Is this the depth of Repblican voters?

Regarding "Your Views" of March 5.

DB is critical of Congressman Roskam and Senator Kirk for not supporting the Fair Tax Bill, which proposes replacing federal income taxes with a consumption tax on retail sales. Its proponents claim that it would simplify our tax system and greatly reduce the size and power of the IRS.

Sounds good. However, there are also concerns regarding collection, evasion, the negative effect on the housing and retail industries, and the resultant expansion of the underground economy to avoid this tax.

In addition, although it appears egalitarian, it favors those in the higher income brackets, which is great if you are in one. We all want a simpler and fairer tax system. You and I are honest, but what about that guy over there? Simpler isn't always simple.

HF writes that a columnist's article critical of the Catholic Church's opposition to birth control is "ridiculous" and that "population implosion" is of greater concern. Allow me to put a spotlight on that. According to her same UN reference, yes, the world's birth rate is declining, from 2 percent in the 1960s to 1.13 percent this year. However, due to the sheer number of people in the world, our population continues to explode, from 1.6 billion in 1900 to a projected 9.7 billion by 2050. "The Pill" was approved for contraception in 1960. My Catholic parents had five kids, the family across the street had seven, another had eight. To my knowledge, none of us "gifts from God" have had more than three. Maybe we all just have pretty good rhythm.

LL is concerned that the Dem presidential candidates are not wearing an American Flag lapel pin.

Does that sum up the breadth and depth of the level of concern among too many Republican voters? How about a show of hands?

Steve Swanson

St. Charles