In his "The Wealth of Nations," Adam Smith wrote: "It is the highest
impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers, to pretend
to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense.
. . . (Kings and ministers) are themselves always, and without any
exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society. Let them look well
after their own expense, and they may safely trust private people with
theirs. If their own extravagance does not ruin the state, that of their
subjects never will."
I am not robbed by people who have more money than me. I am robbed by a
government that wants to penalize my industry and give increasing portions
of what I earn to people who do not emulate my principles, morals and
ethics.
What have we come to? We once taught our young people the virtues of hard
work, saving, personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions,
chastity before and fidelity and commitment in marriage, honesty, integrity
and virtue - not to mention the Ten Commandments (especially the one about
not coveting that which belongs to your neighbor). We now teach them
entitlement, victimhood, class envy and rights to other people's money. When
one robs a bank, it's a crime. When government takes our money, it's called
a tax. Same result.
There is something else about Clinton's speech that offends. She suggested
that students at a technical high school are inferior to those of higher
social rank. This, too, is typical white liberal bunk. Has it occurred to
her that many students prefer technical careers - and some make an excellent
living at them - to the jobs held by the elites and that some of those jobs
(like politician) fit them for nothing of value and turn them into
professional snobs?
Senator Clinton should consider the wisdom of a former president, who said,
"The collection of any taxes which are not absolutely required, which do not
beyond reasonable doubt contribute to the public welfare, is only a species
of legalized larceny. . . . The wise and correct course to follow in
taxation is not to destroy those who have already secured success, but to
create conditions under which everyone will have a better chance to be
successful." (Calvin Coolidge inaugural address, March 4, 1925)
Now there's a real economic vision! |