LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Alternative solutions to lift middle class

Rolf Goeth, Las Vegas

Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 | 2:03 a.m.

Kat Tatz’s Thursday letter to the editor, headlined “Top-down approach to rescue misguided,” is a refreshing alternative to Reagan’s trickle-down theory, which worked very well for the top 5 percent. Then it stopped trickling. I’m an expert on this subject because — in the words of an old blues song — “I’ve been down so long, I don’t know which side is up.”

But I disagree with the suggestion that price caps be put on products. That would be too cumbersome and would invite all kinds of exceptions and loopholes promoted by an army of lobbyists.

Instead, increase exemptions from taxes at the bottom and increase taxes at the top. Example: No property taxes for houses valued at $150,000 to $200,000. Double the tax rate for houses worth more than $350,000.

Another example: Merge the food stamp program with the income tax reporting system. Any individual earning less than $30,000 in one year would not pay any taxes but would receive $2,000 to $3,000 in food stamps — paid like a rogue slot machine. Double the taxes on individuals earning more than $60,000 and triple them on those earning $90,000.

Why put a “tax cap” on the Social Security system? In this context, a tax cap is often confused with a tax rate limitation when actually it is an exemption for the very rich above a certain amount. Similarly, the present administration is actually subsidizing the insurance companies in an attempt to sabotage the Medicare system. All this when both systems are running out of money.

Guess who benefits?

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By neiman1

Oct. 12, 2008

9:42 a.m.

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Here is the Obama solution in his own words. He denies on his site any connection with ACORN and still claims ACORN is not part of his campaign nor his next administration. This video from last December promises them everything including being involved in the transition team before inauguration so they can set the agenda. Watch Obama give away America to his ACORN supporters that put him here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vJcVgJhN...
By gunowners4obama

Oct. 12, 2008

10:17 a.m.

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I'm on the "down so long..." track, too. Many of us are, as we have an electorate full of suckers who can't see how they've been manipulated since Reagan into voting for presidents who want to make the American worker into a serf. Ironic: some people suffering from union busting, the "trickle down" theory, etc. will still vote for Republicans! Unbelievable! This is what Obama was miffed about when he made the comment about "bitter" people"clinging to guns and religion" and "voting against their economic interests." He was wondering how people can be such suckers! I"m bitter, I'm a gun owner, and I cannot wait to press the Obama button on Election Day.

I agree that those with more need to pay higher taxes. However, sixty and ninety thousand are not all that much with the cost of living (even though I'd feel happy to be earning that much). There are people out there screwing us and making multiple millions, hiring illegals and making a fortune, outsourcing and making millions, etc. They're the ones who need to pay higher taxes - much higher. If they don't like it, let them leave the country so we can replace them with business people who have the best interests of American public in their minds and in their hearts, instead of seeing us as slaves.

Gobama!
By tokaloshe

Oct. 12, 2008

11:55 a.m.

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Rolf,
basically if i live in a home worth 205,000
and my income is 91,000 per year, i should grease and bend at the waist?
wow......... now i know why obama is doing well in polls, americans greed has gotten so out of control you have already calculated how much you are going to pillage and steal before the guy even gets into office. why don't we just swap houses and vehicles now rolf? It is quite clear by you I have earned nothing and certainlty you should have everything.