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Sunday's article by Frank Norton Jr., "How much government do you want?" was one of the best articles, relative to the effects of political government in general and local government in particular, that I have read in quite some time. However, I suggest two main ingredients of the problem missing and that's the root cause and the solution.
Taxes are involuntary relinquishment of one's property, hence thievery. This great nation was built and thrived for a time on personal freedom and private property ownership. Gouging the citizenry and depriving owners of their property or money is stealing. With this in mind, right off the bat, we can recognize the root cause as being the result of immorality and acts of wrong.
Mr. Norton goes on to say, so eloquently, "In a bloated economy, no one watches the store. The spin and hype of community boosterism overwhelms the psyche and envelops the mind with well-intentioned progress."
I agree. However, it's an indisputable fact, there are none operated by government that could not be operated more efficiently by private industry, including garbage pickup, fire services, police department, courthouses, jails and schools. The nation's track record clearly reveals the capitalistic system of free enterprise, the voluntary exchange of goods and services, is far superior to any government-operated business.
As a successful businessman, Mr. Norton must know this. Therefore why not use one's smarts, know-how and ability to address the root cause with an obvious solution? Begin by selling off the garbage, sewage and water facility to a private company selected by bids. I am certain there are companies in the Gainesville areas that could operate garbage pickup and disposal more efficiently and at a less cost than local government.
Perhaps one could start by asking when and why we crossed the line and decided the boondoggle, thievery and corruption of government is superior to free enterprise.
I admire Mr. Norton's standup position and the manner in which he articulates the problem of effects. An invincibility mindset emerges. He states, "Never, no not here, we're different."
No, there's no geographical difference in the act of thievery. Taking from haves to give to have-nots, stealing from producers to give to nonproducers, anyway you swing it, is wrong and immoral.
This country faces serious crises on many fronts. Therefore, why not face them head-on and begin by changing the problem locally in one's own community? First by recognition of the cause, taking an objective look at effects and then proceeding with a viable solution. That's not rocket science.
There will no doubt be resistance. There usually is to change, particularly in a situation where many have been feeding from the trough of government-funded projects. So what? A way of life as we once knew it is under severe threat and we are in a war of ideas.
I thank Mr. Norton for a well-written article relative to the effects of the problem. That's a good start to deal with the cause and implement a solution.
Anne Cleveland
Gainesville