I just finished writing a comment about how we deserve the corrupt and dishonest politicians at whom we so often shake our heads and fingers. It is the same denial of simple truths that Mr. Evensen talks about by so many people in our country that encourages avaricious, dishonest and corrupt politicians to run and win elections year after year.

Ted Kennedy, that Dorian Gray picture of such a politician, is one of the longest "serving" senators around. And there are many very much like him, both Democrat and Republican. It is we (the electorate) who put and keep them in power over us. It is we who demonstrate our own duplicity in the ways mentioned by Mr. Evensen and in our choices for representatives. It is only we who can fix it.

I always enjoy Mr Evenson's columns although they are generally fairly innocuous(sic?) - he should go for a nerve occasionally -
In regard to this column- I only wish our government (state and federal) would allow free markets to work - I think we are heading towards a federal government that will try even harder to manipulate and control markets ( esp Hillary)

High household bankruptcy rates are one more reason why we need a more expansive state. People always complain about the government taking "their" money. If we would let government keep more of "our" money and then provide us with all of the basic necessities that we need, then we would have fewer bankruptcies.

Utah Republican,

'If we let the government keep more of our money, then provide us with all of the basic... needs;' Your comment sounds like the start of communism. The last thing we need is the example set by the government on avoiding debt and living within ones means. How about starting with accepting personal responsibility, excercising self-discipline, living within ones means, and the idea of avoiding debt to the extent possible...