Higher Taxes for the Rich

In response to “Tax Cuts Are Worthless, Even to Buy Votes,” by Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson, Commentary, Feb. 25:

The clever politician is at it again. Like a good little Democrat, Beilenson begins this election year with the familiar class-baiting refrain--tax the rich. Although the congressman is correct when he states that America needs to improve the skills of our work force, update our infrastructure and invest in education, job training and research and development, he is simply arrogant to suggest that “the richest Americans--those families, earning in excess of $200,000 a year . . .” should assume the burden.

Why does Beilenson ask the poor and middle-class American to indulge his folly that another tax increase on the “rich” would help lower their tax burden while at the same time cure his and the rest of Congress’ wasteful and unproductive spending policies of the past? The answer is simple. Beilenson’s target audience are the ignorant, the envious or those unable to achieve upward mobility. The timing of Beilenson’s class-baiting is shameful. He knows that his message is playing on the vulnerability that many Americans are feeling today.

MICHAEL D. GERMAIN

Los Angeles