Having recently retired from the U.S. Department of Defense after 34 years, I can tell you that shutting down the government, even for a day, is very expensive. President Barack Obama is correct in saying it is a way of shooting ourselves in the foot and that it actually adds to the deficit and debt.

Military and civilian leaders at Fairchild Air Force Base, a significant department enterprise, are no doubt having to divert time and energies away from normal training and operational efforts in order to make responsible preparations for ceasing operations. What a waste of not only tax dollars, but the valued energies and efforts of our airmen, soldiers, civilians and their family members.

If Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers truly understands the significant contribution Spokane taxpayers make toward our federal government, she will not let this hugely wasteful event take place.

Mark Bryant

Spokane