Malcolm S. Forbes Jr.

Kudos to Malcolm S. (Steven) Forbes Jr., a.k.a. Steve, for his unabashed greed and selfishness. And more of the same to the media, which don’t report the gulf of disparity in Steve’s 17% flat tax proposal.

Americans who earn approximately $25,000 or less are currently taxed at 15%. This figure fits the majority of us underclass. Steve would increase these taxes by 13.3% while reducing his own and others’ who make more than $250,000 by 233%.

JONATHON OROS

Beverly Hills

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“Flat Tax Idea Is Rounded Out as It Gains Support” (Sept. 24) raises more questions than it answers. For instance, how are these wide percentages computed? In one paragraph, the writer states “in the range of 17% to 20%,” and in another, he states, “The Treasury Department reported . . . a rate approaching 23%.” What percentage will it be? No one seems to know. Also, when can the taxpayer expect the percentage to rise?

I think we taxpayers have the right to ask these questions--it’s our money.

JEAN M. BALDWIN

El Segundo

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The “flat tax” the Republicans are proposing in Congress should be renamed the “Republican Dream Tax” because, under its proposals, only wages and self-employment income would be taxed, while investment income would escape taxation altogether. Thus Republicans would achieve one of their fondest dreams of having working Americans, both salaried and self-employed business owners, pay all the taxes while rich Americans and foreigners, whose income came only from investments, would pay nothing.

NEWELL GRAGG

Ventura

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The “flat tax” is aptly named: If you’re not wealthy it will leave you flat.

WALTER E. HOPMANS

Santa Barbara