John Stossel says it with so much more eloquence ('Good News: The World gets Better', RealClearPolitics.com, July 25, 2007) than I, but I have been saying for years that we are victims of our own success. The deer-in-the-headlights response to this statement generally prods me to continue... Were it not for our capitalist system, and the ability to earn obscene profits, people would not have the time to divert to social causes.
Whether it is the environment, poverty, homelessness, or even anti-capitalist protestations, Americans have the luxury to pursue their convictions because of a free market economy and adherence to the rule of law. We live better than any society has ever lived, anywhere; and we take it for granted.
Those living in 'poverty' in America, typically enjoy decent housing with indoor plumbing, electricity, modern appliances, TV with cable, and often a car. This is somewhat better than the upper middle class in places like Indonesia, Africa, most of China, and even large parts of South America; and better than the affluent in many countries.
We have become the most compassionate and giving society on the earth because we could afford to; and we can afford to because we have it really good!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Pa State Budget...
In regard to Brad Bumstead’s article (‘State staffers return to work’, Tribune-Review, Tuesday, July 10, 2007), I have several questions. Not of Brad, nice piece of work there, but of the residents of PA.
We must understand that the furloughs were for show, another ‘Fast Eddie’ sideshow trick designed to garner support for his budget. But in performing the lay-offs, Rendell designated 25,000 state employees as ‘non-essential.’ If these jobs are not essential to run the Commonwealth, why are the taxpayers of PA forced to pay their salaries and benefits?? Why not open these positions to private industry; where competitive forces could increase efficiency and provide unfettered tax revenue back to the state?
The other question concerns the Governors’ demand of tax credits for movie producers who film in PA. Huh? Is this not akin to an admission that the current tax rates are too high? If our representatives are continuously handing out tax breaks to bring business into the state, doesn’t it follow that the discounted rate would both bring in new, and retain existing business??
Just a thought.
We must understand that the furloughs were for show, another ‘Fast Eddie’ sideshow trick designed to garner support for his budget. But in performing the lay-offs, Rendell designated 25,000 state employees as ‘non-essential.’ If these jobs are not essential to run the Commonwealth, why are the taxpayers of PA forced to pay their salaries and benefits?? Why not open these positions to private industry; where competitive forces could increase efficiency and provide unfettered tax revenue back to the state?
The other question concerns the Governors’ demand of tax credits for movie producers who film in PA. Huh? Is this not akin to an admission that the current tax rates are too high? If our representatives are continuously handing out tax breaks to bring business into the state, doesn’t it follow that the discounted rate would both bring in new, and retain existing business??
Just a thought.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)