The AP strikes again. The sub-headline on the Nov. 14, page 2A, Associated Press article about the fiscal cliff was: “Unemployment rate could reach 9.1 percent, stocks could plunge if leaders unable to reach deal on taxes.”
Once again, AP is shilling for the administration by helping it set the agenda.
Raising taxes is the only option? Letting the government take more of our hard-earned money is the only option? Tell a family in financial difficulty the only way to get out of trouble is to get a second job or do like our government — steal from others.
No, a second way we all deal with financial difficulties is to cut back our expenses. Why can’t the government do what the average American does intuitively?
The Obama administration has been specific about proposed tax increases, but has given only vague generalities about budget cuts.
This administration sees the world in a binary fashion: either raise taxes (to get the “revenge” the President craves) or cut benefits to people on Social Security (I am one of them) and feed them dog food.
It took a while, but the Romney campaign finally brought up the third option for our financial crisis, which is economic growth.
As the economy putzes along at about 2 percent GDP growth, we are treading water and huge tax increases on productive members of society will only depress this growth rate.
Economic growth automatically lowers unemployment and increases tax revenues; it’s like magic! Anything that does not promote economic growth will just dig us a deeper hole.
On another point, for those who voted for Obama so they could get their free stuff from his “stash,” the storm crisis in New York is a prime example of government failure.
The Long Island Power Authority, which has functioned so poorly during this crisis, is essentially a government-run operation, not a private utility.
Then we have FEMA, which has now failed under both Democrat and Republican administrations. Did I mention that almost half of LIPA’s employees earn more than $100,000 per year, with an average of $147,000?
If you watch the news about the storm, you will see food and shelter coming from churches and other community organizations. You will see neighbors and families helping each other. You will see the Red Cross. You will see doctors and other medical professionals volunteering their time and expertise to help the storm’s victims.
My goodness, we’ve even had Doctors Without Borders helping our people! You usually see them in third world countries like Uganda or Afghanistan. But here in the United States?
The bottom line is, if you want a check from the government, it is good at taking money from one group to give to another group.
But if you’re ever in real trouble, you’re on your own and you will need to rely on yourself, your family, your friends, your church, and your community. Don’t call the government.
Good job voting for more government!
Patrick Brady
Cumberland
Letters
When in trouble, don’t call the government
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Were they really good old days? You decide
When a fellow gets old, it’s not unusual for his mind to wander back to the days of his youth. He may forget where he laid his glasses five minutes ago, yet he can remember events that took place a half a century ago. This is one of the interesting things of old age.
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Wearing the poppy tells others people that you remember
On May 25, members of Farrady Unit 24 American Legion Auxiliary, Frostburg, will once again ask the citizens of the community to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made.
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Donating your old bike will help someone who really needs it
Once again Bikes for the World is collecting used bicycles at Canal Place, May 25 from 10 a.m. to noon,
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Hosting Fresh Air Children can be a memorable experience
I got a phone call, and a little voice said, “Hi Miss Linda, I’m calling to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.”
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Stop buying licenses; let them find the money somewhere else
A few months ago, I received two cards from the National Rifle Association. These were dealing with a legislative alert.
They asked that I should contact Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Kevin Kelly concerning the anti-gun legislation. -
Strength of gun laws is not reflected in grisly statistics
According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, California had the highest number of gun murders in 2011 with 1,220, which makes up 68 percent of all murders in the state that year and equates to 3.25 murders per 100,000 people.
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‘Forgotten warrior’ not forgotten
The Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War.” My generation remembers the Battle for LZ X-Ray at Ia Drang, The Tet Offensive, and Khe Sahn of the Vietnam War.
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Organization needed to help utilize the Potomac River
I am a committee remember on the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway which stretches from Palmetto to Venice, Fla.
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Reducing meat consumption can help ease climate change
A review of 12,000 papers on climate change, in the May 15 issue of “Environmental Research Letters,” found that 97 percent of scientists attribute climate change to human activities.
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Maryland has stopped being “The Free State”
I am a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and, last but not least, the National Rifle Association. I am a yearly member of the American Legion.
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Were they really good old days? You decide
