In response to “Fix the Problem (11/15),” I would like to give my opinion about a misleading assumption made in the author’s proposal.
The income tax in recent years has supplied the federal government with 40-50 percent of its revenues, not “the whole tax burden.”
The reality is the government has a plethora of other taxes in which to get at your money.
A comprehensive list of them would be too lengthy for this newspaper to print.
Thereby, a real solution to the deficit problem can be brought back to our country’s spending problem.
Yes, we need to cut defense — operating hundreds of bases around the world is costly and contributes to poor foreign policy.
Yes, we need to cut entitlement spending, but a real solution would need to be a gradual process extended over a number of years.
I agree we should simplify tax laws, but by eventually abolishing the federal income tax, not a new sales tax.
The states should call a constitutional convention, pass a balanced-budget amendment and repeal the 16th amendment once we pay off a majority of our national debt.
Michael Melendez
Fullerton, Calif.
