Letter: American as apple pie

According to Wikipedia, in philosophy, economics, and political science, the common good (also commonwealth, general welfare, or public benefit) refers to either what is shared and beneficial for all or most members of a given community. The preamble in the Constitution states that one of the purposes of the government is to provide for the general welfare of all its citizens. Thus, caring about the common good or general welfare doesn’t make you a communist or socialist. It makes you an American.

Daniel LeClair might like to remember this the next time he’s going up the on ramp onto the Interstate Highway. I like to remember it when I see children go off to public school, picnic at a state park, trust that my electrical wiring meets government code, or have to stop at a red light. All things that contribute to the general welfare, i.e. the common good.

Wayne Fuller

Concord