Originally published 9 February 2011 in the Spokesman-Review, Spokane County, Washington.

TAXES OKAY WITH STRICT RULES

Shawn Vestal recently (Jan 28) wrote a column about the group “Citizens for Responsible Taxation”. He said, “Beal, Montgomery, and Alton are Citizens for Responsible Taxation, although everyone knows there is no such thing as responsible taxation.”

Mr. Vestal, though attempting to be humorous, does bring up a good point. Is there such a thing as “responsible taxation”?

How does government propose funding government schools or agencies, if not by some form of taxation? State legislators and Congress all seem to believe in taxation. As a matter of fact, so did the Founding Fathers who wrote the U.S. Constitution. In fact, again, they believed in responsible taxation so much they set up some pretty strict rules about it, which have been consistently ignored by lawmakers who sponsor porkbarrel projects or fund unconstitutional programs, creating a climate of unreasonable taxation at every level of government.

The efforts of three citizens exercising their First Amendment right to Free Speech in order to educate the public on their point of view opposing a school bond is equally valid and deserves equal respect as the speech of those who may be in favor of it.

Karen Murray; Quincy, Washington