By Tina Grazier
When did we lose the ideal that wealth is possible for anyone in America who is willing to sacrifice and work hard? How did we get to the place where so many of us believe that people who have money acquired what they have by cheating or just being extremely lucky? And when did Americans decide that money and wealth comes from a big pot of gold in Washington that flows to the wealthy or the poor depending on policies of the government?
** COSTA MESA, Calif., March 18 — Striking a sharp populist tone, President Obama used a town hall meeting here Wednesday to argue that he is “trying to bring balance back to our economy” after years when only the wealthiest Americans benefited from government policy and lack of regulation. Washington Post **
President Bushs tax policy did benefit everyone in America. Taxes were cut in every tax bracket. Some people in the lower bracket were exempted from paying taxes. Lower taxes in all brackets put more money into the hands of all Americans. The broad tax policy brought us out of recession and created a stable growth economy with low unemployment rates. It benefited the entire population and stimulated sustained opportunity for all.
None of us gets to choose the circumstances of his birth. Some are born to poverty, some to the middle class, and others to wealth. But in America we have the chance to become whatever we choose. We have the opportunity for a good education and a job. The level of our success or failure depends on our own attitude and determination. With sacrifice, savings, and hard work we can better our circumstances. Freedom is the precious jewel that gives space to this opportunity. When government policy discriminates opportunities are limited, restricted or denied to some while favoring others…at such times government policies can bring disaster to the whole of our economy as we have recently seen.
Whatever money government has it takes from the people…there is no government pot of gold to be divided equally so that balance can be achieved. All government policies should be designed to ensure our freedoms and to empower rather than direct or discriminate. Government policy designed to spread the wealth around is covetous and encourages class envy and division. It is not in any way consistent with the principles of our Constitution and founding. It is Marxism, Mr. President, and it has no place here.