It is with disbelief and dismay that I read the letter of the Rev. Bruce Davidson (Hub, March 12) stating the foundation of American success, which is the most productive country in the world, should be changed.

The Rev. Davidson states the following:

1. COAH is "voluntary"

Voluntary: acting on one's own free will without constraint." Reality: it is voluntary that builders can sue the town to build. COAH is "NOT Mandatory." Mandatory: commanded by authority. Reality: for the town it is mandatory (commanded by authority) that the town defends itself from COAH lawsuits by hiring lawyers at thousands of dollars over many months.

2. "The legislation passed in the spring, which includes abolition of regional contribution agreements, was formed and adopted by members of the state Assembly and Senate."

The legislators passing this law were fine-tuning and tightening the control of the government. When the government takes control of how and where we live, it is called socialism. Telling us where to live and what is done with property takes away a freedom of choice; it removes incentive, and diminishes imagination to overcome life's challenges.

3. Rev. Davidson's suggestion in reference to COAH is to "look for solutions beyond failed policies of the past." I agree with this statement.

A good example of a failed policy is COAH since its inception in 1985. It has produced thousands of dollars in lawyer fees for many towns in New Jersey. It has tied up the court system, and taken millions of hours of people's time in meetings big and small. Government control fails. Socialism in the Soviet Union failed.

Why has America been the most successful country in the world?

America was founded upon the freedom of the individual. Americans have a fantastic imagination and are very creative to build something better. They create a business and hire people so that all participate in their success. For 200 years, they have designed machinery, and created businesses and worked at them with a passion to follow their vision to success.

COAH is government control and a loss of freedom. The government control creates a society that cannot reach its potential.

4. "Neither the COAH rules nor the bill passed last spring are new, and neither originated with Gov. Corzine. It is hard to understand, then, why he would be the target for criticism."

Gov. Corzine could erase COAH with the blink of an eye if he should choose to do so.

5. The statement "New Jersey has a legal and moral obligation to provide affordable housing in every community."

This statement is a formula for the downfall of our country. People are entitled to low government intervention and low property taxes. They are entitled to do things for themselves — to find their own path. Owning a home is to be earned; it is not an entitlement.

6. In reference to COAH, "It will also require investment, public education around the issues and leadership."

I agree with Rev. Davidson that there is a need of public education and leadership. We need an education of history — what creates a flourishing country and what causes the downfall of a country.

We can go down the road to socialismand let the government control our lives or we can take the path to freedom to be independent and follow our dreams.

The choice is ours.
Gail Meltesen
Rumson