The Republican Liberty Caucus of Oregon

by Ibra Taher, RLCOR chair

Oregon state senator Mark Gamba (D – Milwaukie) just said the quiet part out loud, voters who object to higher taxes are “petulant children”. Regrettably, he is not alone. He merely represents the dominant mentality of Oregon’s lawmakers.

Some of them think of themselves as kings and queens who are in charge of some peasants who work for their glory. Others downgraded themselves to be only the custodians of your wealth. Do not take my word for it, just observe their actions and you will reach the same conclusion: the concept that they are allowed to touch your pocket in the only absolutely necessary situation to protect your rights and prosperity does not exist.

Lawmakers often view your wallet as a source to fund their agendas. And if the lawmaker is kindhearted, he will only take your money for his charitable desires. Nobody asks the question: what gives the lawmaker the right to take someone’s money and give it to someone else? We have a real philosophical problem here that should be approached by understanding the role of the government, its concept and its authority.

The government exists by the consent of the people. Its role is limited to protecting the rights of the people from violations by the power of the law. Therefore its taxing authority must be limited to what is necessary to fulfill its obligations. Every governmental action must be derived from the consent of the people. Without consent, there is no legitimacy. The vote of the majority cannot substitute the needed consent.

This is what king Mark Gamba does not understand along with the majority of Oregon’s politicians. Unfortunately, the majority includes the majority of Republicans too. For example, one the proposed bills this session by a republican, sponsored by another republican, is to give taxpayer’s money to specific landlords to build AUDs and generate a rental income. Others, want to increase welfare to others.

Welfare expenditures already comprises more than 75% of Oregon’s budget, and the biggest chunks go to the failed education department and the 16 years old Oregon Health Authority.

Oregon’s income tax rate is already one of the highest in the nation, so what does Gamba and his friends even want to do, compete for first??

How can we prosper while these kings and queens are determined to steal our money to shape the society according to their wishes?

Oregonians must reject the welfare system if they really want to live in a free and prosperous society.