LETTER: GOP needs to stand firm

To the Telegram:

President Obama says he will not let the elderly and middle class suffer while the wealthy — those making over $250,000 a year — pay not one penny more to help. He insists conservatives must compromise their principles so the rich can be taxed more. Has the educational system betrayed our public so severely that people will fall for this?

The Constitution specifically states that Americans are to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson explained the right to own one’s intellectual and personal property was essential to assuring liberty and happiness.

Originally, our founders wanted an inexpensive government that was supported by consumption taxes on property sold at auction, corporate bonds and non-essential items like distilled spirits and tobacco.

In 1862, Congress enacted the first income tax to support the Civil War. That tax was eliminated in 1872. In 1913, the 16th Amendment made income taxes permanent, supporting never-ending American involvement in wars and a burgeoning government with employees often making more in salary and benefits than do the citizens holding similar public sector jobs.

Basic math skills prove the wealthy already pay much more tax than others pay. Even under a flat tax of 10 percent, a person earning $50,000 would pay $5,000 in taxes and a person earning $200,000 would pay $20,000 in taxes. The rich are paying a lot more than others pay.

How does one compromise a belief that no one has the right to take from another? Or on the promise to protect and defend the Constitution? Once it is OK for the government to take from one and give to another or to limit property rights, we have lost our republic and the freedom it grants.

Conservatives should not compromise. The government needs to cut spending.

Karen Schroeder,

Rice Lake

Tags: opinion, letters, money