Editor:

Concerning the article “Chamber decries budget cuts” in the May 13 edition, I think Brad Watson protests too much.

Our county has overspent to the tune of about $1.1 million, has seen fit to tighten its belt and Watson thinks we should continue to spend, especially on things not of governmental purposes.

Government is a necessary evil, as are taxes. Taxes are needed to carry out governmental functions, and by contract those functions are limited, as stipulated in our constitutions.

Watson advocates for certain charities, which I think aren’t proper governmental functions and amounts to false philanthropy.

False philanthropy is taking my money and using it for your charity, without my consent.

Government is force, and all tax money is taken by force. We can’t refuse a portion of it without a deputy with a gun knocking on our door.

Said Frederick Bastiat: “When a portion of wealth is transferred from the person who owns it — without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud — to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed.”

When government is kept in check it’s a calm fire and a faithful servant, but when unchecked, as with excessive spending, becomes as destructive as a forest fire.

When government overspends by even one penny, it’s no longer a servant, but has become an armed robber or plunderer.

Richard Altice

Farmville