Candidates’ Tax Proposals

* In his acceptance speech, Bob Dole said that Americans had been “gravely insulted” during the 1992 presidential campaign, having been told “material” things were all that mattered (Aug. 16). Moments later, he unveiled his economic policy, a balanced budget by 2002, a 15% across-the-board tax reduction, a $500-per-child tax credit for low and middle-income families, a 56% reduction in taxes for families of four making less than $35,000 a year, a 50% cut in the capital gains tax and the elimination of the Internal Revenue Service.

So we’re all going to have more money if we elect Dole. How gravely insulting.

BRIAN HAYES

Northridge

* I was leaning toward voting for Bill Clinton, but when Dole offered me a 15% discount on my income tax, it was bye-bye Billy, hello Bob.

But if Clinton comes back now with a counteroffer of say a 20% discount, it’ll be bye-bye Bobby, hello Bill.

On the other hand, if Bob comes back with a counter-counteroffer of say 25% .J.J.

BILL LIVINGSTONE

Santa Barbara

* Robert Eisner (Commentary, Aug. 14) tells us that the government cannot save but only tax and spend its way to deficit reduction, meaning that the taxpayers will have to tighten their belts, but not the politicians. For we cannot make up for the lost revenues of lower taxes with lower spending, “by dramatically reducing government expenditures, thus reducing total spending and attenuating any demand-side impact that might come from greater purchasing power.”

In other words, the taxpayers can’t be counted on to spend their own money fast enough, and need the politicians to tax it away and spend it for them.

Speaking, perhaps, for more than a few taxpayers, I say: Try us. And I could assure the professor that if we don’t spend it, we’ll save and invest it.

DG LESVIC

Pacoima

* Regarding the concept of a 15% flat tax cut: If I were a rich man, paying $100,000 in taxes, I would receive a savings of $15,000. If your tax was $1,000, your savings would be $150. I would get 100 times as much as you. But that’s not my fault. It’s your fault you’re not rich.

Of course your $150, or $2.88 per week, will buy possibly a loaf of bread or a quart of milk each week. But my $15,000 will be invested in the stock market. When I make a profit, the projected capital gains tax cut of 50% will give me additional funds. Since you don’t have extra funds, you can’t play the stock market and get the benefit of this tax cut for us rich people.

However, don’t envy me. There is a catch. I have an obligation to contribute a few thousand dollars to Dole’s campaign chest. If he doesn’t win, I won’t get all these advantages. So I have to con- tribute--I can’t win them all.

RICHARD S. HULL

Laguna Niguel

* President Clinton’s assertion that the nation needs “targeted” tax cuts (Aug. 18), rather than tax cuts for all Americans, crystallizes the essence of his philosophy--government should control the citizens’ wallets, deciding who gets more and who gets less.

The president can try to justify why college students deserve more than those unable to attend college, or why a singular nationwide baseline for determining who gets a tax break is fair to Californians, who generally have a higher cost of living than residents of other states. Regardless, it still means some bureaucrat in Washington is pitting one against the other, class-baiting and dividing us in the name of fairness.

The only fair tax cut is one that touches the lives of all of us. However, it is clear that reelecting Clinton will not accomplish this goal.

GLENN ROEDER

Beverly Hills

* I am surprised that “tax cuts” and “supply-side economics” are being discussed as our nation speeds toward a “point of no return” economically. Please, Mr. Dole, we need facts, not rhetoric, magical thinking or false hope. Properly informed, I am confident most citizens would become willing to put aside self-interest and realize there is only one boat; we’re on it together and it’s starting to sink. Whether it lists to the left or the right is irrelevant. It’s time to start bailing.

GALE WHEAT

Studio City