Three Problems

My name is Steven Thayn. I serve in the Idaho House of Representatives. I am honored to live in Idaho among Americans that possess noble aspirations and an unconquerable, can-do spirit.

America has three basic problems that manifest themselves in high taxes, federal deficits, unemployment, inflation, and trade deficits -- all symptoms of economic illness. We will not achieve a healthy economy until these three problems are addressed and solved.

The first problem is economic. America has too many expenses and too little income. Government expenses consume more wealth than the private sector is able to generate.

The second problem is voter confusion over who should care for the needy. While caring for the needy is a natural desire; government is not an efficient delivery system. Programs to help the needy consume 70 percent of the federal budget and growing! Tax reduction and economic growth are linked to entitlement reform.

The third problem, it has become culturally acceptable for people to live off of the wealth of others without an expectation of contributing to their own sustenance. This has driven up social spending, caused taxes to rise, increased social problems, and created a dependent, non-productive class of citizens.

These three problems must be addressed simultaneously. Government spending must be reduced so that more wealth can remain in the private sector which will allow the private sector to grow and create jobs. Voters must support a transition from state charity to private charity so that costs can be reduced and quality improved by supporting politicians who raise this important issue. Finally, it can no longer be culturally acceptable to live off the labor of others without an expectation of paying back by helping others.