In response to the Opinion by Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford (“Delaware is addicted to overspending”): The problems that we have every year funding the government on every level are not due to not having enough money but due to overspending, short and sweet. The average taxpayer is not privy to the behind-the-scenes talks between our representatives, who are making their deals tit for tat. Their budget forecast is about as accurate as the forecast for the weather in 20 years.
There are always talks about budget shortfalls but little about spending cuts. It’s not the problem of our government leaders because we keep these inept leaders year after year. The problem is “we, the people.” Do you want better leadership? It is only going to happen when we, the people, vote for individuals, regardless of their parties.
My other pet peeve is the absolute lie that the Democrats pushed when they raised the diesel fuel tax to the highest rate in history. Fuel taxes and all business taxes are not taxes on businesses. That is the biggest lie ever, especially the diesel fuel tax. Businesses know that portions of their revenue are going to be paid to all levels of government. They budget that into their product costs and pass that on to us. In the end, there’s one simple fact: Only we pay taxes, and businesses act as banks and collection agencies for the government.
So, the next time the electric rate goes up, and gas costs a few cents more, our government is going to be there with its dirty hand out for its cut.
Howard Shaw
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
