Citing ‘patriotism’ isn’t an argument

In response to John Burbank’s July 7 column, “Doing right by our kids is patriotic,” accusing supporters of this year’s anti-tax initiatives of being unpatriotic:

He spent most of his time talking about taxes, education and government security, arguing more is better. More does not always end in better, unless you are on the receiving side.

I know I am not going to change his liberal stance. Liberals do not operate on logic. I think it is great that the schools have to receive voter permission to receive our tax dollars. The schools know they need to prove they are not asking for blue sky when they have to go to the voters for funds. The school boards are made up of people who have earned the respect of their fellow citizens in their district.

Trying to pigeonhole the people on the other side of his beliefs, only casts a bad light on Burbank. The new school creed does not follow the old school’s lead of making the children and parents responsible. It has become more of a me-myself-and-I mentality. Maybe the current recession will help make people sit up and take notice that you cannot get blood from a turnip, that there’s only so much the taxpayers can afford.

I am a farmer, father, husband, poet, and a taxpayer and am proud of my patriotic self and proud of what Tim Eyman is doing for the people by giving them the chance to vote. People like John Burbank don’t like it when the voters speak up. I would like to know what planet he comes from or which government agency he represents.

Darryl Ehlers

Lynden