We need some higher taxes
Taxes will be a major campaign issue in 2012. Democrats will seek to tax the wealthy and Republicans will resist, claiming harm to the economy.
While I do not favor repeal of the Bush tax cuts, there are areas where we need higher taxes.
(1) Repeal the temporary payroll employee tax cuts. Since Social Security and Medicare are in trouble, does it make sense to cut back their primary funding sources?
(2) 47 percent of filers did not pay federal income tax in 2009. Do we expect to balance a budget when half of "taxpayers" get a pass? Let's have the courage to admit that reform is needed here.
(3) Impose a $5 per barrel tax on oil imported from outside North America. This would immediately encourage domestic production. Tax revenue would go to the Department of Energy to be used exclusively for projects to reduce our dependence on OPEC. This would include working with industry on technology, licensing and permits, environmental issues, and job training. Reducing dependency on OPEC will help us militarily, strengthen the dollar and provide a million good paying jobs. It's time to put the "Made in America" stamp on energy production.
ART WHETSTONE
Ooltewah
Photo ID law isn't necessary
The Times editorial of Aug. 24, and Clay Bennett's cartoon of Aug. 25, on the new voter photo ID law are on the mark.
As an octogenarian who will be affected by this law, this seems to be a classic example of a violation of the old adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
MARK S. WOMACK
We're losing freedom, bravery
As a native Chattanoogan, I've been away 30 years but keep up with things via the daily paper. I worked downtown many years so this idea of a stench - recalling billions spent there while citizens who for whatever reason must live in the suburbs - have seemed to me to be left high and dry.
How can there be that stench in the "Promised Land'' on which uncountable billions have been spent. Nationwide we are sailing on a Titanic unless some miracle comes along.
Those "servants" in Washington (millionaires/multimillionaires) are robbing those who paid into Social Security all their lives; those of whom there was a song "All Gave Some: Some Gave All" - even the COLAs - those self-servers in Washington are stealing. They steal "blood money." Meanwhile, their almost $200,000 salary is only the base for untold freebies they've managed to vote themselves.
We must have term limits and - crucial - an even playing field financially when running for office. Till then, who has the most to buy a lot of what they want? What have we come to in "the land of the free and of the brave"? We're losing both.
DOROTHY ROBERTS
Fairfield Glade, Tenn.