Letters: We’re all in the same boat
January 22, 2013 9:48PM
Updated: February 24, 2013 6:03AM
We have temporarily stepped back from the fiscal cliff. It is good that most tax cuts remained for individuals and for the economy.
But what did our administration really do? Tax cuts remained in effect for 97 percent to 98 percent of us, while the “wealthy” have their rate go higher.
Those who have great amounts of wealth are paying for us who don’t have as much. Is that fair?
The problem isn’t just a wealth problem; it’s a problem for all of us. Now 2 percent to 3 percent are involved in the solution and 97 percent to 98 percent of us are not. All of us must be invested in the solution of our financial problems, not just some of us.
Those who earn a low income should only be responsible for a token amount with the remainder of us gradually paying slightly more until we get up to the 2 percent to 3 percent earner area rate.
Additionally, those (a great number) who do not file a tax return must file and also pay a token amount of tax. This means all public-service and government employees along with the private-sector employees must share the load.
All of us are in the same boat, and will be successful as a whole, not just a portion. Think about it. True tax reform must be fair to all and all must support their own share. No one wants to pay more taxes, but you appreciate more of what you have when you have to strain a bit, and when you know your neighbor is sharing along with you.
Mark Turk
Joliet
Quality healthcare for all
One cannot be happier for Sen. Mark Kirk’s return to the Senate. He has done a remarkable job, doggedly refusing to give up. I hope that Kirk’s miraculous comeback means a complete and lasting cure for the major stroke he suffered one year ago.
But, I also think it is time for Kirk to come clean and reveal his medical bills and what he has had to pay out-of-pocket. As with many of his congressional Republicans, Kirk has pushed for vouchers for all Americans in regard to healthcare.
It is my hope he will come forward and endorse the Affordable Care Act. The question should be posed to Kirk if he now would endorse the plan. If the answer is no, I want to know the reason. Kirk sought out the very best doctors, and the very best hospital (Northwestern Memorial). He got the best of care and the best of rehab.
Surely, Kirk can speak from experience on what the costs of a catastrophic illness can bring. Call me selfish, but I want to be able to have the very same healthcare that we have afforded Kirk and the rest of our elected officials, right down to the type of aspirin he has to take.
And I do not want to hear the lame excuse of how much it will cost, or that it is socialist. No longer should any American family have to choose eating over medical expenses, or selling of a home to meet the skyrocketing healthcare costs. Speak up Kirk, a simple up and down vote is all that’s required.
Mike Schauer
Joliet
The “flue bug”
Do furnace repairmen receive “flue shots?”
Raymond F. Stoiber
Joliet
