Kurt Bouwhuis, Mackinac Center Intern

Here is a letter I recently sent to the Midland Daily News:

In Anne Mowery’s letter on balanced reporting, she states “…I cannot, as a decent person, turn my back on those who have lost their jobs or have a pre-existing condition that prevents them from getting insurance at a reasonable rate, or denies them coverage.” (“Give us balance,” Sept. 1).

As I read this statement, I was inspired by what I felt was Anne’s heartfelt proposal to help these people in need with her own time and resources.

My sense of inspiration quickly diminished as I read the very next sentence: “I find it troublesome when you run all of your guest writers’ columns slamming Obama and those who would try to help the people who need help in these tough economic times.”  Although I share Anne’s desire for balanced reporting, I oppose her and Obama’s approach to helping people.

It is inspirational to see individuals spend their own time and resources helping people in need.  It is upsetting to see individuals spend their own time and resources lobbying for the confiscation of other people’s money to fulfill the same end.

Kurt Bouwhuis