Letter to the editor: Who really benefits from Biden's tax plans

Letter-writer Kathleen Bollinger (“Liberals’ class envy will cost Americans dearly”) tells only half of the story of higher taxes on the rich. President Biden says he will not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year, and unless she makes that much, she will actually benefit.

Even if prices do go up a bit, consider the benefits. Ms. Bollinger, how much do you pay for health insurance? Dems want free health care for all, like all other civilized countries. It works, and the pandemic should make clear the importance of keeping everyone healthy, regardless of financial ability. And can we really call ourselves the best country in the world when our bridges and roads are falling apart?

If Bollinger watches only Fox News, she probably doesn’t know that in the middle of the last century, when the economy was good and everyone had jobs, taxes on the rich were 91%. Prices were much lower than they are today. In subsequent years, Republicans have taken campaign money from the rich and returned the favor by lowering their taxes.

The rich didn’t get rich by themselves. Somebody had to build their roads, sweep their floors and cook their food. If they don’t want to pay for a civilized climate in which they can get rich, who will? The poor can’t afford it.

If you long for the “good old days,” today’s Republican party isn’t for you.

Al Duerig

Delmont