Editor:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

These two sentences from our Declaration of Independence identify the proper function of government: to protect the rights of individuals from foreign or domestic aggression. Among these are the right to life, liberty, property ownership, unlimited contracting, travel, etc. Government is given, by the people, the power to tax in order to fund the limited functions specified in our Constitution, which are intended to protect rights and provide for the general welfare of all citizens. The revenue required to fund the legitimate functions of government was intended to be minimal and to be collected through duties, imposts and excises on commercial activities.

Government has no legitimate power or responsibility to take money, by force, from some citizens to provide food, housing, retirement income, education or medical care for other citizens. These are all examples of functions that were historically provided by family, neighbors, communities and churches. By taking over these social functions, government has and is changing the core values of our country. “Social justice” programs have resulted in the majority of Americans wanting government handouts. The next step is to create a majority that needs government for their very existence. At that point kiss American Republicanism goodbye and say hello to Communism.

Joe Knezevich

262 Ripple Creek Dr

Poplarville, MS 39470