LETTERS: LANDOWNERS CAN SOLVE OWN PROBLEMS

To the editor:

I was at a meeting at the Cape Girardeau Public Library April 5 where a group of government bureacrats were presenting a program about the Mississippi River. I talked to Dr. Ken Lubinski of the U.S. Geological Survey about the program and about individual property rights. He told me that individuals could or would not be able to do what is necessary in this project without government control and financing.

I am not a doctor or anything, but can read. I can look at what has taken place in the past. I can think. I earn my own money from a nongovernment job. And I am an American. All the money the government uses -- the money they tell us we would not have without them -- comes from us. I have read many articles where programs are considered good if 20 percent or 30 percent of the money spent actually goes toward a project. I may not be real smart, but I was always good in math. If we are only getting the benefit of 30 cents out of every dollar spent, why couldn't we do better as individuals?

The truth is, we are neither shareholders nor stewards with the state and federal governments. We are sovereign, individual landowners. Most people are good, decent, law-abiding people who take good care of their property. If they were allowed to keep the other 30 percent to 80 percent of the money they earn, they could more than take care of themselves, give to charities, help a neighbor who needs help and maintain their land the way they see fit.

It's tax season. Let's look around us. Think about the money being spent. Say no to government programs and subsidies. We can take care of ourselves. It is time to stand up and do it. Let's end the taking of hard-earned money. Let's get rid of the federal income tax.

MARY NALL

Marble Hill