Commentary: Government help is on the way, thanks to the passage of President Biden’s historic relief package. Soon, a typical family of four will receive a $5,600 check, our struggling restaurants will be thrown a lifeline, and child poverty will be cut in half.
However, though nearly 70% of Americans supported the bill, Representative Yvette Herrell voted to prevent this relief from reaching New Mexicans in dire need. Herrell and most other politicians in her party believe that government is the problem and that people should just take care of themselves. But what they seem to forget is that "we the people" are the government. And it’s only as good or bad as those we elect.
Of course, government will be dysfunctional if you do everything you can to dismantle it. Following decades of anti-government policies, we entered the pandemic with a hollowed-out healthcare infrastructure lacking enough masks, beds, and ventilators. Thousands more Americans died than should have.
On the other hand, government can be a force for good — if we elect competent and compassionate officials. Thanks to a governor who follows CDC guidelines and has hired qualified staff, New Mexico leads the country in vaccinations. In contrast, our neighbors to the east and west have faced COVID infection rates that are worse than some developing countries.
Government may not always be the solution. But in times of great need, it inevitably will be. During next year’s Congressional election, remember: good government can be a matter of life and death. Elect someone who understands that.