March 1, 2007
Editor, The News Journal
Congressman Mike Castle is asking for a federal grant to help replenish the sand at Bethany Beach. This means we send taxes to Washington, and then petition bureaucrats to send some of the money back to Delaware after they take their cut. They may decide to let us have some of our money back if we jump through their guidelines.
Some states, such as West Virginia and Mississippi, may get more than they send. Others, such as Delaware, get much less back. Wouldn’t it be better to keep the money in Delaware, to spend on what we decide is worthwhile?
The total amount spent would be less, because it won’t seem like free money. Federal grant money leads to extravagant overspending.
There is another huge disadvantage. The government is deeply in debt and has not prepared for the retirement of baby boomers. Because of this irresponsibility, the next generation can expect huge tax increases to support the baby boomers. Not only that, there is a serious risk of financial meltdown. That risk can be decreased considerably by stopping federal grants which total almost $500 billion per year.
The General Assembly should decide what to do about beach replenishment.
William E. Morris