Be careful what you wish for, because your governor could become President Bentley of the new country of Alabama. It may not be long before some "policy wonk" in Washington decides the deficit can be reduced by allowing Alabama to peacefully leave the Union.

Alabama receives $1.75 for every $1.00 sent to the federal government. (I would like to find an investment that provides this rate of return.) Based on the population of Alabama this means we pay $4,802,740 in federal taxes and receive $8,404,795 in return. If Alabama were gone, that would be an initial savings of $3,602,055.

Additional savings would come in the closing of military bases, post offices and government offices.

Are you prepared to take over operations run in the state by TVA or the Coast Guard?

Don't look to FEMA if you have a hurricane or tornado. Federal insurance on your financial accounts and flood insurance is gone.

You are now a federal country so SSI payments to blind, disabled and aged are gone. Medicare may not cover the doctor bills in your new country. Social Security payments may or may not be paid depending on your negotiations with the government of the United States.

Good luck in paying your mortgage, credit card and other debts with Alabama dollars.

So just keep on signing those petitions to protest the re-election of President Obama. I can only hope I can sell my property for real dollars and leave before the policy wonk decides this is a good idea.

"You need a passport to visit this state" is a line from the movie, "Sweet Home Alabama."

Judie Paganelli

Florence