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Today's Letters: With courage, this tax problem could be fixed

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published March 22, 2007

Tame a tax monster March 20, editorial  

This alternative minimum tax mess can be fixed just as fast and easily as the Bush administration messed it up.

Consider this: The AMT was originally written to assure that the wealthiest taxpayers pay income tax because there have always been tax-avoidance schemes in which only the wealthiest taxpayers could afford to invest. People with intelligence wrote the original AMT law to make sure these schemes wouldn't allow those taxpayers to pay no tax.

It would certainly be harder to find this level of intelligence in Washington right now, but there must be some who are bright enough to adjust the AMT law so it can fulfill its original purpose without snaring middle-class taxpayers. While other adjustments would be necessary to fine-tune the AMT, the two major changes are very simple and straightforward:

- Increase the level at which the AMT takes effect.

- Increase the AMT tax rate.

These two simple changes would eliminate most of the middle-income taxpayers from getting caught in the AMT web. Unfortunately, this change wouldn't buy a new Mercedes for a select few, so don't expect this to happen in the next two years.

Politicians seem to lack the guts to adjust the current ATM law. Their political opponents would no doubt say that this was a tax increase, while in reality it would lower the tax for many while just partly rescinding the enormous tax breaks given to the ultrawealthy in the last few years.

Unfortunately, this is just one more example of the Bush administration creating and leaving problems for future administrations and future generations to deal with.

Don Favero, St. Petersburg

Tame a tax monster March 20, editorial

An old problem

Your editorial conveniently left out the fact that it was a Democratic- ally-controlled Congress that passed the alternative minimum tax in 1969 to catch a handful of rich people who were getting away without paying any taxes. It was they who failed to index the ATM to inflation.

You bash President Bush for not fixing it, but Bill Clinton had eight years to fix it and didn't. At least the Bush tax cuts have produced record amounts of tax revenue through an expanding economy.

John Keglovich, St. Petersburg

Clock ticking on antiflu offer March 21, editorial

Why pass up flu medication?

In regard to the editorial on the government offer of subsidized antiflu medicine, I can only say that the Florida Legislature shouldn't feel very proud of itself or refusing the offer of Tamiflu to save the lives of possibly thousands of people in Florida.

Stating that accepting the offer is a waste of money for a flu pandemic that may not happen is like saying the lives of taxpaying Floridians are an equal waste of money.

We arrest drivers who have been drinking perhaps only two drinks because of accidents that they may or may not cause, but apparently we cannot protect people from a disease because it may or may not happen. What is our shelf-life if a pandemic does occur?

I hope the Legislature will very soon get on the stick, if it's not already too late.

Anne Marie Jorgensen, St. Petersburg

State ignores federal flu help March 20, story

It's a priority

This state's lawmakers, like previous Republican legislatures, choose once again to put the welfare of business ahead of the welfare of its citizens. According to the Times, Florida is the only state even considering a pass on federal help.

The state seems ready to opt out of a federal program that would provide flu vaccine in the event of a potential pandemic. The cost would be a pittance compared to the tax and other relief benefits it so effortlessly provides to corporations and sports organizations that threaten to leave the state.

Republican Rep. Arron Bean of Fernandina Beach says, "It just doesn't rank as one of my priorities."

Well, Mr. Bean, it is one of my top priorities, and you and the rest of the clan in Tallahassee had better get in line. If the outcome of the recent election hasn't sent you a message, the next one surely will.

Emiliano Quindiagan, St. Petersburg

A new low

Your March 17 recommendation of Joe Redner, that "well-known strip club owner," for Tampa City Council is a new low for Tampa Bay area editorials and candidate recommendations.

I am sure Redner is able to afford a fine public policy tutor with the money he has made from strip clubs, and that he knows a thing or two about basic Tampa issues. But does that mean he should be a public servant? Indeed, Redner, by taking public positions on serious issues involving human rights, growth management and property taxes, actually lowers the debate on these issues. Redner specializes in taking issues ripe for vigorous public debate and polluting them with his humorous and hedonistic persona. And he will do this to all issues affecting the welfare of our city. Count me as one who believes that Tampa is a worse place to live because of Joe Redner.

Luis Viera, Tampa

Redner recommendation

Image damage

Among a laundry list of less than ideal qualifications for a seat on the Tampa City Council, the Times remarked that Joe Redner is "more candid and comfortable speaking off the cuff." Is that really what we value most in a future council member? I hope not.

It is disturbing to me that the Times would recommend Redner over what it considers to be a "do-nothing" incumbent politico. While I may share similar sentiments about some lackluster public officials, I am more worried about the damage that Redner will do to the city's image and how he will likely make a mockery of Tampa's city government.

Allowing Joe Redner to have a seat on the City Council would send a message that Tampa is not serious about the problems that face its seniors, its families, and its communities. I hope the electorate thinks twice before casting a vote based on your recommendation.

Michael Farley, South Pasadena

The sweet smell of office pollution March 18, story

Deadly scents

Thank you, Lynn Stratton, for your excellent article. Before I became allergic to colognes and perfumes, I too thought it was okay to wear a subtle fragrance. But when people wear it every day, they become inured and don't realize how much they are spritzing on. Since I have been in the emergency room a few times and have had life-threatening bouts trying to breathe, I understand how deadly perfume can be.

I don't think people realize how serious a problem this is, not only for those with allergies and asthma, but for those who just find it obnoxious! My only recourse is to stay away from groups and offices and people who insist in using perfume. And that makes me sad, because some of the nicest people wear fragrances and I miss them - but I must! Thanks again.

Donna Hawkinson, Clearwater

GOP bill guts No Child Left Behind March 20

Law is too flawed

This Washington Post editorial bemoans legislation backed by more than 50 House and Senate Republicans that would "let states choose whether to meet federal testing mandates."

Perhaps these congressional Republicans believe in conservative traditions that value local control over federal tyranny?

This law has not had, as Post editors assert, "a positive impact on American education." In fact, the destructive effects of NCLB are too numerous to list here. I urge anyone who cares about the survival of public education to go to www.educatorroundtable.org and read the 16 reasons for signing A Petition Calling for the Dismantling of the No Child Left Behind Act. If only the Post editors would get their heads out of the sand and do the same.

John L. Perry, Tampa

[Last modified March 21, 2007, 23:03:48]