Bonds’ Situation Grows More Taxing

J.A. Adande writes that the government shouldn’t go after Barry Bonds because they should be spending their time chasing terrorists and corporate crooks. And that Bonds “isn’t a danger to me and you.”

Uh huh. And then Adande adds, “I also don’t care whether Bonds skimped on taxes.”

Skimped? That’s such a nice, harmless little word. Fact is, multimillionaire Bonds was carting tens of thousands of dollars away in a wheelbarrow, hiding his earnings from the government so he didn’t have to pay taxes. Skimped? How about tax evasion? How about grand larceny?

Pete Rose went to jail for tax evasion. Maybe Barry should call him for some tips on how to dress for the occasion.

SKIP USEN

Santa Monica

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Barry Bonds makes more salary in a single season than most Americans earn in a lifetime. On top of those millions, his income from sports memorabilia alone would put him in the top 5% of all U.S. wage earners. There is no rational comparison of the income from his memorabilia sales to that of a waiter’s tips -- but even if there were, the IRS, in fact, does pursue waiters and waitresses who fail to declare tip income.

Few people in our country have benefited more from the freedoms we enjoy here than Barry Bonds. But freedom isn’t free. It costs money to pave the streets, protect citizens from crime, educate our children, guard our borders, and look for Osama bin Laden. Why shouldn’t Barry pay his share? Should he get a pass because he hits a lot of home runs? That’s road apples!

MARVIN J. WOLF

Mar Vista Heights

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According to Laura Enos, Barry Bonds’ attorney, “If a prosecutor is motivated enough and has made a significant investment of government resources, you can indict a ham sandwich.”

Or, as in the case of her client, even a hot dog.

BURT PRELUTSKY

North Hills