Leviticus 19:15 declares, "You shall not commit a perversion of justice: you shall not favor the poor and you shall not honor the great, with righteousness shall you judge your fellow."

From the above Biblical quote, the ancient sages of Israel knew a thing or two about political science. The greed and corruption of the wealthy is well-documented, but to "favor the poor" is also considered a perversion. Tell me this ain't true!

Not only is it true but pandering to the "victimized" masses (real or imaginary) leads to a dictatorial administrative state. The poor and the working class become subjects/dependents to an elite group of decision makers. The stories of financial hardship from an unexpected illness are endless.

Our local spokesperson for a compassionate government, Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, sponsored Senate Bill 5659 that will offer up to five weeks paid leave for an ailing family member. It will only cost the worker 2 cents per hour to assure a return of $250 per week in coverage.

Initially, SB 5659 sounds fair, beneficial, compassionate and inexpensive, but remember what your father said, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is."

My concerns are:

Has an ailment been properly defined (e.g., toothache, birth, adoption, chemotherapy) and who qualifies as family or "close" friend?

For a senior worker using this "family leave" benefit along with accrued vacation time, it could amount to 8-10 weeks off; who will pay for and train his/her replacement?

As with most entitlement programs, the pay-outs, administrative costs and enforcement of eligibility regulations will eventually exceed revenues. That is why a clause in the bill gives Labor & Industries the right to adjust premiums. How do you say, "higher taxes"?

Speaking of employers, should defenders of downtrodden workers provide those who pay their wages an equal compensatory program? After all, "with righteousness shall you judge your fellow." One shouldn't practice selective discrimination.

Finally, why should government be involved in another workplace experiment?

One last thought: "The government that will give you everything you want is the same government that will take everything you have."

Next month my daughter will bless me with a granddaughter and for only 2 cents per hour, I can take a paid week off. Of course my employer can afford it. Thank you, Sen. Keiser, for compassionately re-distributing incomes from one group to another.

Robert Ross

Des Moines