In light of pending Vermont budget cuts and, depending on what happens with the state budget and, whose budget plan(s) hold sway: List both ten things you could not manage to do without, as well as ten things you could manage to do without.

Then, list both ten things you believe Vermont could not manage to do without, as well as ten things you believe Vermont could manage to do without.

While for some, this may prove to be more of a theoretical exercise, it is important to weigh the fact that there are those who do not always have such choices.

What to do about such can bring about tough questions, often ones with no easy answers, save the priorities given both when it comes to meeting basic human needs as well as properly maintaining and improving upon the basic infrastructure we as a society collectively depend upon.

Let us hope our state's political leaders and we as a society choose wisely.

Morgan W. Brown

Montpelier