Though Cheney is correct, he is, in fact, making the wrong argument for low tax rates. Supporters of low to zero tax rates on income are not necessarily fans of more taxpayer dollars poured into the congressional trough.

Big government advocates focus the argument on taxation levels and not on federal spending, which is the real root cause of budget deficits. Look at your personal finances. No matter your level of income, if you spend 100 percent of your money and max out your credit cards you have a personal budget deficit. If you spend only that amount of income needed for necessities, you run a personal surplus.

The problem is not in the amount of income, but in the amount of spending. When members of Congress argue that lower income tax rates will cause budget deficits, they are acting disingenuous to say the least.

The entire 20th Century is a testament to the folly of believing that the Marxist philosophy of “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” can outgain or outlast a governmental form that pledges to protect individual rights and the pursuit, but not the guarantee, of happiness.

Political rhetoric around the issues of taxation and spending, the two issues from which Congress derives its power, will be with us as long as politicians have to stand for election.

Deceptive rhetoric is a reality, but it can’t distort reality for truly informed voters. We just need more of them.