Letters to the editor (May 24)
True conservative
I seem to be the only true conservative around. I believe that everyone should get what they earn and earn what they get. Two principles follow from this premise.
First, all taxation is suspect and no one should be forced to support free riders. That is, taxation is justified only if it benefits the person taxed. (But if it does so, it is OK if it also benefits the deserving poor.)
Secondly, inherited wealth is legitimate only if it is earned. For example, one can legitimately inherit the family farm if one works it to an extent equal to the work contributed by the creator of that farm. Otherwise, the inheritor has not earned what they get.
It is this second principle, to which most purported conservatives object, but they never justify their objection. As a matter of fact, there is no such justification.
Gerald H. Paske, Wichita
Arts funding
The mission of the Arts Council is to advance and promote arts and culture in the Wichita community through advocacy, leadership, education and collaboration.
Communities across America have a stake in the arts. We want to make sure that Senators Roberts and Moran know that, in Kansas, in 2016 alone, the NEA awarded a total of $821,000 in grant money to seven nonprofit and governmental arts organizations. These grants worked to enhance access to the arts for all, especially in undeserved rural and inner-city areas.
President Trump’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018 calls for an elimination of the NEA.
Please don’t believe those dusty, old arguments to eliminate these cultural agencies because it would reduce the deficit or the size of government. We simply cannot afford to cut back on our federal investment in the arts and culture in this country.
We cannot afford to lose the profound impact of the NEA in our state, community and schools.
Jack Silvers on behalf of the Arts Council, Inc.
Kindness
Flying home through Chicago Friday night wasn’t easy, with weather both in Chicago and Wichita. Our regional jet couldn’t depart for home due to excess baggage weight. The pilot asked for three volunteers to give up their seats and take the last flight home that night. Three people stood up and grabbed their bags, giving up for the rest of us. Of the three was Congressman Ron Estes and Mrs. Estes. I for one looked on with pride and respect, especially given these days in Washington.
Jeff A. Roth, Wichita
Letters to the Editor
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This story was originally published May 24, 2017 at 5:02 AM with the headline "Letters to the editor (May 24)."