Hole in the Wall
Opposed to Federal Taxes for Social Welfare: Look at Mess Europe Is In
RECEIVED Mon., May 17, 2004
Dear Editor,
A reply to Philip Russell ["Postmarks," May 14]. The trade imbalance between the U.S. and Europe had more to do with Europe's lack of buying power due to its tax rates than a lack of desire for American goods. Remember that the United States accounts for about 30% of the world's GDP all by itself. Europe needs its American market more than America needs its European market. Europe's "fettered" capitalism has failed to maintain employment, keep French senior citizens alive, or keep its welfare programs in the black. Germany, as an example, has double-digit unemployment and a declining labor pool/tax base. Think about how screwed up your economy has to be to find itself in that situation. France is in not much better shape. Most of Western Europe finds itself, despite high taxes and decreased defense spending, having to cut back on its welfare programs if it wants to keep them solvent. Even socialism's poster child, Sweden, facing the realization that government cannot afford to take care of everybody, is mandating private retirement plans.
I am opposed to the use of taxation as a means of control on people or business. It should be used to finance the legitimate operations of government at the appropriate level. Social welfare programs are best financed and administered at the state and local level where they can best be matched to the needs of those they are intended to help. This was the intent of the framers of our Constitution, i.e., Madison, Federalist 25. This is better than a one-size-fits-all Federal behemoth with all the government controls that come with it.
A reply to Philip Russell ["Postmarks," May 14]. The trade imbalance between the U.S. and Europe had more to do with Europe's lack of buying power due to its tax rates than a lack of desire for American goods. Remember that the United States accounts for about 30% of the world's GDP all by itself. Europe needs its American market more than America needs its European market. Europe's "fettered" capitalism has failed to maintain employment, keep French senior citizens alive, or keep its welfare programs in the black. Germany, as an example, has double-digit unemployment and a declining labor pool/tax base. Think about how screwed up your economy has to be to find itself in that situation. France is in not much better shape. Most of Western Europe finds itself, despite high taxes and decreased defense spending, having to cut back on its welfare programs if it wants to keep them solvent. Even socialism's poster child, Sweden, facing the realization that government cannot afford to take care of everybody, is mandating private retirement plans.
I am opposed to the use of taxation as a means of control on people or business. It should be used to finance the legitimate operations of government at the appropriate level. Social welfare programs are best financed and administered at the state and local level where they can best be matched to the needs of those they are intended to help. This was the intent of the framers of our Constitution, i.e., Madison, Federalist 25. This is better than a one-size-fits-all Federal behemoth with all the government controls that come with it.
Carl A. Anderson