To the editor:

Re: “Needed programs will suffer.” I want to thank Mr. Freeman to admit that he is a socialist. After reading his article, it is obvious he knows nothing about the Founding Fathers and the Constitution.

Mr. Freeman, you are 180 degrees from the meaning of the Constitution. One of the few responsibilities the federal government has is providing a military to protect its citizens.

The Founding Fathers specifically made sure that the government stayed out of the people’s way when it comes to free enterprise. It is not the government’s business to provide jobs for the citizens; it is not the government’s business to provide healthcare or any other intrusive service. The Constitution was designed to leave people free to build their businesses and to prosper on their own. The Constitution is not about government regulations.

To all you liberals out there, it is not about high taxes and government from cradle to grave. Where do you think taxes come from? They come from you and me; they come from our wages. Corporations and companies start up, hire people, and people work and make money. When people make money, they go to the stores and spend money. When corporations do well, they hire more people and more people spend money.

The more the government steps in, as with the banks and the car companies, the more restrictive it becomes, and the less productive these companies become. Capitalism is great; it is all about competition and the consumer.

A good example on the island is, you have three grocery stores in the South End of Whidbey. Each store is competing against the other for your business, each store tries new ideas and gimmicks, and carry products they think the consumer will buy. Customer service gets better, because the store owners want you, the customer, to return. This competition is ongoing until one finally wins or they each find their niche. All because of free enterprise and the government not interfering.

So, Mr. Freeman, you keep your socialism, I want government out of my business. As for the Tea Party … HooRAAAAA!!!

Jim Dyment

Clinton