I'm not going to quote any articles. I'm not going to quote any politicians. It's plain and simple. We, as Long Islanders, citizens of New York and as Americans are taxed too much. When I hear a politician talk about "affordable housing" or some government program to "help people", I cringe. I'm all for people being able to afford to live the American Dream, but what about a more simple approach to "solving" our problems?
Taxes. One word. It's simple enough. And let's put another word in front of that. Lower. Okay, so now let's put them together - Lower Taxes. It's amazing how no politician can seem to put these two words together to "solve" problems.
Compare these two words with another two words - Affordable Housing.
Lower Taxes. Affordable Housing.
One implies that people will work hard, earn money and pay less in taxes - but still do their share to pay taxes such as property taxes, income taxes (state and federal), sales taxes and every other kind of tax. Lower Taxes - implies that the government will actually MAKE DO with what they "earn" and not create another program such as "Affordable Housing". Lower Taxes - implies, no actually puts more money in the pockets of hard-working people who then can take that money - save it, invest it, spend it - thus helping the economy - but more importantly - themselves, their families and ultimately - their community!
I don't know about you - but for me - I don't want "affordable housing". To me, "affordable" anything, from the government - is simply another two-word combination - Government Handout.
Young people don't want another Government Handout. Older people don't want it. Really - no self-respecting, able-bodied person wants any kind of handout and for those that do - I hope you have a good reason for one - such as illness or another type of condition or serious and real circumstance that prohibits you from being able to care for yourself or family.
I am all for taxes being used to help those in need. That's a must - but it's got to be done with some kind of temperance. The word "temperance" is not in the vocabulary of a politician. The word means control. Clearly, these politicians, both locally and nationally, do not have any understanding of the word. Spend. Spend more. Spend even more. Oh and just raise taxes to pay for all government "solutions" (code word for spending).
Like any family - you've got a budget. You use some credit to pay for some things. You get a mortgage most likely to buy a home. You take out a loan to get a car so you can drive around. And you balance household expenses and related bills. You work and pay what you can and save or invest what you've got left over. Government - no. Government operates as if there is a complete unlimited amount of money to continue with spending, spending, spending.
Well it's time we, the citizens, said "No!"
We don't want more programs. We don't need "Affordable Housing". We need government to get off our backs, restrict their spending and "programs" and operate on a budget - come hell or highwater! Period!
At least that's my opinion. What do you think?
(c) Copyright 2008, http://www.tommcgiveron.com/
By Tom McGiveron
