High taxes bring pain, not salvation
To the editor:
Anthony Tidei's Thursday letter, "Low taxes have triggered America's decline," was laughable at best. Mr. Tidei desperately needs to take Economics 101 and Taxes 101.
I guess he never noticed that after President Ronald Reagan cut taxes, the inflation rate dropped dramatically, the country's prosperity increased dramatically, and Americans saw a huge increase in their standard of living.
Mr. Tidei should first learn that governments impose taxes to spend as they see fit. Tax increases don't create jobs, they send our money and capital overseas or into hiding. Taxes decrease the amount of money that people have to spend on themselves and increase the amount of money that governments waste. Increased federal income and death taxes will not bring in $1 trillion of extra money, as Mr. Tidei says, but will have the opposite effect and reduce revenue to governments. We have seen over and over that reduced tax rates result in higher revenues.
Mr. Tidei should take note that the $14 trillion-plus national debt did not result from the need for more taxes, but out of suicidal spending on the part of governments all over this land. Now is the time to stop outrageous spending.
By the way, in lauding Europe's high tax rates, I guess Mr. Tidei missed the economic problems that Europe is currently having, and that European nations are lowering taxes and moving away from the wonderful socialism that is so adored by Europeans.
Mr. Tidei, wake up and learn the truth.
Bob Dubin
Las Vegas
Scary future
To the editor:
When I dwell on what America's federal and local governments have become I get nauseous. Can anyone honestly say they believe that our elected officials give a darn about anything other than who or what will help them get re-elected?
Rather than tax the wealthiest and major corporations, they choose to rape the education of the young along with the caretakers and protectors of our society.
This disaster is being created mostly through the efforts of the well-heeled lobbyists and corporate support of the Republican Party. This power has scared elected Democrats into believing their survival depends on giving up on middle class. Big mistake. It appears the youth and the middle class are beginning to realize what is in store for them if they remain silent. We are headed toward a future where, if you can't afford a law degree from Harvard University, you are in deep doo doo.
I voted for President Obama and remembered how he rallied his base by saying he would put on some soft shoes and walk with them when his support was needed. Where is he now? This is a prime example of running rather than walking.
Maybe we need a new political party. We should name it the People of America Party.
Don Ellis
Henderson
Medicare for all
To the editor:
In response to Steve Sebelius' Monday blog, "Democrats call for health care reforms":
After decades of paying high-priced private insurance premiums with high co-pays and complicated fine-print rules that defied understanding, I had the good fortune to qualify for the best insurance coverage and best health care I've had in my life. I turned 65 and became Medicare eligible. I hope my younger uninsured friends live long enough to qualify, but even more, I wish they could get it today.
I think the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, one year old this month, is a start in the right direction to give more people access to health care they can afford. A healthier and therefore more productive population is good for our country and for our citizens.
Linda Turner
Henderson
Slick operators
To the editor:
In response to recent coverage about multiple homeowner association issues:
I am one of the growing number of Las Vegas homeowners who think things have gone far enough regarding the tyranny of local homeowner associations. It is time to put a stop to it. But we are facing a formidable opponent.
The pro-HOA forces are well-organized. They are calling themselves "the silent majority." The problem is, they are not. They certainly are not silent. They organize rallies, complete with yelling and chanting. They are not silent in the Legislature or in the courtrooms. That's where their lawyers keep busy. Among other things, they are pushing for legislation that will benefit themselves financially.
Just because some folks say they are a majority, and then try hard to make themselves visible, does not mean they really are a majority. A bogus survey done years ago in another place does not mean a majority of members of this community enjoy heavy-handed treatment from local HOAs. I have never met anybody who enjoys getting snitched on by his neighbors, or paying nonsensical fines, or getting wrapped up in bogus arbitration that costs thousands of dollars and drags on for years.
I would view with suspicion anybody who calls themselves a "silent majority" while lobbying for legislation that will line their pockets. Watch out for these guys. They are slick operators.
Diana Gruber
Las Vegas
Nanny state
To the editor:
Growing up, my father taught me a rather simplistic way of viewing the differences between Democrats and Republicans: Democrats would leave personal decisions to the individual, but would take more of your money. Republicans would leave more money in your hands, but restrict the decisions available to the individual. Now Democrats are encroaching on individual decisions such as health care, whether there should be toys with children's fast-food meals, and what types of lights you may use in your own home.
All this begs the question: If Republicans still want to control your personal choices, and Democrats want to control both your personal choices and take your money, why would anyone choose to be a Democrat?
John Eccles
Las Vegas
