Issues

Update: Camp Sierra Blanca

The Role of Government

I do not believe in government-sponsored economic development.  Individuals all over our nation have won elected offices to take back our government and return to our Constitution.  I am a fiscal conservative.  I believe in the free-market system, the way Adam Smith and Milton Friedman have set it out.  I have faith in our citizens to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.  Government can help by keeping taxes as low as possible, sticking to their delivery of critical services and getting out of private businesses.

 When projects are low risk, people use their own monies, but when risks are high, they seek public monies.  Our government at all levels is full of economic development committees and funding.  But, the success rate for these projects is dismal.  Look at the many major league facilities that have been built with public funds only to benefit the rich sports owners.  The promises for jobs and economic activity always fall short.  Many cities will be paying the debt for these facilities for decades to come.  Many of the earmarks at the federal level are government-sponsored economic development.  This is crony capitalism at its worst (or best)!  When elected officials have the power to hand out money to private endeavors, they are subject to the influence of special interests.  Why should the taxes from successful individuals and businesses be used to support the plans of other businesses or enterprises?

Quotes

“To lay with one hand the power of the government on the property of the citizen, and with the other to
 bestow it upon favored individuals to aid private enterprises and build up private fortunes, is none the
 less a robbery because it is done under the forms of law and is called taxation.”  

Supreme Court Justice Samuel F. Miller writing for the majority in Loan Association v Topeka, 1874

 To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

Recommended Reading

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Free to Choose  by Milton and Rose Friedman