About four weeks ago, I sent a brief letter to Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) about the taxing power of the federal government. I wrote:
My question for the senator is about the power to tax.
I understand that no one has the right as an individual to use force or the threat of force against another peaceful individual. The government claims the right to use force or the threat of force to lay and collect taxes through the constitution.
Yet, how do “We the people” delegate rights to the constitution that we do not individually actually have?
Well, I got my response (or what passes as a response). As you can imagine, the point was ignored with a 10-foot form letter.
Thank you for contacting me regarding excessive taxation and government spending. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on these important issues.
I understand the frustration of American taxpayers regarding Congress’ seeming inability to restrain spending—the primary factor contributing to the budget deficit and our national debt. Like you, I am concerned about the possible long term effects of excessive government spending, often on wasteful, ineffective government programs. If Congress eliminates government waste and fraud, it can then begin to restrain runaway spending and more carefully steward tax dollars.
Unfortunately, the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution (S.Con.Res. 13)—which passed Congress without my support—is a step in the wrong direction. It spends, borrows and taxes Americans too much. I am disappointed that Congress passed this legislation and chose to impose a $1.4 trillion tax increase, the largest in history, on working families and small businesses—the engine of economic growth and the creators of new jobs. This excessive taxation will not help grow the economy and will instead hinder much-needed job creation. In addition, spending included in the budget is so aggressive that it will drive our nation’s debt to an unsustainable level—doubling our debt in 5 years and tripling it in 10 years. In fact, the budget creates more debt than was accrued under every president from George Washington to George W. Bush combined.
For too long, American families and small businesses have been forced to spend less so that the federal government can spend more. Between Inauguration Day and Tax Day, Congress has spent more money on federal programs than was appropriated for Iraq, Afghanistan, and Hurricane Katrina. Furthermore, taxpayers currently work almost four months out of the year to pay for the operations of government. This is more than they work to pay for transportation, food and clothing combined. Hardworking Texans deserve to keep more of their own money to spend, save, and invest how they see fit. Excessive taxation only serves to stunt economic growth and hinder much-needed job creation. In these troubled economic times, Congress should work to retain low taxes and reduce wasteful spending.
One of America’s greatest strengths and traditions has been for each generation to make sacrifices in order to improve the quality of life for the next generation. But by passing along trillions of dollars of debt, we are now asking the next generation of Americans to bear the burden of Congress’ reckless spending habits. Our children will be left with a government they cannot afford, preventing them from living the same quality of life that we enjoy today. This is unacceptable. Many families across Texas are struggling to pay bills and balance their checkbook—the federal government should also tighten its belt and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
I appreciate the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
Who Plans Whom? 