—
As the tax and spending debate begins in Congress we should step back and see just where we are.
Firstly, other than the Bush tax cuts, the wars in the Middle East and the Medicare drug benefit we have the same federal obligations as when President Clinton left office.
We are still spending $200 billion per year in Afghanistan. This expense should be greatly reduced by the end of 2014. The Medicare drug benefit has turned out to be less expensive than projected, because of the reductions in hospitalization made possible by better access to RXs. The cost of Medicare covered drugs could be further reduced if congress would authorize Medicare to negotiate drug prices and buy drugs from any safe source.
If a significant part of the Bush tax reductions are allowed to expire, the deficit will be greatly reduced. I would like to see the tax reduction expire for individuals who make over $100,000 per year and families that make over $120,000 per year. I don’t know why President Obama thinks people who make $240,000 per year ($20,000 per month) need a tax break.
Although Social Security has not contributed one cent to the debt, it will not be able to pay full benefits in about 12 and 15 years. I suggest the early retirement age be changed from 62 to 65. And the full retirement age be changed from 67 to 68. If further funds are required, we should raise the payroll tax by from 1/2 to 1 percent for employers and employees. If we are going to keep this benefit we must pay for it. The Social Security benefit for so called disabled people is riddled with fraud, and must be brought under control.
Medicare and Medicaid are the real tough spending problems. I believe both are paying for billions of dollars for unnecessary medical care. We must enact more restrictive rules for both programs. Presently we are paying for care that doesn’t improve or extend life. We must create some type of cost-benefit evaluation for care. But if cost still can’t be reduced we should raise the Medicare tax to pay for the program. Privatization will only increase costs.
Our tax code is a confusing mess for many and serves few. As I’ve written many times, the statutory tax rates in the code are almost meaningless. Corporations and wealthy individuals often pay less than half what middle class people pay. Loopholes and many deductions must be withdrawn.
The federal government currently takes about 17 percent of Gross Domestic Product in taxes. That’s the lowest rate since the 1950s, before Medicare and Medicaid were enacted. With an aging population and the burden of the defense and promotion of democracy and human rights we cannot maintain such an extremely low level of tax collection. If we are to continue to provide for ourselves and promote freedom we must increase our federal tax rate to 22 to 25 percent of GDP. There are no spending reductions that can possibly balance income and expenditums. The greatest failure of both political parties has been their unwillingness to tell the American people the truth.
For myself, I say raise my taxes, I love America and my grandchildren more than money!
Dennis Tilly is a Weatherford resident.
Viewpoints
COLUMN: Raising taxes will help nation’s debt
- Viewpoints
-
-
NOTES FROM THE JOURNEY: Survivors are heroes, too
Recently, we attended the production of two one-act plays at Weatherford College, both under the excellent direction of Nancy McVean. The first, entitled simply “New York,” was set in a Manhattan psychiatrist’s office shortly after 9-11 as 10 different patients who had either been present at the Twin Towers or had lost loved ones in the disaster came seeking solace. Each survivor struggled with their own grief and internal conflict as the doctor listened and tried to help.
-
TISIONE: We worship the triune God
Many Christians recently celebrated the feast of Pentecost, which is sometimes called Whitsunday. Pentecost as you may know was celebrated in the Old Testament. The Bible refers to it as the Feast of Weeks. It was ordained by God to be one of the three mandatory celebrations in Israel along with Passover and the Feast of Booths.
-
Honor Flight Fort Worth – the trip of a lifetime
WOW! What an experience! I have done many things, been to many places, but I must say that the Honor Flight ranks right up there with the best of those occasions.
-
Letters to the Editor – May 23, 2013
America is being destroyed by voter fraud and the buying of votes by the followers of Karl Marx.
-
CNHI EDITORIAL: Seizure of AP phone records an insult to independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
NOW HEAR THIS: ‘What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate’
This famous quote addressing communication failure is a classic line from the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke,” starring Paul Newman. Strother Martin, who played the role of the warden in a southern prison, would use this phrase every time he gave Luke a good whack with his baton. The concept resonated so well with moviegoers that it was voted No. 11 of the 100 all-time favorite movie quotes according to the American Film Institute.
-
Letters to the Editor – May 19, 2013
Do you remember the “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” sign that the personnel on the USS Abraham Lincoln displayed to greet President Bush when he went out to greet them?
-
Guest opinion: Campaign with honor
All politics is local and personal! I hope that you and your family have a wonderful summer, filled with relationship building experiences and times of relaxation. As you do all the things that re-charge us for the next round at work and involvement in community and political activities, let’s reflect on the 2013 local elections for a moment.
-
TISCIONE: Woe for calling evil good
You don’t often see “woe” used in an article. It’s a word that has fallen out of usage in our day. But it’s a word that ought to be understood and taken seriously.
-
Letters to the Editor – May 17, 2013
As mercury pollution threatens our waterways and carbon pollution-fueled climate change worsens extreme weather, we need someone in Washington who knows how to get things done.
- More Viewpoints Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
