If we can’t dispense with Pearce, then let’s dispense with his boss

Columnist Jon Gabriel gives another of his libertarian delusions blaming the federal government for making every problem worse and assuring us that if we do nothing except let the free market be free, everything will work out for the best.

He will have a hard time convincing most Americans that we should have left old people destitute without health care, or that providing food for poor kids causes too much dependency, or that those nice employers would voluntarily give up their slaves, their child laborers, pay decent wages and willingly serve minorities.

The “invisible hand” won’t clean our water and our air or preserve the natural world for species that can’t pay in cash.

As for his dull/bright, lazy/energetic axes, I have never before heard a clarion call for laziness. Mr. Gabriel may think himself one of those ideal “bright and lazy” leaders. His crackpot ideas are not bright, but they definitely come from lazy thinking. Let’s not put them into action. — Andrew March, Phoenix

Elvia Diaz’ column on Russell Pearce and his opposition to “Dreamers” getting in-state tuition rates at public universities laments the fact that Pearce is appointed, not elected, to his position in the State Treasurer’s Office. Thus, there is no recourse at the polls.

Yes there is. A full-scale push to vote out the current state treasurer unless he fires Pearce. Simple!

— Paul Sylvester, Phoenix