Taxpayers want Missouri to live within its means

To the editor:

In the aftermath of the failed tax increases recently put to vote before Missourians, it should be obvious to everyone in Cape Girardeau that we do not like to have our taxes raised when we are already in a time of economic difficulty. I assume that people in many of Missouri's communities share the same sentiments, considering the voters rejected three tax increases proposed by the state last year.

The Republican legislators who are fighting a bitter battle with our very partisan governor are trying their best to be fiscally responsible in demanding that we as a state live within its means. One of many things governors, presidents and legislators do not seem to understand is that living within our means is something every business, family, church and government must do. In fact, I would argue that living within our means was a basis on which this country was founded. It has also been a virtue deemed extremely important by many names in history such as Franklin, Carnegie, Ford and many others.

Would anyone, when there last day arrives, like to know that they have left their children deeply in debt?

JOHN P. CLIPPARD

Cape Girardeau