COMMUNITARIANISM IS GREAT - until it's my turn to pay.

In the ongoing hue and cry over school funding in Texas, one thing is noticeably absent: the voice of the tea partyers.

Where are all of the letters accurately portraying our public schools as socialist? Where are the justifiable demands for property owners without children to be relieved of their school tax obligations? Where is the heartfelt insistence that families pay more for each child they have in the school system?

Let the voice of these patriots be heard.

Letter from reader Brad Smith in the March 21 edition of the Austin (TX) American-Statesman (who, bless its incompetent little heart, can't put anything online until at least one day after the print publication hits the street).

Well. I presume Mr. Smith is single, or childless, so let me ask him if he is willing to forego his Social Security, since it will be paid for by my children. Just in case Mr. Smith is unaware (which certainly he is) his - and some of my - FICA taxes are going to pay for his parents, of which I presume he has two.

And since he is obviously willing (being childless) to forego his Social Security benefits, does he think it is appropriate for me to receive a larger Social Security benefit since I have two children?

And yes, I am both receiving a Social Security benefit check and a tea party "patriot." And additionally for those of you about to go "Aha!" I am also willing to sacrifice some of my benefits for the common good.