The Wealth of a Nation

This mornings Virginian-Pilot had a wonderful letter to the editor from Clifford Stewart of Suffolk, Virginia. The views and thoughts of Mr. Stewart are eloquently communicated and closely reflect my views on the subject of which he writes. What follows is the full text of Mr. Stewart’s letter to the editor.

We should realize that the excellence of a nation is not determined by the number of citizens that it makes dependent upon itself. The excellence of a nation is determined by the number of its citizens who contribute to its well-being.

This means, among other things, paying taxes, participating in charitable activities by contributing both time and money, teaching children the value of education and the need to have guiding moral principles, and living a life that benefits one’s fellow citizens.

Immediate help for some is often required and should be freely given. But too many of our citizens have been disabled by well-meaning politicians providing programs that reflect a total lack of expectation of the recipients, and thereby disrespect for those they presume to help.

A nation must engender self-sufficiency in its citizens, and further it must encourage doing more than one’s share. Those who are unable for any reason to care for themselves or their families must be supported and moved toward self-sufficiency. Very few people in this country are physically or mentally unable to carry this responsibility, yet many do not.

Politicians seeking votes promise to give whatever they think people want. But remember: No government can give anything without first taking away more than it will give. Ronald Reagan gave a telling description of government programs – it’s like transfusing blood from your right arm into your left arm and spilling half of it on the way across.