Service interruptions are lingering in America, as detailed in the Nov. 11 news article “More flight cancellations coming as shutdown continues.” This is a good time to ask ourselves why we allow the government to provide so many services the private sector could deliver better.
Keeping the government doing what it should, and nothing more, produces better outcomes and reduces what politicians can take away from us.
Service interruptions are lingering in America, as detailed in the Nov. 11 news article “More flight cancellations coming as shutdown continues.” This is a good time to ask ourselves why we allow the government to provide so many services the private sector could deliver better.
Keeping the government doing what it should, and nothing more, produces better outcomes and reduces what politicians can take away from us.
When services are provided by the private sector, those providers must earn our business. For example, although most cities provide municipal trash services, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, where I live, many municipalities don’t. I am able to choose the hauler that I feel gives me the best service at the best price.
At one point, my provider was having difficulties keeping up with trash removal due to a driver shortage. When they didn’t pick up the trash, I refused to pay them till they did. I also had the option to replace them, which I eventually did. Try that with city hall.
If you are in the minority, too bad, you must go along. If you don’t get the service you want, you can go to a council meeting and complain. Good luck.
There are of course important functions that only the government can do, including supplying law enforcement, enforcing the rule of law and organizing a military. But the government shutdown showed that many inefficiencies exist, and we should minimize exposure to them as much as possible.
Phillip Coles, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Adam Lashinsky’s Nov. 6 op-ed, “Let the natural experiment in Democratic governance begin,” contrasted the opposing mayoral governing approaches of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s New York with centrist Daniel Lurie’s San Francisco. The differences between the elected politicians is a powerful illustration of federalism and a reminder of why America needs vibrant, responsive city governments willing to innovate and compete in the arena of ideas.
Many American cities have long been held back by ideologues who have exacerbated problems with crime, the cost of living and regulations that stifle economic growth. Many of these leaders blame external forces for their own failed policies. Unfortunately, Mamdani appears poised to double down on many of the ideas that have already wreaked havoc on so much of urban America.
Thankfully, America’s federalist system of government, which lets states and cities experiment with their own policies, allows Americans to see which approaches work.
If Lurie can continue to show that a city can restore order, attract business and make housing attainable without punishing success, it will mark a much-needed return to good government in America’s cities.
San Francisco, long fatigued by ideologically charged mismanagement, could again become the model for pragmatic urban renewal.
Ray Nothstine, Garner, North Carolina
The writer is a future of freedom fellow at the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism.
Regarding the Nov. 7 front-page article “Pelosi announces her retirement from Congress”:
Last week, we saw leadership in action as Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California), the first female speaker of the House, announce her retirement. In her announcement, Pelosi did what many politicians fail to do: put their constituents first.
This is an example that more politicians across the country, especially here in Washington, should heed. D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is 88, continues to pursue her 2026 reelection campaign. Holmes Norton has fought for the rights of D.C. residents for more than 30 years, and we have been lucky to have her.
However, D.C. residents need a fierce and engaged advocate for our rights. I hope Norton listens to her friend and former Democratic National Committee interim chair Donna Brazile, as well as Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), and ends her campaign. Norton should follow Pelosi’s lead and retire at the end of this term.
Megan Coffman, Washington
The retirement of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California) moves me to provide a perspective that is at odds with the perception of her having a hopelessly contentious relationship with us conservatives.
Pelosi spoke in my Political Persuasion class of about 100 students, faculty and administrators at Towson University in 2018. She was a perfect visiting political luminary: punctual, informative, engaging, humorous and attentive to her audience. She talked about her political positions and entertained even the questions that came from a decidedly conservative point of view. She took no cheap shots and was simply an exemplary guest speaker.
I thought at the time that it was the kind of exchange that should manifest itself in the halls of Congress and between the executive and legislative branches of government. Maybe it will, if the respectful norms that once inhabited political discourse return.
Richard E. Vatz, Towson, Maryland
The writer is a distinguished professor emeritus of rhetoric and communication at Towson University.
The sixth paragraph in the Nov. 3 news article “Hamas among factions meeting to shape postwar Gaza” began: “Two years after Israel launched a devastating war to eradicate Hamas.” I was shocked that there was no simple phrase showing context such as “after Hamas had invaded Israel and massacred 1,200 men, women and children and kidnapped 250 Israelis and other foreign nationals.” Even just the phrase “after Hamas and invaded Israel” would have provided proper context of the Hamas attacks that began the war in Gaza.
Carole Daman, Scarsdale, New York
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