Newspaper Columnist Presents False Dilemma

Tony Messenger, in his column for the Columbia Tribune, lashes out at Matt Blunt's decision to trim the government:

Irony is a governor handing out pink slips and then celebrating Public Service Recognition Week.

Welcome to the world of Missouri government in 2005.

In the budget that must be passed by the Missouri General Assembly this week, thousands of state jobs are cut, a directive from Gov. Matt Blunt. No raises are planned. Budgets are tight. Still, the governor wants to tell the rank and file what he thinks of them. So he and his department heads are pushing participation in the national Public Service Recognition Week. The governor even sent out a news release announcing that yesterday he planned to honor the state employees he hasn’t fired.

"Missouri is blessed with state employees who are dedicated to helping meet the needs of all Missourians," Blunt said in a news release.

Next year, it will be blessed with about 2,000 fewer such employees.

Messenger doesn't understand one can cut employees and still appreciate the contributions of the employees. Letting people go isn't something easy, nor is it done lightheartedly, despite what you read on DMB2008.

Blunt's priorities and goals don't match Messenger's; Blunt wants to hold the line on Missouri taxes and keep its budget in check. Messenger wants to CHAMPION THE PEOPLE! regardless of the impact on the other people who have to fund the largesse.