Point of View: 'Are we picking winners & losers again?' -- The Le Flore County Guardian, October 7, 2011

By DEWEY HARRISON
Associate Editor of The Guardian

Hi, James. I just read your editorial on the premise of selective tax credits and your introduction of HB 1066.

I would suppose that it means you believe some tax credits are good while others are not so good. Of course, the taxpayer never gets a choice when tax credits are being doled out - we do play an important role with respect to distribution - and I've never met a politician who thought it was bad policy to take money from one group of people and give it to another group, especially when re-election is predicated on "greasing the palm" of a dues-paying donor.

I'm feeling my oats tonight. I'll keep it quick and get back to my football picks. The boys at the coffee shop are eager to see who I have picked to win this week.

Politics 101, James: tax credits are forced contributions by taxpayers to lobbyists, the well-connected and other cronies to satisfy political party desires and to return political favors.

You mentioned some obscure company named Rocketplane Global as having sold its tax credits to generate cash up front to cover its operating cost. I guess you thought this was a bad deal for the state taxpayers.

A better example would have been Tiger Truck. They, too, sold their tax credits. I guess it would have been embarrassing to mention something that happened in your district. Perhaps you actually still believe Tiger Truck was a good investment.

Economics 101, James: by giving tax credits, state lawmakers - and that includes you - are trying to pick winners and losers, using the power of the state to influence the market. Why not allow free markets and consumers determine the winners? It works every time it’s tried.

Do me a favor. Next year introduce 1066-A and eliminate all tax credits. Pass a flat tax and get out of the way. Free markets have always produced more jobs than misguided cash giveaways by the government. (Textbook example: Solyndra.)

James, don't take this personal. I know those pesky state Republicans engage in crony capitalism as well. Heck, they're in charge and licking their chops to give our money away.

Had you attended a few Tea Party meetings, you would know what those “tea baggers” have been telling the public since 2008: Government handouts do not work, never have, never will, but there are those willing to keep trying.

James, drop by the coffee shop. I'll let you be a guest picker next week.