Mistake of Government Intervention

On July 13, 2008 The Oregonian published an editorial titled "Blumenauer steps up as fuel costs soar". This article supports U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer's efforts to deflect the rising cost of fuel away from poorer Americans, which is essence is putting the cost of every other American.

In support of this effort, The Oregonian states that Rep. Blumenauer is trying to:
1) "keep (public transportation) fares reasonable.": They are reasonable! Currently Tri-Met's rates are $2 for one 2-hour all zone ticket, and $76 for a monthly pass, and $876 annually. This is extremely affordable when you take into account what it costs for a car, not just fuel but maintenance and insurance. Federally subsidizing local public transportation is both unnecessary and unfair for the taxpayers, MOST OF WHOM ARE NOT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERS
2) "Create incentives" for more public transportation options: We do not need incentives. It is not the government's job to create interest, it IS the government's job to respond to the People's interest. This is wrong and despicable.
3) "Increase the availability of affordable housing near public transit.": This is a terrible idea. Ask anyone who has frequented the intersection of E. 162nd and Burnside. Because of the importation of MAX light rail, this neighborhood has descended from a quiet safe neighborhood to a place where police need to visit nightly to respond to frequent and dramatic crimes and disturbances.
-Affordable housing is a code word for public mandated, low quality, high density housing that
is built by the lowest bidder. Typically not a place to raise a family unless there is no other
choice.

BIG PROBLEMS WITH THIS TYPE OF THINKING
1) Fuel costs need to go up: If fuel costs do not rise, then we will not turn the technological corner for a necessary new energy to power our transportation system in the U.S.
2) Government is taking away the duty of our citizens to be responsible with their money.

How is government taking away the duty of our citizens to be financially responsible?
By supporting their bad financial decisions the government is enabling them. White rice is currently 7.5 cents a serving and beans are currently 4 cents a serving. You can eat very cheaply, but most people CHOOSE not to. Yet the government's subsidization of certain activities that are meant to "help" only free up money for the poor to spend on other irresponsible items.

Here is a list of items that people who are poor should be able to do without:
1) Cigarettes: Get over it if you care about your family
2) Prepared foods: Unhealthy and very expensive
3) Alcoholic beverages: Waste of money
4) Tattoos: If you can't afford food, what are you doing getting a tattoo
5) Piercings: If you can't afford food, what are you doing getting a tattoo
6) Expensive Car: Live within your means please
7) Energy Drinks/Soda: Unhealthy and useless
8) Cable TV: You don't need this
9) Brand name clothing: If you value style over food, then starve!!