Give Tax Breaks to Create New Jobs

Re “False Advertising,” editorial, Oct. 22: While I agree with your assessment that both the Republicans and Democrats have offered more pork than stimulus, your suggestions of increased unemployment benefits, food stamps and “tax rebates” (how does someone receive a “rebate” on taxes he never paid?) are also lacking. None of this will create one job.

I think we should propose accelerated depreciation on new purchases for a specified time to give individuals and corporations an incentive to spend money and create new jobs. I’m sure most of the people currently unemployed or recently laid off would sleep much better at night knowing they have a job than knowing unemployment benefits have been extended.

Mike Daley

Huntington Beach

Maybe I’m missing something. Doesn’t our government need more money now, not less, what with war and security costs and the bailing out of a variety of industries and businesses? I remember during World War II, when we needed to rebuild and enhance our military, a 10% luxury tax was imposed and no one complained. This tax was placed on nonessentials such as cosmetics, jewelry, furs, yachts, etc. Maybe it is our president who is missing something.

Charlotte Cohen

West Los Angeles

Re “Take a Guess: Who’s Going to Pay for the Terror Economy?” by Robert Reich, Commentary, Oct. 23: Nice try, Mr. Reich, but your ridiculous assessment of tax cuts would have made me laugh if I wasn’t so angry. Tax cuts benefit the rich? Really? Well, for those “poor” people out there outraged by a proposed tax cut, don’t forget this: The government classifies anyone making approximately $70K annually as rich. So for those two-income middle-class families struggling to make the mortgage payments, if you want to get angry at the “rich,” just look in the mirror.

Steve Reynolds

Los Angeles