How Statists Think
6 August 2006
The Editor, New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
To the Editor:
Robert Hicks describes the McMansion-owning and tax-disliking new residents of his home of Williamson County, Tennessee, as "first and foremost, driven by an obsession with taxes. This isn't to say that none of them have genuine concern for the poor" (“The New New South,” August 6). Interesting comment.
Why does Mr. Hicks assume that a desire to keep one's money out of politicians' paws signals indifference to the poor? Correct or not, there's a perfectly coherent case that the poor are best helped by low taxes which foster robust economic activity along with a vibrant civil society that assists the less-fortunate through private, voluntary aid. Skepticism of political action is not evidence of callousness and greed.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University
The Editor, New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
To the Editor:
Robert Hicks describes the McMansion-owning and tax-disliking new residents of his home of Williamson County, Tennessee, as "first and foremost, driven by an obsession with taxes. This isn't to say that none of them have genuine concern for the poor" (“The New New South,” August 6). Interesting comment.
Why does Mr. Hicks assume that a desire to keep one's money out of politicians' paws signals indifference to the poor? Correct or not, there's a perfectly coherent case that the poor are best helped by low taxes which foster robust economic activity along with a vibrant civil society that assists the less-fortunate through private, voluntary aid. Skepticism of political action is not evidence of callousness and greed.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University
Posted by Don Boudreaux on
Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 5:29pm