Regulation has benefited the public
To the editor:
On July 10, one Tom Bowles tells us that he is confused about regulatory agencies. Truth is, agencies are the responsibility of the executive department, and need to be appointed, not elected. (They also must conform to the desires of the executive.) Speaking of which, the Bush administration emasculated all regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, upon assuming power. So we had no environmental protection (or any other) during that era. (Is there any wonder why we inherited so many problems?)
Having worked closely with the EPA for over 10 years (in water and hazardous waste areas,) I have a bit closer understanding of the responsibilities and actions of that vital agency.
Perhaps the gentleman doesn’t remember the conditions of our drinking and wild waters prior to the Clean Water Act of 1980. Much progress was made during the next two decades, to clean up those problems.
And global warming/climate change challenges will not be possible without regulatory oversight in certain areas.
Yes, 10 years ago we got ourselves in various messes by not realizing what was in store. (No one could have imagined such events.)
Now that we are on the road to recovery, about 18 percent of the confused (to be polite) want to throw out all of the incumbents who helped, and to return to the robber baron era of the 19th century. (Propaganda is most effective when one wants to be misled)
With so much confusion and gullibility out there, the chances of us seeing informed voters in the upcoming election are yet to be seen.
We had better pray that progress continues, and is not abandoned by the election of those who have vowed to obstruct everything – the “no to everything” crowd.
Incidentally, Dick Kalfus isn’t fooling everyone with his diatribe against congressional perks. Throwing out the incumbents is not going to change that situation.
Wayne K. Hood
Cape Coral