Editor,

During the recent "shutdown," the government/administration did some rather kinky things to make the 16 day "shutdown" appear more severe than it actually was.

A Rasmusson poll showed that 51 percent of respondents supported the "shutdown" to cut funding for Obama Care and slash overall spending. The President and other "big government" advocates could not let that sentiment spread.

The following happened: 17 percent of the federal government went on a paid vacation. The "non-essential" parts of government were shut down. (If not essential, why should it be funded at all?) Additional National Park Police were employed at National Parks to keep people out.

One quote from a Park Service Ranger was, "We've been told to make life as difficult for people as we can."

In Florida, the National Park Service tried to close down large swaths of ocean. This would also cost more money. Private businesses and residential dwellings near and within National Parks were ordered closed or face heavy fines.

The effort to shut down the privately-funded World War II Memorial failed miserably even though the normally unmanned park was manned. Several World War II and Great Depression Era veterans, along with some members of Congress simply removed the barricades and went in. When Park Police tried to herd these Depression/WWII vets out, they didn't herd.

At the same time, a pro illegal immigrant rally on the Mall was allowed to proceed without incident.

Seventy-seven year old Joyce Spencer and husband, Ralph, 80, were ordered to leave their Lakeside Cabin near Las Vegas, a cabin they have owned since the 1970s, and the list goes on.

Amid the shutdown, $174,000 was awarded to the widow of deceased Democratic senator, Frank Lautenberg, of New Jersey, who was one of the wealthiest members of Congress. His estimated personal wealth was more than $50 million.

The next shutdown is scheduled for January or February.

Thank you.

John Fitts,

Noel, Mo.