Rick Mons wrote: It seems that today's anti-tax and anti- government Republicans (e.g. the Mn Taxpayers League) completely discount the societal value that these institutions provide under the hubris of self-congratulations and the apparent motivation of "I've got mine * good luck to you as I protect it."
My response: Not exactly. True conservatives (not "Christian Conservatives") believe that government is critical. To quote Barry Goldwater, conservatives believe that "the legitimate functions of government are actually conducive to freedom. Maintaining internal order, keeping foreign foes at bay, administering justice, removing obstacles to the free interchange of goods -- the exercise of these powers makes it possible for [people] to follow their chosen pursuits with maximum freedom." You mention "societal value." Yes, that angers true conservatives. I have two problems with saying that the proper measure of a good government function is simply "societal value:" First, value to whom? And when that value is created, must it benefit EVERYONE or is it ok if some are put at a disadvantage? And if it is ok that some are put at a disadvantage, please explain why government should choose winners and losers. Second, I can think of very few programs created, or possible to create, that doesn't benefit someone. Does a success measure of "societal benefit" apply ANY limitation on how far government will intrude into our lives? Rick Mons continued: I've always appreciated the contributions that society has made that helped equip me to achieve. Those contributions have ranged from public schooling to libraries to financial aid to my university, etc. It's not clear to me how today's Republicans are able to (apparently) ignore those contributions or decide they're no longer needed. My response: I haven't heard any conservatives advocate for the elimination of schooling. However, they do question why it costs more to send kids to St. Paul public and Mpls public schools than to most (all?) private schools. I further have not heard that conservatives want to eliminate the University or financial aid for it. They do question why it's budget is growing so fast. Things conservatives don't like? It reads like the Democrat's Platform: Regulation, Redistribution and measuring Equality by asserting equal results instead of equal opportunity. I was stunned when I read the Minnesota Democrats platform. Compare Barry Goldwater's book "The Conscience of a Conservative" to Wellstone's book "the Conscience of a Liberal." It solidified my political understanding and belief. Regards, Bill Cullen. East Side Business Owner. _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
