Higher Taxes for the Rich

You should know better, Blaine Greenberg (“Don’t Hate Me Because I’m ‘Rich,’ ” Commentary, Oct. 11). You state, “I’m hard-pressed to call to mind millions of dollars worth of privileges or benefits I have received--or ever will receive--from the government I support.” How about the tax deferral benefit plans: your 401k plan, your company’s health plan and possibly the mortgage interest deduction on your second home? How about the privileges of an increasingly valued home in a relatively crime-free community and an enriching cultural environment?

Most lower-income Angelenos would consider these benefits and privileges worth millions. For the past few years these Angelenos have been asked to sacrifice more through regressive taxes and fees and lower employee benefits.

You should be lauded for your diligence and success, not hated or punished. However, you too should not be immune from any additional sacrifice. If you so desire, you can mitigate any income tax increase and enhance your economic nest through proper estate planning, by placing funds in tax-sheltered annuities and tax-exempt items and by targeted tax-advantaged business and capital investments proposed by both Bill Clinton and George Bush.

Mr. Greenberg, you can control your economic destiny. Most lower-income Angelenos cannot.

BOB BUTLER, Culver City