A vote for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is a vote for government by autopilot. Not a good idea. Taxes are high not because of some evil leftist conspiracy, but because of the votes taken by people we elect. Instead of voting for this “magic formula” that is somehow supposed to trump human nature as well as the political process, we need to take steps to attract better candidates and pay more attention to what they’re saying before we vote for them.

Everybody hates taxes and most people complain about them. But to actually do something about it takes tough decisions – like cutting spending – and many politicians don’t have the stomach for it, especially if they want to be re-elected. The people who complain the loudest that their taxes are too high are usually the first ones to scream bloody murder when the pothole in front of their house isn’t filled or the road isn’t plowed.

If you think the government is spending too much money, you don’t need to vote for TABOR. Elect better people, and speak up loudly against unjust taxation, such as the ridiculous rain tax just adopted in Lewiston. And speak up loudly against excessive spending. That’s how democracy is supposed to work.

Richard S. Whiting, Auburn