Reply from Congressman Emanuel Cleaver concerningOrphanWorksActof2008

[Matthew Copple]

On 8/14/08 12:43 PM, "lowell" <lowell at kc.rr.com> wrote:

> Phil Thayer wrote:
>> If I work harder and make more money it should be up to me how I use my
>> money.  If I am a responsible citizen I will use my extra money to help
>> others.  Or I may invest my money in businesses to expand the economy
>> that would help others.  Or I could simply spend more time drinking in
>> strip clubs and spread my money around that way. :)  But it is my money
>> and it should be my choice how it is spent.  Not the governments choice
>> to try and force me to distribute it to the lower income groups.
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>>   
> The state should not exist. You should dig your own well. (Be careful
> where you put your outhouse.) You should build your own road if you need
> to travel. (I assume you'll destroy it behind you as you go.) You should
> put your own house out if it burns. You should defend your house from
> burglars, robbers, & raiders. You should defend your own family when the
> vast inequity you advocate brings the starving millions to your door to
> take what you've gotten, however you got it.
> A equitable society allows self-interest to do what it does best (within
> obvious limits) while providing for those in need to a certain extent
> (within obvious limits.) Equity prevents radically dangerous behavior
> of all sorts (within less obvious limits.)
> Can't happen? 476. 1789. 1917. 1949. 1959.

Redistribution of wealth does not equal equity. It simply breeds dependence
on the state. 1917 and 1949 clearly demonstrate that just because you claim
everyone is equal, it isn't so.

The US constitution only guarantees equality under the law, not in any other
context. And it does so for a reason -- because we are not equal, nor should
we be. Each of us has our own gifts and flaws, and the power of free will to
make decisions, good or bad. Take that away, and you get the Soviet Union,
or China in the Cultural Revolution. Neither one particularly happy places
to be equal.

Matthew Copple