Thursday, March 28, 2024

Tax cuts actually benefit no one

Contrary to Kevin E. Greaney’s opinion (“Bush tax cut does benefit everyone,” SN 2/26), President Bush’s tax cuts really benefit no one. In case Greaney is unaware, our taxes already are lower then most other developed countries.

I am not saying we should necessarily raise taxes, but our money pays for many important services. By the way, in case Greaney did not know, we are a couple trillion ($5.7) dollars in debt.

It is questionable that the rich may not use more of these government services than the poor. For instance, government roads are for those who can afford a car, or the Federal Aviation Administration for aircraft regulation. The rich can afford the things that the poor do not always have access to - yet should. These are things like health care, a college education and their own home. We as Americans tend to have the responsibility of being leaders in the world and making sure all of our citizens have access to these things.

Greaney says, in general, a wealthy man’s work may be “worth more.” I agree, if you are literally talking about our system in dollars. Yet, I would like to see you tell this to the miners, farmers, factory workers and other proletariats who produce the goods we all consume. Those people have to work just as hard, if not physically harder and longer than the rich. Tell these people that because a rich man wants a yacht, the worker can’t have health care for his sick child.

The rich, in general, tend not to produce anything and are usually in the “service industry” (like those in finance), as opposed to the poor whose sweat and toil has built this nation. I don’t find it right that because of a more fortunate birth, the rich man can afford an education and a special privilege to stay rich - rich through manipulating paperwork? This luxury of “service labor” is out of reach for both those who work at a minimum wage job and, generally, their offspring. A minimum wage job does not meet the standard of living and, many times, they work more than a “rich man.” Is that just?

The United States has been a pioneer in capitalism. Yet, I for one, do not mind a few “Robin Hood tactics” so others can have the same opportunities to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness - an idea that is in the Constitution.

Seth Murray
crop and soil sciences senior

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