Bruce F. Simmeth – 5/9/12

This page was last updated on May 9, 2012.

Support anti-hunger programs; Bruce F. Simmeth, Executive director - United Way of Beaver County; Beaver County Times; May 9, 2012.

This is the at least the 16th letter from Mr. Simmeth since June 2005 lobbying for more government redistribution of income/wealth. If you look at my previous critiques of his letters (here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), you’ll find Mr. Simmeth tends to overstate alleged cuts and requests huge increases. In one case, Mr. Simmeth appeared to request a spending increase of from five to 10 times. In January 2006, Mr. Simmeth wanted federal taxpayers to increase their funding of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $2,000,000,000. I did not critique that letter (“Hike LIHEAP funding”; January 24, 2006) and it is no longer on the BCT website.

While I applaud Mr. Simmeth’s efforts to help the less fortunate among us, I oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to fund any of these efforts. It’s wrong to confiscate income/wealth from one person and give it to another, regardless of good intentions. Further, it can be the difference between a family remaining self-sufficient and requiring assistance.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I am writing in support of our critical hunger-relief programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which are more important today than ever.

“I would urge U.S. Sens. Bob Casey Jr. and Pat Toomey to give their support to these key anti-hunger programs through the 2012 Farm Bill. Today, we have millions of Americans, approximately 2 million in Pennsylvania, who are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table for their families.

“I would request the senators support increased funding for TEFAP, which is an important source of food for our food banks in Beaver County. I would also strongly urge them to oppose any proposals to weaken SNAP (Food Stamps), such as recent efforts to change its structure, reducing funding, restricting eligibility and cutting benefits.

“These programs have become a lifeline for our low-income citizens during these difficult economic times and they deserve your support.”

[RWC] There is nothing compassionate about the government taking from one family’s paycheck to give to someone who didn’t earn it. There is nothing altruistic or charitable about telling government to rob from Peter to pay Paul. Compassion is when a person freely chooses to use his own paycheck to help someone in need. Should people in need get help? Of course, but from private charities funded by voluntary contributions, not by confiscated earnings.