So many times I have heard Conservatives say that if the Liberals want to pay higher taxes then write the government a check. If the Conservatives are such small-government, cut-spending idealists, how about you refuse to take any more money from the government to do your part. Let me sign the petition you have started to put Fort Drum on the top of the base closing list to cut spending. All the Conservative dairy farmers will refuse the government subsidies. Closing a couple of prisons like Gouveneur and Ogdensburg will save tons of money. Cutting Pell Grants and student loan availability while raising tuition should get the state schools closed in no time, and with no financial aid available the two private schools shouldn’t be far behind. I’m sure the North Country will be a thriving place. On the bright side, if we cut the state troopers and local police, it should be easier to smuggle contraband in from Canada and the reservation.