“You can’t fix stupid … but you can sterilize it.”

I usually begin with a Mark Twain quote, but several members of the local community recently decided the above snippet is timely after hearing what has happened over the past few weeks.

Over Christmas cheer we developed the truism while discussing people shaving their heads, getting divorces and sterilizing themselves because their candidate lost the presidential election. What really makes no sense is the fact these citizens posted on social media videos confirming their odd behaviors.

These folks should just try to understand that, among other things, the incoming administration will try to eliminate government inefficiency and spend tax dollars on legitimate items. If they did understand the purpose of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) they wouldn’t have to resort to such drastic measures.

In the coming days the annual Festivus Report will show a $600,000 payment for investigating microaggressions among obese Latinx. There is also $760 million for the National Institutes of Health to study diversity, equity and inclusion instead of researching health issues.

These make as much sense as past government spending, such as $2.1 million encouraging Ethiopians to wear shoes, and a Wisconsin school using $1.6 million in COVID relief funds to upgrade sports fields.

As someone who has spent over 40 years working for state and county governments, as well as public schools, I have seen my share of questionable spending. Sterilizing half-witted government handouts could help solve the on-going problem.

MATT JANES

Jeffers Garden