Counting the Cost-another example
Another reason why San Antonio’s per capita charitable contribution is so low. This is from Sunday’s letters to the Editor in the Express-News.
MySA.com: Letters to the Editor
Nobody I know believes all districts are contributing equally. However, given the data Cibrian has furnished, it is apparent that there is a tremendous imbalance among the tax payments of districts, in spite of the fact that each district shares equally the revenues.
That socialism (to each, according to their needs; from each, according to their means) is alive and well in this government is not a surprise, but the extent of it must be a lot worse that most of us thought. Please, tell me it ain’t so.
Can we see a breakdown on the amount of revenue collected from each district and the amount allocated to each district from the city?
—Jim Lohman
Even though the writer acknowledges that the district includes Valero and USAA, he still thinks that the district should get back from the city what it puts in. Does everyone who works at USAA live in district 8? Do those people need roads to get to work? Do all the garbage collectors or road maintenance crews live in district 8? Do people in district 8 visit the Botanical Gardens, attend the symphony, use the airport, or play golf? Do they have their own dump for their garbage? Do they call animal services to pick up strays?
Are the people in district 8 paying extra into the state budget for having such close access to UTSA and the UT Health Sciences Center? Does CPS have a major power generating facility in district 8? Are they building low income housing so that the local Wal-mart employees, daycare workers, or housekeepers don’t have to take VIA? I’m sure the writer would complain about subsidizing VIA as well.
Let’s face it, does district 8 really want a city subsidized dental clinic or teen pregnancy clinic within in its boundaries? I don’t think they would be thrilled to have a homeless shelter in its neighborhoods.
I know, I know, the argument would be that, “well, we don’t need those services so why should we pay for them?” Why? Because even if you believe poor people are poor because somehow they deserve it, you still need them to take care of your kids, clean your house, and cook your meals. Because if you don’t provide those less fortunate than you with some means of “improving” their situation, it will ultimately affect your quality of life as well. After all, why do you think San Antonio is still such a poor city?
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