Challenge to Proposition 13

This period has been called, among other things, “the age of envy.” The Proposition 13 case currently before the Supreme Court defies logic on any other basis (“Justices Seem Favorable to Prop. 13 at Hearing,” Feb. 26). Stephanie Nordlinger is either shortsighted, stupid, has a secret agenda or all of the above. The presumed support from Los Angeles County officials not withstanding, the only winners will be those who benefit from increased government spending.

Your article (Feb. 24) picturing luxury homes with low taxes makes its bias clear. Such examples are far easier to illustrate than showing retired people on fixed incomes losing their homes and perhaps moving into the streets. Perhaps more focus should have been drawn on the family from Watts whose tax will be increased by 500%. Or maybe a different but still unequal method of taxation will be suggested.

People who bought homes in the 1970s purchased what they felt they could afford. The house itself is the same as it was then, except older. It is not possible for the owners to experience monetary gain unless they sell. Persons such as Ms. Nordlinger buy now because presumably they can afford today’s prices. They know what the taxes are and they hopefully have protection against future increases. Proposition 13 protects all owners of property, new and old.

C.R. ESTES, Camarillo