Think globally, tax locally

Our nation is fractured, and not a clean simple fracture that may be set and healed. The country is splintered on cultural and economic matters. Big-city states have diverse populations and a variety of unique needs that rural or sparsely populated areas don’t.

I have gradually become a small government Democrat. More accurately, small “national” government. States and cities each have a blend of constituents with unique needs within and from state to state. States featuring large urban areas have a varied constituency with different and more complex issues than smaller or rural states. Even within a metropolitan area, constituents have a variety of needs. The more compact the governing unit, themore efficiently the needs of its residents can be served. For this to occur, fewer tax dollars need to be sent to Washington and more retained locally to directly serve the state where the money was earned. It’s logical and efficient that since we knowwhat’s best for us, we shouldn’t first send money to strangers in Washington and beg to get it back.

Local politicians are generally accountable for the well-being of their constituents or they may find themselves out of office. Why should were lyon Washington officials who seek to serve special interests that ignore the best interests of those who send them to Washington?

Small federal government, lower federal taxes, higher local taxes and more responsive politicians seems the preferred formula for fixing the country.

Sheldon I. Saitlin, Boca Raton