Cottonwood is important

The Cottonwood Treatment Center helps children with serious psychiatric disorders. I know we have grown weary of government spending, but should we cut services to those who need them most?

Democrats blame Republicans, saying the Republican tax cut forced budget reductions that included Cottonwood. Republicans blame the governor, saying his decision to close Cottonwood was politically motivated. And while the politicians and pundits play the blame game, the Cottonwood children and their families face uncertainty and fear.

I have long felt you can learn a lot about a society by looking at how the people treat their children. Some Mid-East cultures send their kids off with explosive vests to be terrorists. Some South and Central American countries send their kids thousands of miles to another country's border to seek a better life. But for the most part in this country we have valued, protected and been thankful for our children, even the ones who have special needs.

I hope Cottonwood remains open. I hope the politicians communicate, compromise or do whatever it takes to keep it open. It would be a tragedy if this important facility becomes the victim of partisan politics.

GARY L. GAINES, Cape Girardeau