Letter: By any name, incentives are still a giveaway
Monday, October 31st, 2005
By Chris Fitzsimon
While reading Randy Harrell’s Oct. 23 article, "The case for incentives," I recalled a book that was published 25 years ago, titled "How to win at poker." The author made the assumption that readers were already experienced at the tables and adept with the mechanics of playing the game.
Of all the pieces I have read in the Post concerning the giveaways to corporations that have been offered by Mr. Harrell and local government officials, I question if anyone in Rowan County really is adept at playing the game.
Whatever happened to the principles of free enterprise and laissez faire? Has big business become so conditioned to government handouts, they can’t make decisions or survive without them? The most ridiculous example Harrell cited is National Starch, already located in Rowan County, being offered "incentives" to expand its existing facility. As to the company’s gifts to United Way and its math tutoring program at an elementary school, many citizens donate their time and money according to their ability and means to benefit others. As taxpayers, they just don’t hold out their hands, demanding generous tax deductions or rebates for what they put back into their community. (more…)
Last 5 posts in Daily News
- Miller clashed with Palin over science on global warming - October 6th, 2008
- Myrick gets calls from old Republican stars - October 6th, 2008
- Will oil companies invest in drilling off the coast of N.C.? - October 6th, 2008
- Hagan gains influence as a team player - October 6th, 2008
- Fact, falsehood -- or somewhere in between? - October 6th, 2008
Email This Post
Print This Post
