Republican Tax Changes

Let me see if I’ve got this straight. The newly anointed party of the middle class wants to cut the capital gains tax to spur growth and create jobs (Nov. 11). They also enthusiastically support Alan Greenspan’s recent interest rate hikes (Nov. 16) undertaken to dampen “excessive growth” and slow down job creation now that the economy has reached “full employment.”

This makes so much sense that I suppose it is only coincidence that it gives a couple of great breaks to the wealthy elites who brought them their offices. Too bad that it dampens any prospect of a tax cut for the middle class whom they so enthusiastically claim to represent.

CHARLES J. SCHWARTZ

Venice

It certainly appears that the leaders of the Republican victory are planning to pick up right where Reagan and Bush left off. Namely, tax breaks for the rich (those who have property to sell) and cuts in welfare (those who have their hand out with nothing to sell). And all the time talking about the balanced budget. Sounds like more Reaganomics (the rich man’s savings will trickle down to those in need). It never worked and won’t work now.

It would make more economic sense to tax those best able to pay and emphasize a program to put people to work who need a job. Cut spending by starting at the top--government--such as a freeze in employment, a 10% cut for all those making more than $75,000 per year, including the President, Vice-President, members of Congress, judges, etc., entitlements by those retired from government jobs, and cutting out nonessential government programs, including the costly space program and energy research. Turn these programs over to the Ford Foundation, or the Getty Foundation, or whoever else might fund them. Only then will we take the Republicans seriously that they will work toward a balanced budget and launch a sensible economic program for the future.

HARDEN C. BENNION

Studio City

Re “Keeping an Open Mind About New Tax Ideas,” editorial, Nov. 13:

The Republicans are in charge and like the bullies at school their first targets are going to be the weakest kids, the ones who are not liked and cannot defend themselves. While the GOP is busy throwing poorly educated, single mothers out on the street without their babies, business can rest comfortably knowing that their subsidy checks are still coming. We still have a spiraling business welfare-state, helped along by lobbyists and PACs and an ever eager Congress that needs reelection money, private jet rides and exotic vacations ( oh, excuse me, fact-finding missions). If the GOP is looking to reduce government and cut taxes, it should start with the subsidies and special considerations for big business before it takes nourishment and education from our children.

MICHELLE L. BEST

Culver City

Here is a brief lesson in American economics.

Democrats like to tax and spend, thus fueling inflation. (Remember the 1970s?) Republicans prefer to borrow and spend, thereby increasing the national debt. (Remember the 1980s?) Pick your poison, America!

RONALD HULL

Costa Mesa