The Issue: Whether Obama and Congress should raise taxes to deal with America’s growing fiscal problems.
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It’s time for President Obama to put his money where his mouth is. Let’s see that bipartisanship in play (“Hike Taxes — or Else!” Nov. 12).
How about taking a page from the Simpson-Bowles plan? Strategically close some tax loopholes on the rich, yet keep the tax rates and extended Bush tax cuts for all.
Both sides can claim victory: Obama raises taxes on the rich only, and the Republicans hold the line on tax rates.
Next year, maybe he’ll take a look at those line-by-line budget cuts.
We are all in this leaky boat together, running out of time. Defy the lame-duck-Congress image and get this done.
Dierdre Harvey
Valley Stream
In 1993, Bill Clinton’s first year in office, the Democrats controlled all of Washington.
They passed the deficit-reduction package without a single vote from the GOP; it was to raise taxes by 3 percent to pay off the deficit compiled over the previous 12 years.
It led to the budget being balanced and 22 million jobs created over Clinton’s time in office.
The Republican Party can’t have it both ways.
They can’t talk about getting rid of the deficit without raising taxes to pay it off.
Michael Richardson
Jamaica