Tax-related debates

Regarding Danny Palmer’s Sunday tax column, “Deciphering the tax code”: While Palmer is certainly entitled to criticize the federal tax code — and who couldn’t — I thought it unfair to use veteran Tribune-Herald staff writer J.B. Smith’s story as a pretext for his rant. Palmer accused Smith of perpetuating myths and even stating “falsehoods.” But Palmer identifies no falsehoods, and there were none. Palmer may not like the tax code, but why falsely accuse Smith?

I thought Smith did readers a valuable service by correctly dispelling the myth that buying a home may have tax benefits, when in fact it may not. Readers less sophisticated than a tax attorney may not know this, and Smith helped educate readers on a fact that they may not know. 

I have enjoyed reading Smith’s articles through the years. The Trib is fortunate to have him. 

Stuart Smith, Waco

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David Pooler’s Saturday letter asked why so many oppose the raising of taxes. Let me offer just a few of the many reasons:

* The government is the worst possible custodian of our tax dollars regardless of who is in office. Most federal or state public spending programs are bankrupt or experiencing deficits.

* Additional tax revenue rarely results in public benefit. Public benefit comes only when tax rates and tax codes allow the private sector to flourish.

* Due to the most corrupt tax code on the planet, those of us who pay the predominance of the tax now will only be further burdened, while those who pay no tax will continue to live on the dole.

* Statistics show higher taxes result in slower economic growth and fewer opportunities.

* The current administration has had two years to make meaningful and prudent economic progress by bringing spending under control. Instead, they squandered it by entering into a spending frenzy and bailout craze, which has now placed this nation on the brink.

* Many government-funded programs are abhorrent to the bulk of hardworking people. They use our tax dollars in unspeakable ways to promote agendas we don’t agree with.

The electorate sent a clear message to the current administration and Congress last November. The message was that we have had enough. Stop spending like drunken sailors and recognize your responsibility to use our tax dollars wisely.

The message is lost in the arrogance that permeates this group of egotists. President Barack Obama continues to ignorantly insist that we can spend our way to prosperity. Why would anyone want to give them more fuel for the cash fire they have created and continue to build?

Kyle Cox, Woodway

Momentum needed

The Baylor baseball team remains a mystery. Loaded with talent, it has fallen from No. 14 to out of sight. It appears that the Bears have lost their momentum.

The team plays well when it wants to. But to get to the College World Series, the players need more fire in their bellies and, of course, many more wins.

I hope Baylor can claw its way back into the top 25. It would be a shame to see such wonderful talent go unnoticed.

Dana D. Phillips, Waco