As I pull up to a gas pump these days, I am forced to ask myself, "How many bullets does this buy for those who fight us in the Middle East?"

The Heartland has many families with men and women in the armed services who are stationed in war-torn areas overseas. Every time we buy gasoline, we help arm those who would harm us, but our need for oil has outweighed our patriotism. We as Americans have become dependent on overseas nations for our oil and for money. One of the most powerful nations in the world is rapidly being overthrown by our greed for luxury. That greed will lead to our fall.

What happens when you owe the bank a mortgage payment and cannot make it? Foreclosure. Someday we have to pay the bill this administration and previous administrations have obligated us to. The best way to overthrow any government is from within, and that is taking place as we sleep in America.

DAVID McNEELY, Scott City