You were missed at Dad's 80th birthday celebration June 27th. It was wonderful getting caught up with everyone so important to us.
I would like briefly to reply to budget issues at all levels, from community to state to federal. The private sector is taxed out. We must focus on our families, neighborhoods and communities. Individuals know best the needs of their communities and how efficiently their tax dollars are to be used.
The state and, likewise, federal legislators demand more and more increased taxation. Why? To provide for pet projects, union demands, pension plans, pop-science, mismanagement, et al.
Not only do state and federal governments burden us with regulation upon regulation upon regulation, but they erode local revenues and our livelihood. This makes it difficult to provide for ourselves those services we personally deem necessary.
It is more efficient when every dollar is used to support local needs. For when it is given to state and federal governments, its' value is diminished to support bureaucracy before it is returned to the rightful owner in the way of grants and services.
We want the state and federal government to stop meddling in our lives. Allow us in a free market to decide what our needs are and how to fulfill them. We demand:
- our Individual rights to make personal decisions as well as those affecting our own communities, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights;
- the State to realign itself with the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and respect our individual rights; and
- the Federal government to, likewise, realign itself with the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and respect our individual rights and State's rights.
Our Founders developed an incredible plan, one that has been internationally admired for a couple of centuries now. If our legislators are unwilling to do so, "We the People" have the means to peacefully bring our country back on course.
- November 11, the People approved Proposition 11: Redistricting;
- March 4, the People rejected Measure A: City of Clovis 1% sales tax increase without sunset clause;
- May 19, the People rejected Measures 1A through 1E: Increased taxes/spending.
At his Fresno Town Hall June 18, Governor Schwarzenegger convinced me that he heard our message. We must overhaul the State government, making it once again affordable for the Citizens.
According to POTUS Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel: "Never allow a crisis to go to waste. They are opportunities to do big things." You know what? In a way he is right! While he refers to expanding the role of government in our lives as the means to solving national problems, I take this as a call to "We the People" to unite and once again take control...of our lives, our responsibilities, and our Country.
Noreen, I love you like a sister as I have all these years. But I couldn't disagree with you more.
Respectfully,
Mark Blackney, President/CEO
Clovis Chamber of Commerce