Kevin Nelson, Minot

My grandfather was born in 1883 and homesteaded near Makoti in 1912. In that era, farmers saved seed from the crop in order to plant the next year’s crop. Grandpa said that he always saved an extra bin so he could plant again if he had a crop failure.This may not have been a common practice, but having a “nest egg” to cover unforeseen events is a good idea. We never know when something unforeseen, and expensive, may occur and having something set aside to avoid having to borrow, or do without, is a good idea.

The concept of a nest egg seems to be forgotten in this day and age. The recent government shutdown had people needing food or rent assistance after missing only one pay check. They, of course, were interviewed on TV, with teary eyes and saying, “Help me.” Getting the most coverage were the air traffic controllers. Although I don’t think it is right not to pay what is due, I am not sure I want someone who is not wise enough to have a nest egg guiding the plane I am aboard during take-off and landing.

Another thought is why does the Federal Government pay these people with tax dollars? Why not have them paid by the airlines who require their services and who will add the cost to airfare? Shouldn’t the people who fly pay the cost rather than taxpayers?