Dear Editor,
”
There they go again,
”
the same old governmental financial solutions–
”
If we spend all the money in our account, just put some more
in.
”
This is, and always has been, the mentality and mantra of
governmental finance.
Dear Editor,
“There they go again,” the same old governmental financial solutions– “If we spend all the money in our account, just put some more in.” This is, and always has been, the mentality and mantra of governmental finance. They do not save, scrimp or spend wisely. Successful financing is not determined by how much one earns, but how one spends what he earns. Bear in mind, governments are “funded;” they do not “earn.” So how could we expect them to do anything else but spend an abundance of tax dollars until the well runs dry?!
The State of California was mismanaged into a $20 billion dollar abyss. As a result, former governor Davis was voted out of office. Californians didn’t go far enough — the senators and legislators who relentlessly spent us into bankruptcy and refused to change their ways should have been voted out of office also. Governor Schwarzenegger had nothing else to do but circumvent these reckless spenders and appeal directly to the votes through the initiative process. He did. Ironically, the voters bought into the Democratic party’s and various union financed propaganda. The initiatives lost.
But Santa Clara County wants more and has proposed an additional 1/4 to 1/2 per cent sales tax to be used for general spending. Moreover, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) wants more too, proposing a 1/4 per cent sales tax as well! They are all salivating thinking some more money is left in your pocket.
Lest we forget, allow me to remind everyone what we already “fund” by paying existing taxes: 8 1/4 percent sales tax; property taxes; 35 percent federal income tax; 10 percent state income tax; 7 1/2 percent Soc. Sec. tax (plus an additional 7 1/2 percent paid by your employer); 1 percent unemployment tax; 5 percent utility tax; 50 cents on every gallon of gasoline; excise tax; auto lic. and registration fees, estate taxes and gift taxes.
Keep in mind, fees, bonds, assessments and taxes are all TAXES. We are talking well in excess of 60 percent of your earnings. The unspoken practice of government is, “we can spend your money better than you can.” The answer to this practice is: cut taxes permanently and make it work. Since our representatives refuse to do this, there is one last alternative … next time, vote for wise spenders and, NOT ONE CENT MORE FOR ANY ‘TAX’ you find on the ballot. The well is dry.
Jim Langdon, Gilroy
