Bush’s Tax Plan Cuts Both Ways

Why do we need a massive tax cut? The Republicans say that if we don’t give the big surplus back, the politicians will throw it away on “foolish and unneeded” social programs.

You would think that every working mother in this country, including those we’re trying to get off welfare, has accessible and affordable child care. Every family has medical insurance. Every student in a public school has facilities that are in good shape. Qualified teachers are paid as the professionals most are. There are adequate facilities and personnel to deal with our homeless and mentally ill.

As a senior citizen and a beneficiary of Social Security and Medicare, I appreciate these wonderful programs. But why should the needs of seniors come before those of children, working families, the poor and those in need of medical protection? I can’t see aid for others as being throwaway programs.

It’s time to slow down this runaway stampede to possibly create a real economic downturn through President Bush’s tax cut, when there is so much to do for our American families.

GERSHON L. LEWIS

Pacific Palisades

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Bush’s tax plan has drawn fire from those who oppose tax cuts that benefit the rich. I don’t agree that taxes should be used for wealth redistribution, but those who subscribe to that view should support upper-bracket tax cuts because they optimize the tax revenue collected from wealthy Americans. During the 1980s, the top-income tax rate dropped from 70% to 28%, yet tax revenue from upper-income groups actually increased. Why? Only a fool put very much effort into earning income in the 70% bracket. In recent years, the federal budget surpluses have been driven not by the 39.6% tax bracket, but by capital gains taxes. Not coincidentally, long-term capital gains tax rates had been lowered slightly.

The “soak the rich” crowd has a choice. They can feel self-righteous with high tax rates or actually collect lots of revenue with a more sensible tax rate.

FREDERICK SINGER

Huntington Beach