Government of, by and for business

To the editor:

At first I was against Gov. Matt Blunt's decision to fly around the state in corporate jets rather than using state airplanes. While it saved taxpayers some money on the front end, the perception was the governor might be later obligated to those who made their business planes available.

Businesses should contribute to a special fund that could be used for the operation of the governor's office. Gov. Matt Blunt could have Blackberry connections for his computer system and alarm buttons for the mansion at no cost to the state treasury. Businesses would receive a direct return on their investment in a truly free enterprise way. Taxpayers would no longer foot the bill for the governor's office. The governor's administration would be a model of transparency. It would be government of business, by business and for business. CEO Blunt could negotiate directly with his new bosses for a more lucrative compensation package, newer housing, better trained security and a golden parachute just in case the bottom drops out in 2008.

It is the dawning of a new age in Missouri, one in which the principles of Wal-Mart outflank the tired, old democratic traditions of the past. Let's get on the privatization bandwagon and move to reduce health insurance for those in need, limit workers' compensation, kick organized labor in its union label pants and protect shoddy businesses from liability. It's time we slash everyday prices and get government funding out of the government.

TIM KNIEST, Jefferson City, Mo.