Retroactive Taxation

* Re “If Taxes Can Be Retroactive to 1993, Why Not to 1990?” (Commentary, Feb. 28), I wholeheartedly agree with Joseph Schmitz.

That a small body of representatives (Congress) can tax anyone retroactively is pitiful. That the President would condone it (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993) is incomprehensible. Further, that the Supreme Court might support retroactive taxes would be demoralizing. That it has taken eight years for the Carlton case to reach the Supreme Court is disgusting.

Why don’t Clinton and his entourage just come out to the streets, hats in hand, and panhandle, crying, “Alms for the poor.” I’m sure that “we the people” will give them our two cents.

BONNIE WOLLAM

San Luis Obispo