If one person must support

other people in society, the support should be voluntary, minimal, and

temporary. It should not be done by government, especially on the federal

level (for obvious reasons). It should be done through charity.

Dave, the appropriate level

of government is that which is minimally necessary to do things like protect

the country from invasion, police the country for criminals, reasonably

regulate polluters, maintain road and water systems and very little else.

The appropriate level of taxation is that which allows the vast majority

of Americans to pay their fair and equal share (pay their own way, go

Dutch, etc.). Taxation should be neither progressive or regressive.

We need government only for

what we cannot do for ourselves. For our general welfare, not our individual

welfare. This level of government was plainly spelled out in the Constitution,

and it was plainly clear to our forefathers. Why is it no longer clear

to modern Americans?

As for the classes, the lower

classes need the upper class for their capital and superior intellect.

The upper classes need the more numerous lower classes for their labor.

This is plainly clear. It is also plainly clear people can move up or

down the ladder depending on their ability. So if the classes need each

other and are both open to new members, why should they fight?

If we keep going down the road

to socialism and keep fueling class warfare, we will eventually be at

each other's throats. I am talking about class violence, economic malaise,

and even possible a second civil war (war between classes is far nastier

than war between regions). We all need to lighten up on political rhetoric,

speak plainly, stay out of each other's wallet, and take personal responsibility

for ourselves.

Bill Gilmer

[email protected]

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