The story about increased Forest Service fees and reduced services as a result of drastic funding shortages over the decade (Herald, Oct. 22), is symptomatic of the state of current federal government operations throughout this country. I have observed a decline in the maintenance of public infrastructure such as Amtrak, campgrounds, national monuments and other federal public facilities. I have also experienced reduced services and long delays from federal agencies.
The constant mantra of the right-wing servants of big business and the wealthy who want to reduce the size of the federal government is taking its toll on our country. Less funding of domestic programs means more delays, less protection for citizens from the greedy and the subtle loss of our ability to enjoy our public lands. With all the benefits that modern technology can provide, we should be getting more and smarter services. Instead we now have lesser and dumber services.
We need to change the direction from cutting government spending without regard to consequences to smarter and more efficient government.
Robert Dawes
Durango
