I recently sent the following letter to the Washington Post:

Dear Editor,

Ruth Marcus’ recent defense of Obama was incomprehensible (”The ‘Socialist’ Scare,” Oct. 22). While rightly acknowledging that it’s important to debate the proper role of government, Marcus later uses examples of those trying to engage in such debates as proof of an “uncivil” campaign. Socialism and welfare go to the heart of “the proper role of government,” yet she finds discussion of such issues to be “ominous.” We must, in her view, move beyond the “stale ‘no new taxes’ debate.” Rather, she is concerned that engaging in these important debates will make it harder for the next President to “unite a divided country.”

Marcus wants a debate, but only after we first all accept her premise that taxes are good, and that any increase should be seen as nothing more than the price for civilized society. It sure is easy to win a debate if everyone is forced to accept your ideas before it even begins.

Sincerely,
Brian Garst

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