U.S. headed for lazy, dependent society

Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, Reader's Digest ran an article titled, “Why Russia can't feed itself,” dealing with collective farms. In this socialist system, the farm manager made little more than a stable hand. Fields were not plowed, not planted, because the tractor operator didn't “feel like” doing his job.

What difference did it make, you got paid anyway and all services were free. An “I couldn't care less” attitude was created. No rich. Parity achieved. A socialist utopia. Everybody needy. Everybody dependent.

The United States is a long way down this same path, starting with the redistribution programs of the “Great Society,”and other government redistribution programs that are still routinely funded by Congress. These programs are regressive because they cause dependence.

Help carries the connotation of being temporary, not lifelong. Today, running up debt and winning the lottery is the way to get ahead. Savings and investment require sacrifice, discipline, self-denial. Dirty words today.

Why not create a workplace that is free of harassment, coercion and intimidation, where people can “do” for themselves, where the productive are rewarded and not the slothful equally.

If you like taxes, you will love it if all the tax cuts are rolled back and taxes are raised to burdensome levels to pay for all the “free” stuff.

Vernon Reed

Marion