This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Tax cuts and spending cuts will not lead our country to the economic promised land. Yes, we need to eliminate waste in government and to make government responsive to the public.
However, we also need to pay for the best education from early childhood through college or trade schools, and retraining for adults. We also need to fund basic infrastructure that will help our businesses and society be more competitive going forward.
These concepts are discussed in detail in Jeffrey Sachs' recent book, The Price of Civilization: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity (see Sachs' interview with Charlie Rose at http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11925).
The wealthy, especially, should support the views expressed in The Price of Civilization, even if it means that they may pay more taxes. By funding our government properly, we get our deficit under control and we have an educated public with the necessary infrastructure to continue to be competitive.
There will be more jobs and more customers for businesses owned by the wealthy. By putting people back to work, Americans will have more dignity and the future will be brighter for our children and grandchildren.
All voters should read The Price of Civilization.
Mark Rothacher
Salt Lake City