Self-reliance is basic rule

Larry Gene Persons has tried to understand how those working for a paycheck can think conservatively (Letters, July 10). I’ll help him by posing a few simple questions. If you have opportunity and income, are you capable of providing for yourself and your family? Do you believe that others with the same can be equally capable?

If you’ve answered yes to either, congratulations! You’re thinking conservatively. You don’t need to belly up to the “public trough for your share,” as Larry put it, of what the government is kind enough to provide you with. If you believe you can provide for yourself, you’re thinking conservatively.

It’s tempting to cut some slack to those with the notion of taking from the rich to give to the poor. It’s a noble if fatally flawed ambition to try to provide for everyone rather than letting them do it for themselves. Look around the world. It doesn’t work. Since overwhelming evidence demonstrates the absolute certainty that this well-trodden path only causes strife, the moral thing to do is to not follow down the same path.

The pride that results from the ability to provide for ourselves is what makes America strong. That’s thinking conservatively.

Greg J. Miranda

Spokane Valley