Ironic fate of Land of Lincoln

With all due respect to Gov. Quinn, who I felt would be a vast improvement over ex-governor Rod Blagojevich, who is now in prison, I must admit I am completely disappointed.

As an individual who deals with facts and not opinions, history tells us that when taxes are reduced, the government gets revenue in its treasury. Gov. Quinn's proposal to change the flat tax to a graduated tax will only hurt the economy of the state of Illinois more than it is currently suffering, which has made it the worst rated in the United States.

The argument that progressive taxes are fair, since they tax more successful people more money fails to recognize with a flat tax, if you earn more income, you pay more taxes than someone who earns less income. An argument could be made that progressive taxation is a violation of equal protection under the laws of this nation.

It penalizes people who are successful. Equal protection under the laws means that all people should be taxed at the same rate. The amount they pay is based upon their income even though the tax rate is the same for all citizens of that state.

One could argue that the goal of the Democratic Party is to get re-elected by making the majority of voters entitlement slaves.

How ironic the Land of Lincoln, the president who freed the slaves, is now a state which is leading this nation with entitlement slavery.

As an individual who never believed in term limits, I have changed my opinion. It appears that politicians will do anything to renew their terms and continue their very well-compensated positions at the costs of the taxpayers of this state.

In conclusion, we have gone from the Land of Lincoln to the Land of Stinkin'.

Steven R. Heuberger

Libertyville