Not all solutions must come from government

E.J. Dionne Jr. lamented the brash anti-government rhetoric of current GOP presidential candidates [“Yearning for George W. Bush?” op-ed, June 16]. Mr. Dionne further reminisced that even President Bush offered a refreshing acceptance of government solutions to social problems.

Lest we be mischaracterized, not all critics of government are vulgar individualists brandishing their rifles on their porches and shouting, “Get off my lawn!” We simply ask to be free of government-imposed solutions to social issues and instead to be permitted to choose our own. Indeed, there is a heritage of classical liberalism that emphasizes the role of non-government institutions within civil society that allows people to cooperate and flourish.

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Myriad problems are resolved daily through market exchanges, mutual-aid association assistance or even social ostracism. It does not follow that the government must monopolize a solution and impose it on all. We seek only the freedom to interact with others as we find what works best for our community.

Ryan Safner, Arlington