By Diane Linthicum
May 6, 2025
On March 4, 1925, President Calvin Coolidge shared his thoughts with an assembled crowd of on-lookers attending his Inaugural Address. During his address, President Coolidge said,
“I favor the policy of economy (i.e., frugality), not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people.”
Before you step away thinking this guy was nothing but a street-corner preacher, let’s look at the economic strategy he was promoting. The president went on to state the obvious, noting,
“The men and women of this country who toil are the ones who bear the cost of the Government.”
Then he explained,
“Every dollar that we carelessly waste means that their life will be so much the more meager. Every dollar that we prudently save means that their life will be so much the more abundant.
“His summary was, “Economy is idealism in its most practical form.”
Now, this may be a stretch, but I’m hopeful that there’s a chance to move readers toward a clearer understanding of the importance of a virtuous stance on waste, abuse and fraud along with the issue of endless taxes.
In particular, Oregon’s single-party, Democrat-led, tax and spend monopoly needs to recognize the beauty of Coolidge’s philosophy.
Economic consistency is far more important than performative grand-standing against President Trump’s Administration.
Just look at the numbers.
While Gov. Kotek may be proud of net in-migration, this is happening at enormous economic harm because it is coming solely at the hands of Oregon’s Sanctuary State status and former President Biden’s broken border policy.
In general people are not staying or voluntarily moving into Oregon. Instead they are fleeing.
They are leaving because of Oregon’s punitive tax policies, increases in crime, the state’s cost of living, and escalating home prices. Meanwhile, employment and private sector opportunities continue to dry-up.
Public perception of Oregon also lies in shambles—scattered like the abandoned sleeping bags, worn tents, needles and fast-food litter that clutter nearly every street-corner in Portland.
The downward spiral of reduced demand and reduced investment leads to lost revenue for municipal, county and state governments. Those service sectors respond by further reducing output which increases frustrations and angst while hinting to families that, “maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.” It is a typical demand-destruction cycle that goes round and round.
Oregon is in a deadly feed-back loop that is very difficult to stop.
Now… just what does Oregon’s Legislature want to do? Well, they want to kill the golden taxpayer who funds the entire game.
This is sheer folly.
Here are a handful of the destructive ideas being considered:
What can you do?
First, don’t tax yourself into poverty because you think it might help. It doesn’t. Frugality is your friend.
Second, don’t approve local tax levies or new taxing districts out of fear that someone might call you a cheapskate. Remember, frugality is true compassion.
Lastly, call your City-council members, Commissioners, Representatives and Senators and share with them how proud you would feel if they were to exercise true, compassionate economy to save people, families and lives.
Support Diane’s Conservative efforts
Diane Linthicum
Oregon State Senate – Elect – District 28
© 2025 Diane Linthicum – All Rights Reserved
E-Mail Diane Linthicum: Diane@Diane4OR.com
