Make Changes

It seems like now would be a very good time to eliminate the federal Department of Energy and Department of Education.

The energy department, to the best of my knowledge has not produced the first cup of oil or alternative energy? Wind and sun have always been here as well as other things. Ethanol is questionable at best.

The Department of Education, to the best of my knowledge, has not educated a single child. Has our overall educational system improved over the last approximately 35 years?

Both of these above departments, as I recall, were formed in the late seventies under the presidency of Jimmy Carter. Both should be eliminated now. Florida water management also should be eliminated. When God wants it to rain it will rain, and when He doesn't want it to rain, it won't! Billions upon billions of dollars are being questionably spent.

Our county state and federal prisoners should work. They should not cost the taxpayers. We need roads and God knows bridge repairs. We apparently can't afford private contractors for all this so prisoners could help, without private job loss.

As I see it, the United States, at this time cannot afford the days of the '50s, '60s or '70s. The above steps could be taken with little or no effect on the taxpayers.

My wife and I have been in Highlands County, Sebring area for over 50 years. We raised eight children, and I'm a 10th-grade dropout. I made my living as an auto mechanic, so what do I know?

Richard R. Noel Sr.
Sebring