The paradox created by big government
Posted by on Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Under: Columns
As a traditional libertarian, I believe strongly in the right to own property. As a property owner, I have tried to do my best as a fellow citizen by passing the advantages I have in life on to those less fortunate. As such, my rental properties enjoy no cash flow. In fact, I purposely price them significantly lower than the market calls for in an attempt to help those in need: single mothers, special assistance individuals, etc.
I do not run a charity, however, and do charge for rent what I pay to borrow the money to buy these houses. Additionally, my hope is that in the event of eventual market recovery, I can sell these houses 20 years from now for a tidy profit. It makes me feel good to know I can help someone afford a slightly nicer place to live without having to shell out big bucks for it, while at the same time I have an investment for the future.
Sadly, the government has stepped in. The Bannock County Assessors office determined that two of my houses should be taxed at a value I cannot even get an appraiser to give me! Since one of these houses’ nearly doubled in value, I now charge a bit more for rent to cover the cost.
It’s ok, though, because since their rent went up, my renters now qualify for a bit more government assistance…and where do you suppose that extra money in their pocket comes from? The paradox created by big government.
This country has fallen into a dangerous trap where both the left and the right consider it the government’s job to dictate the distribution of kindness and welfare. Consider that sentence. The government, the one that is fraught with never ending sex scandals, tax evasion scandals and fraud allegations, is in charge of national Charity.
Apparently charity is considered impossible for honest and ethical people (like you and me) to be capable of. Kindness is only achieved when coerced and dolled out by an unethical and uncaring bureaucracy.
That doesn’t give We the People much credit if you ask me.
Philanthropy is not dead. There is no end to the caring and good-hearted nature of many people. Yet the U.S. Government has appointed itself the head of the distribution line, the self proclaimed judge of who should be the greatest benefactor of forced giving. Unfortunately, the government has also appointed itself the largest benefactor of forced giving.
Therein lies the rub: Tea Partiers and Libertarians fight a philosophically cannibalistic fight, for the only success we can have is to place someone in office whose sole responsibility is to eliminate the need for their own job. Not many are lining up to volunteer for self termination.
We need a new breed of politicians. Leaders who believe serving their country is a service, not a cushy job with excellent benefits and pension. Washington doesn’t need Change; Washington needs the whole system to crash.
Jack Spencer
I do not run a charity, however, and do charge for rent what I pay to borrow the money to buy these houses. Additionally, my hope is that in the event of eventual market recovery, I can sell these houses 20 years from now for a tidy profit. It makes me feel good to know I can help someone afford a slightly nicer place to live without having to shell out big bucks for it, while at the same time I have an investment for the future.
Sadly, the government has stepped in. The Bannock County Assessors office determined that two of my houses should be taxed at a value I cannot even get an appraiser to give me! Since one of these houses’ nearly doubled in value, I now charge a bit more for rent to cover the cost.
It’s ok, though, because since their rent went up, my renters now qualify for a bit more government assistance…and where do you suppose that extra money in their pocket comes from? The paradox created by big government.
This country has fallen into a dangerous trap where both the left and the right consider it the government’s job to dictate the distribution of kindness and welfare. Consider that sentence. The government, the one that is fraught with never ending sex scandals, tax evasion scandals and fraud allegations, is in charge of national Charity.
Apparently charity is considered impossible for honest and ethical people (like you and me) to be capable of. Kindness is only achieved when coerced and dolled out by an unethical and uncaring bureaucracy.
That doesn’t give We the People much credit if you ask me.
Philanthropy is not dead. There is no end to the caring and good-hearted nature of many people. Yet the U.S. Government has appointed itself the head of the distribution line, the self proclaimed judge of who should be the greatest benefactor of forced giving. Unfortunately, the government has also appointed itself the largest benefactor of forced giving.
Therein lies the rub: Tea Partiers and Libertarians fight a philosophically cannibalistic fight, for the only success we can have is to place someone in office whose sole responsibility is to eliminate the need for their own job. Not many are lining up to volunteer for self termination.
We need a new breed of politicians. Leaders who believe serving their country is a service, not a cushy job with excellent benefits and pension. Washington doesn’t need Change; Washington needs the whole system to crash.
Jack Spencer
In : Columns
