To the editor:

Lately, there has been a lot of pontificating about the level of greed in this country. The focus has been on the moguls on Wall Street. Maybe we should look closer to home.

Over the last decade, we here in Lawrence have substantially increased our tax take. We have also run up a large public debt. We have done this to acquire recreation centers, art centers, swimming centers, parks, more social services, expanded community outreach, neighborhood investment and the list goes on and on.

We are indeed fortunate that we have Kansas University as a major engine to drive our economy. The professionals there have of record done better than inflation on income increases (not so many other Kansans). I guess they have a right to demand more public spending since they will pay for much of the cost.

Unfortunately, many hereabouts are not as fortunate. They are falling behind in the battle to pay for utilities, transportation, medical insurance (if they have it) and other basic needs. They also have to pay for the ever-increasing tax load.

Do we have a vocal and talented majority involuntarily taking money from the less talented minority? That, my friends, is a form of greed.

Maybe we should think about the consequences of our insatiable demands for more public spending. Maybe many of the things we still want should come from private business or through voluntary contributions!

Then again, maybe we are just greedy!

George Lippencott,
Lawrence