Letter: Writer paints different picture

Tuesday, March 16, 1999 | 11:50 a.m.

The facts are that Newt Gingrich made the House require a super-majority to raise both taxes and spending. It was not until the Democrat-controlled Congress was ousted in 1994 that the budget was brought under control. The budget is not balanced yet, but it is not racked with runaway uncontrolled spending.

Sen. Harry Reid wanted to keep the Social Security fund available to the Congress to spend while his Republican opponent wanted to make it so Congress could not use your money which should be for your retirement. Your union seems to think that Congress should be able to use your retirement account by the ads its members ran.

They also noted that the Republicans wanted to give a tax break to the wealthiest half of Americans. This is the people who make more than $28,000 per year. Your union and the Democrats don't think you should be able to keep your money, even though they say they have been taking too much of it.

Flat tax? Cardinal also forgot to point out the $13,000 per adult and $5,000 per child deduction for the flat tax. This would mean that a family of four would pay no tax on the first $36,000 it earns, and only 15 percent after that. Check that with the 10-page monster you had to file this year. Yes, Vivien, it will enlighten you.

KEVIN S. LEANY