Editor:

The shocking and questionable decision of the White House to fire Inspector General Gerald Walpin continues to have unanswered questions and likely pose serious long-term consequences. Walpin received a cell phone call giving him one hour to resign or be fired. Incredibly, then-Sen. Barack Obama was cosponsor to the 2008 bill to prevent firing of inspector generals without first giving 30 days notice to Congress and with an explanation for the dismissal. This federal requirement is an important protection from reprisal by the White House for those whose job it is to investigate fraud and misuse of your tax money. The president commented that he did not have "full confidence" in Walpin. Really? But that is only a conclusion, Mr. President, not a reason; especially it is not reason to break the law.

The bottom line is Walpin accused an Obama supporter of misusing AmeriCorps grant money. Following the investigation more than $400,000 of that grant money had to be paid back. Obama fired the inspector general who brought this abuse to light. Why does this question of executive abuse of power escape attention of the media?

You should also be aware of the cap and trade legislation HR 2454 that the president is backing. Once it passes the Senate, it will be borne on the backs of the middle class as another huge tax in the form of increased energy cost. Wyoming may be especially hard hit by loss of jobs and revenue.

Possibly most dangerous is the president's fast track to nationalize health care. Once government has total control of health care dollars, it will be at the discretion of politicians to decide on rationing and your eligibility for treatment. I'm thankful for our Wyoming delegation (Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis) who consistently push back on the madness in Washington, but they need our support.

BOB BRECHTEL, Casper

Representative, Wyoming House

District 38