internet - are similar government projects. Likewise, there is every indication that Obamacare (and the single payer system which surely must follow) will prove a huge economic stimulus as businesses are relieved of the burden of providing health care to employees.

The issue is not one of 'more” or 'less” government - it is one of having government provide its essential services and functions efficiently, honestly and at the lowest possible costs. We don't need to be electing people to office - whether school board, city council, state legislature or the presidency - who believe that government itself is 'the problem.” Unfortunately, that label fits far too many candidates who identify as Republicans.

Jim Walters

Iowa City