Every dollar the government spends first came from someone who earned it. There isn’t a magic pot labeled “public money”; there are families, workers, and businesses whose paychecks fund every program and project.

So public spending is a trust, not a free‑for‑all. It calls for honesty, restraint, and clear priorities, just as in a household. Before taking more, leaders should ask: Is this essential? Will it be used well? Could free people and communities do this better? Respect for taxpayers is the foundation of responsible government.