Problem is government, not the rich

Twice in Mr. R. Kent Kirkwood's letter (Super rich could get by on less, Dec. 18), he uses the phrase “This is all you need to know” when referring to what he sees as the down side to Republicans. I think perhaps many people also thought they only needed to know a few slanted opinions about Republicans and conservatives to make their choice at the polls.

Fortunately, and for the good of the country, many more people decided to learn more about what was happening in both parties prior to the recent midterms. I have a feeling R. Kent wasn't thrilled with the outcome.

I saw a university professor with a “Dr.” in front of her name on a news program last night who felt the government should provide free health care, free college educations and guarantee work for everyone in the country. Interspersed with her talking points were three or four digs regarding what she sees as the greed and evil aspects of the private sector. I did not catch what her doctorate was in, but I think it is safe to say it wasn't economics.

When asked how the country was supposed to pay for all of this, her answer was a simple “Through taxation, especially corporate taxes.” It's scary to think this is a common attitude of those teaching our young people.

This highly educated, and quite ignorant to the real world, professor and Mr. Kirkwood both seem to think they and their like-minded supporters know, and have the right to decide, what individuals can earn in our country. The letter uses an example of someone making $35 million and only paying 35 percent tax. That's over $10 million dollars a year in taxes from one individual.

Ten million is also the amount Democrats are asking for in the spending bill for a John Murtha Memorial (I guess the $25 million airport isn't enough) You want to talk about what the real tax problem is in this country, Mr. Kirkwood? It isn't what we pay; it is what they do with it.

Marc Thomsen

Elk Grove Village