Like you, Tim Sharman is dismayed that George Bush's past struggles with chemical addictions do not prompt him now, as President, to be more "generous" in his budget toward the poor (Letters, February 7). I oppose most of Mr. Bush's policies. But I oppose even more the notion that it is possible to be generous with other people's - that is, with taxpayers' - money.
Suppose Mr. Bush reconsiders the budget and increases welfare expenditures substantially. This move might or might not be wise policy. But it certainly doesn't signal that the President has become more generous. A politician, like you and me, can be generous only with his own money. A politician spending other people's money is, at best, implementing sound policies - and, more realistically, much closer to a burglar who "generously" uses part of his booty to buy rounds of drinks for his buddies.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
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