Assessing overall purpose of taxes
A recent editorial warned that financial Armageddon was imminent because government has exceeded its “intended purpose” of “using taxation to provide for the masses those things that the individual cannot provide, including highways, dams, schools and armies;” while instead government is providing excessive individual welfare.
Not mentioned were wasteful energy research, sub-prime loans, Obamacare and a gazillion other costly things, besides welfare, government “provides for the masses.”
Of course, I could not afford a highway, but neither could I afford the thousands of skyscrapers, businesses, factories, private schools, and yes, toll roads, that have been built without government assistance.
Dam building is no more government responsibility than privately built oil pipelines which span thousands of miles; President Hoover simply wanted a dam named “Hoover” and started the practice.
We could even individually administer the “right of self-protection” but inevitably justice would become Chicago gang style; “Cross me and I will kill you.”
So government is needed, created and granted the right to use force on our behalf, but applied rationally, so that justice and order are maintained. It is only this purpose that justifies the existence of government; otherwise, the private sector can and will provide anything the masses actually need and do so at less cost than government.
If we believe government has an “intended purpose” to “provide for the masses,” it then becomes obvious that taxes will increase, after-tax income will fall, private investment will subside, more welfare will be “needed” and financial Armageddon will indeed be imminent.
— Ron Gore
Covington
Great concert by community band
My friend and I attended the Community Band Concert on Sunday, Jan. 27, at Bayh College of Education on the ISU campus.
I cannot remember when I have heard such a splendid performance. The acoustics were perfect and the small auditorium was not entirely filled.
If we had been to Bloomington or Indianapolis we could not have heard better. The selections were outstanding. How proud we should be of the Hoosier composers Indiana produced.
The musicians should be applauded. They willingly give their time and talent to entertain the Terre Haute and Wabash Valley community.
I began piano lessons at 10 years old. It was the greatest gift my parents gave me. I urge all parents to do the same if at all possible.
Thank you again.
— Susan Schwartz
North Terre Haute
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