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© Copyright 2009 - 2010 Northumberland County Republican Committee

All rights reserved.  Jeanne M. Kling, Chairman

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Letter to the Editor

Overall spending by the government has changed dramatically in approximately 100 years. In 1902, spending was 7 per cent of Gross National Product (GNP).  It was about 25 per cent in 1945. In 2010, it will be about 35 per cent.

This spending diverts resources from the private sector into the public sector.  While this may be beneficial in some cases it is generally not good for society because it robs the productive, creative private sector of resources. The government distributes these resources in ways that mostly do not create wealth but restricts your freedom of choice.

These actions result in more people taking from the public drinking fountain without being productive. It also creates special interests that lobby for more of the same. Look at how much the lobby industry has increased – 50 per cent in the past decade. Do you believe they have your best interests in hand? Last year the health care lobbies spent about $500 million. They have exceeded that amount already this year!

Politicians remind me of the Fabian Society with the tortoise as their symbol representing the slow but constant creep in the erosion of individual liberties and freedoms. It is up to each of us to stop this erosion. I want to help stop this erosion from occurring as an elected member of the Northern Neck Soil and Water Board representing Northumberland County. If you ran your business or household the way politicians run the government with massive debt that is growing with no end in sight, how long would you be in business or own a home?

That debt is being put on our shoulders and on the shoulders of future generations of Americans. Soon our national debt will exceed the value of the GNP, which is not good for our nation because it puts us completely in the hands of the lenders who are mostly foreign countries and foreign individuals.

Please take back your government from the politicians. Let elected officials know that you are opposed to the uncontrolled taxing and spending sprees. Write letters, send e-mails, or telephone your three elected officials in Congress, the Vice-President, and the President. Do the same with your state and local government elected officials. Tell us your thoughts on issues. It will remind us that we are elected by you and can be replaced by you at the next election.

Cordially,

John A. Kelley