Dear Editor:
I read with interest Elizabeth James' column in the Aug. 15 edition of your newspaper (Alms and Animal Feed a Heartless Parallel).
While I don't agree with Benjamin Franklin's views, as ascribed, concerning society's obligation to its poorest members, I certainly agree with the opinion of his 18th-century contemporary, Thomas Jefferson, when he said, "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have." In modern times, Britain's Margaret Thatcher's apt observation about statism rings true: "The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."
If our society is to maintain, or as some might argue, recover its economic vigour, we need to pursue public policies that tend to encourage and support, not discourage and undermine, a self-reliant citizenry. We could begin by re-examining our country's current equalization scheme, up for renewal in 2014, that last year alone saw the taxpayers of Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan, collectively, send a staggering $15.43 billion to the people, rich and poor alike, of six other provinces.
Quebec, with its pronounced commitment to state interventionism, took in some $7.39 billion, or 47.9 per cent of the total tax transfers. A waitress earning the minimum wage in a North Shore restaurant is subsidizing the virtually free daycare for the children of a Montreal physician or stockbroker. Where is the logic, never mind fairness, in that equation?
This situation is not sustainable, let alone acceptable. In May 2014, Vancouver will host a World Taxpayers' Conference. Perhaps Ms. James would like to join me in attending. It may prove to be instructive.
David O. Marley West Vancouver
