To the editor:

The so-called living-wage ordinance is not an isolated proposal originated by a group of local citizens. Rather, it is a new twist on the same proposal that has been offered to solve every problem: Turn over each individual’s ability to control his life to the government. Incapable of doing business with one another without becoming either a robber or a robbery victim, the enlightened few who are able to see the “big picture” must take control. Enter the living-wage proponents.

Their enemy may appear to be companies that offer low wages, but their true enemy is us. Free to make our own choices with our money, we are the people who force businesses to give us the best value. We are the people who punish businesses that do not keep their costs low, even if those costs include generous wages for employees. We are the people that reward companies for innovative ideas and cheaper products, which creates a higher value for educated, skilled workers. We are the people that drive the market and increase the standard of living for all, simply by exercising our freedom to make our lives better.

And to the living-wage movement, we are the problem. Wage controls are not restrictions placed on companies; they are corrective measures for our “wrong” decisions. The living-wage proposal may appear to be a matter of tax abatements, but it should be rejected solely on principle. We can make our own decisions.

Darren Cauthon,

Lawrence