LETTER — We don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem
By John Thornton
I was shocked, shocked, to read Ray Buursma’s opinion in the Dec. 15 Sentinel calling for higher taxes. Mr. Buursma did not make one statement or comment regarding government’s irresponsible handling of the people’s tax revenues.
The plain and simple fact is our government (federal, state and local) does not have a revenue problem but a spending (expense) problem. I have always maintained the belief that we Americans are better stewards of our money than the government. What many of us have witnessed from what Mr. Buursma calls his “Republican and Democrat Friends” is that they always tend to move toward political expediency rather than basing their decisions upon right or wrong.
Mr. Buursma suggests that all Americans should be required to “pay their fair share.” Later he references the confiscatory rates of foreign countries as a means to determine or persuade us Americans as to our “fair share.” Take a look at Greece, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Did higher taxes keep them from financial chaos?
No one seems to be immune from the economic downturn we’re all facing and confiscating people’s wealth for redistribution is not the answer to our national debt problems. Socialism is not the answer to our economic woes either. The answer can be found in: Lower taxes for individuals and businesses, job creation and employment growth, and reduced government spending.
I do agree with Mr. Buursma in that all of us must bear the burden (fair share) for digging ourselves out of this avalanche of economic debt. The disagreement that I have is how we go about it. The “fair share” will be how we as a people cope with a reduction in governmental services and programs.
I agree with Mr. Buursma on the danger our national debt, which is more than $13 trillion. With the Republican landslide in the federal elections in November, the people have spoken. It’s time we put the government on a “financial diet.” Less spending is the answer!
John Thornton
Holland Township
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