It’s not conservative

What is it called when you take my tax money and give it to a third party not under the control of the state? Is it socialism? Is it theft? Is it extortion? You can call it whatever you like. But the fact is, it’s not fair and it’s wrong. Additionally, you can call it unconstitutional.

I look at the acts that are being presented in the Legislature this session, and it appears to me that it will be a generation before many of these unconstitutional acts will be reversed, and Arkansas will suffer as a result of the radical legislation being passed in Little Rock this session for an awful long time.

I pay property taxes in Logan County and Washington County. I want my tax money to go to the public schools in those counties and districts and not go to some private group whose philosophy and goals may be opposed to mine. I believe that parents who want to send their children to private schools should have to pay for their education themselves. I did with one of my children and that was my choice. I didn’t look for any government handout to subsidize that decision. And the fraud that is lying in wait for many homeschoolers is limitless.

I hope there are still members of the Arkansas Bar who will step up and represent people who oppose this legislation, as well as other radical acts that have been enacted recently. Calling such legislation “conservative” doesn’t mean it is. It’s government control of the taxes paid to benefit the goals of individuals in state government and private groups to the detriment of the overall good. It’s welfare given to others who are looking for a handout whether they need it or not. Heaven help us.

DAVID RUSH New Blaine