LETTERS: PASSING THE BUCK IS COMMONPLACE

To the editor:

Passing the buck seems to be a natural reaction when something needs to be done. Let John do it. It is true in simple personal relationships as well as on the state or national level.

One question I heard over and over again during the score of years I lived in other countries was, "Why doesn't the government do something about it?"

Reviewing our own U.S. history, it seemed only natural for regional differences to emerge, each area trying to pass the burden on to someone else. Often, these matters end up in the bitter struggle over national or state taxation.

Although never easy to achieve, our history seems to suggest that each interest must share in the cost in spite of our efforts to gain every advantage for ourselves or for our group. There is also the question of delivery and whether caring and sharing for others should be a part of business and politics.

Although we may know that the cost and leadership of programs should be handled as equitably as possible for the best and enduring results, and although experience teaches us that the lasting good comes out of the common good which best serves the genuine interest of all concerned, it seems to be such a hard lesson to learn. Sooner or later we may note that a measure of cooperation or understanding and sharing bring results.

IVAN NOTHDURFT

Cape Girardeau