To the Editor:

I read with great interest The Smoky Mountain News’ Oct. 23 Op Ed page and particularly the piece by Robert G. Fulbright of Waynesville. Fulbright’s piece was right on and I totally agree with him!

As a matter of fact, I had written Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, while the shutdown was underway, asking him to vote for the bill coming over to the House from the Senate to reopen the government and forego any possibility of default. I mentioned in my email that the shutdown, which he himself helped bring about (and he bragged about doing so), was doing great harm to citizens in his district, to families, businesses, and folks all across North Carolina, and indeed to our nation!

Further, I reminded Rep. Meadows that default would be catastrophic for not only our nation but for the entire global economy. I also pointed out that we — his constituents — would be watching and taking note of his vote.

So for Mr. Meadows, yes, as Mr. Fulbright suggested, we did take note of your vote on the government shutdown and taking the nation to the brink of default! 

 You, Rep. Meadows, will be held accountable for your reckless vote on this matter come November 2014.

Dr. Paul Y. Thompson (retired)

Franklin