Tax Inequities Rankle Around Deadline Day
Re “You’ve Filed, but Don’t Exhale Yet,” Commentary, April 15: It’s too bad that David and George Marotta don’t have a more sophisticated perspective on taxes, the “largest drag” on our economy. News flash: Some taxes are actually good. They don’t generally disappear into the stomach of “some bureaucracy” but pay for benefits and services that support, improve and care for our nation.
Even with extra cash in my bank account I’d still be bothered by pothole-riddled roads, paying $12 each time I check out a library book, single-handedly fending off a home burglar and knowing an orphaned child has nowhere to go. I’m all for discussing the limits of taxation, or even tax alternatives, but let’s do it with an eye on the benefits.
Joel Ervice
Oakland
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This year, for tax day, I’d like to nominate the U.S. Senate and House for the “golden fleece award,” for failing to pass legislation that stops American corporations from using offshore tax havens to avoid taxes. I’m sure the Internal Revenue Service would be at my doorstep tomorrow if I attempted to avoid taxes this way.
Whatever happened to President Bush’s promise to clean up Wall Street and corporate America?
Dave Gunall
Ventura
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Many of your readers and columnists debate whether dividend-tax reduction would adequately stimulate the economy. Others disparage the character of those likely to benefit from such a tax reduction. No one seems to discuss the fact that taxing the same income twice is just wrong. Some of us, working to support our families and investing to support ourselves when we can no longer work, should not be penalized just because the money is there.
Dean Zatkowsky
Ojai
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What is terribly wrong with this picture? In “Some Taxpayers Don’t Owe a Penny,” April 15: “A law intended to close a loophole that let the wealthy avoid taxes is increasingly snaring middle-class earners” and “In 2000 ... 784 individuals with incomes of $200,000 or more paid no income tax.”
And on the very same page, in “Homeless Could Lose Beds Today”: “Nine seasonal shelters are set to close, turning out nearly 1,000 people.” America, the land of the free. But only if you make $200,000 or more.
Robert Greene
Woodland Hills
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As a middle-class American I see clearly that I will in no way benefit from Bush’s proposed tax cuts. However, I must say that, since the president took office, my taxes have been greatly reduced. That’s what two years of unemployment will do. So, if it is only lower taxes that I should be concerned with, then Bush is doing a bang-up job.
Miles Crakow
Los Angeles
