This was my first letter directly to Bill Clinton. This was, of course, before I realized that it was no longer necessary to call him honorable. The date was February 16, 1993.

The Honorable
Wm. J. Clinton
President of the
United States c/o
The White House
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. President,

I trust this letter finds you well. I write to express my concerns regarding your recent proposals for tax increases.

First let me start by saying that I am not a Republican or a Democrat, I am an American. I believe in the principles of liberty as set forth in the Constitution of the United States. I believe, as did Thomas Jefferson, that that government governs best which governs least.

I have no illusions about the effect this letter may have on your mind-set. I also understand the philosophy which led you to put forth your plans for tax increases. I write simply as a concerned citizen who wishes to make his concerns known to the man elected to represent this country.

I must ask, do you really believe that increasing taxes, in any form, will reduce the deficit? Please state for me just one instance when a tax increase helped to reduce the deficit even a little bit. It has never happened in the history of this country. And I believe that you know full well that it will not happen this time. I already pay more in taxes than any person should have to and now I am being told that I should pay more!?

The problem that needs addressing is not low tax rates, but a spend crazy congress which will not alter it’s spending habits one iota. You can increase taxes from now until doomsday, but if congress cannot control it’s irresistible urge to spend, spend, spend then we will never, ever begin to make even a dent in the deficit. STOP PUNISHING THE TAX PAYERS FOR A DEBT THAT WE DID NOT CREATE! MAKE CONGRESS ALTER IT’S SPENDING MADNESS OR NOTHING IS GOING TO GET ANY BETTER!

I resent your statement that it is patriotic to be willing to pay more taxes to help reduce the deficit. Is the definition of patriotism one who does whatever the President says just because he is the President? I blindly follow no man. I would remind you that it was a young Bill Clinton who felt it his patriotic duty to resist his governments efforts to fight a war in Southeast Asia. Apparently you too feel it is not necessary to blindly follow your President when he speaks. I will state here and now, I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY MORE TAXES, IN WHATEVER FORM THEY MAY TAKE, TO REDUCE A DEFICIT THAT I HAD NO PART IN CREATING! I know that I will have no choice but to do so, but I am not willing.

I could take up many more pages with my reasons why a tax increase is not going to work, but I truly feel that you care not for sound reason and common-sense fiscal approaches. The party line is more important than the working middle-class of this country and that is truly sad. I can only pray that, before it is too late, you can be convinced that your current course is one that will lead to destruction.

In closing I am, Sir,

yours for liberty,

Floyd C. Bayne