Raise my taxes
Published on Wed, Nov 16, 2011 by Jim StricklandRead More Voices
Editor,
In response to our unprecedented budget crisis, state legislators are faced with choosing one of three difficult options: 1) cut services, 2) increase revenues, or 3) some combination of these. In the area of social and health services, further cuts would amount to an abdication of our collective responsibility to care for our most vulnerable citizens, especially the poor and those with disabilities.
Increasing revenues, on the other hand, would be an opportunity to demonstrate the moral courage to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need, those who for one reason or another cannot help themselves. It is this kind of solidarity -- embracing the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free -- that has always defined our greatness as a nation.
As recently as 1964, the wealthiest among us paid a tax rate of 91%. Yes, that's right -- 91%! This rate plummeted to a low of 28% in 1988, and is currently around 35%. A heavy price is being paid for this dramatic regression, and the burden is falling on the weakest among us.
Please join me in calling your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 with this message: Raise my taxes... PLEASE! Together we can get through this crisis with our heads held high and our integrity intact.
Jim Strickland
Everett
In response to our unprecedented budget crisis, state legislators are faced with choosing one of three difficult options: 1) cut services, 2) increase revenues, or 3) some combination of these. In the area of social and health services, further cuts would amount to an abdication of our collective responsibility to care for our most vulnerable citizens, especially the poor and those with disabilities.
Increasing revenues, on the other hand, would be an opportunity to demonstrate the moral courage to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need, those who for one reason or another cannot help themselves. It is this kind of solidarity -- embracing the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free -- that has always defined our greatness as a nation.
As recently as 1964, the wealthiest among us paid a tax rate of 91%. Yes, that's right -- 91%! This rate plummeted to a low of 28% in 1988, and is currently around 35%. A heavy price is being paid for this dramatic regression, and the burden is falling on the weakest among us.
Please join me in calling your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 with this message: Raise my taxes... PLEASE! Together we can get through this crisis with our heads held high and our integrity intact.
Jim Strickland
Everett
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