Constitution should be read carefully

Dear Editor,

Carolyn Fox-Allen’s July 13 diatribe (“Government should provide for the welfare of the people”), on Mr. Welch’s opinion (June 15) as to the appropriate source of money for charitable contributions, is a perfect example of how far some of us have strayed in this country from civil debate.  Wording such as, “infuriating,” “outrageous,” and “move to Iran,” are confrontational and rude, and tend to cloud what might be valid points.
I have read the original text of the Constitution.  Nowhere in it, can I find the statement cited by Allen that, “it is the duty of the government to provide for the welfare of the people.”  In the Preamble and in Article I, Section 8, there is reference to the government’s responsibility to provide for, “the general welfare,” which, in the original context, referred to common defense, regulation of commerce and domestic tranquility.
The Constitution is essentially derived from Articles of Confederation and early state constitutions, both of which limited government and emphasized a balance between the powers of government and people.  The Bill of Rights essentially covers freedoms, rights and protections of the people against excessive government. 
In light of this emphasis on limited government, I might conclude that our founding fathers intended that charitable contributions be left to the compassion and sacrifice of the people.
The 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union is the most recent example of the risk a government takes when it tries to provide all-inclusive care for its people. 
That Communist government’s promise to provide for the welfare of the people “from cradle to grave,” eventually became unattainable and led to its dissolution.  Perhaps a government that, while maintaining a social safety net for those who are truly struggling, also allows its citizens the opportunity to provide for themselves, may have a better chance of long term survival.

Nancy Merz
Lake Stevens

Thanks to those who help adults with disabilities

Dear Editor,
The Lake Stevens School District Transition Program, a work based learning program for students in the Lake Stevens and Granite Falls School Districts between the ages of 18-21 with developmental and cognitive disabilities, would like to thank the following businesses and agencies for their continued support of our students during this past school year:
Lake Stevens Boys and Girls Club, Inn at Port Gardner, Albertsons, Fred Meyer (Snohomish), Haggen, Team Fitness, Snohomish County Parks and Recreation Department, Providence Hospital, Sahara Pizza, Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, Lake Stevens Food Bank, Lake Stevens Family Center, City of Lake Stevens Adopt-A-Street Program.
Through partnerships with these local businesses and agencies students in the Transition Program learned practical, real world work skills. 
Through these volunteer experiences, students graduate with vocational, social, and independent living skills that can assist them as contributing members of the Lake Stevens and Granite Falls community.

The Staff of the Lake Stevens School District Transition Program