Republicans opposed the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, but the news of its first action made me really glad that there's a company looking out for us, the consuming people ("Capital One to refund customers millions over tactics," Tribune July 19).

Slapping a hefty fine on a credit card company for tricking customers into buying costly add-on services (sometimes signing them up without their consent) is what I call government for the people.

Sometimes government goes too far and needs to be reined in — that's what the Republicans are for. But for programs for the average American — things like Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance and food inspection — that's what the Democrats are for.

Fortunately, the nation shifts back and forth between the parties — that gives us balance. Utahns don't see the need for that. They'd rather elect an idiot Republican before voting for a moderate, problem-solving Democrat. Go figure.

President Teddy Roosevelt argued that if you're going to have big corporations, you need big government to keep them in check. Of today's news, that good ol' trust-busting progressive Republican would simply say, "Bully!"

Massimo Peers

Park City