Dear Editor:
RE: Something must change, Jan. 18.
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your editorial in last week’s edition concerning the ever growing divide between the super rich and the average and below average citizens.
One of the main reasons for this is the reduction in their taxes. During the 1950s and 60s the country had tremendous growth and the top earners paid around 60% in taxes. The rates started to decline in the ‘80s and are currently at 29%. Another factor is the lawyers and tax experts that can be hired to further reduce their taxes. One other problem is the controlling of politicians with all this wealth, by supplying election money to ensure their reelection. We will be fortunate when a leader has the courage to increase their tax rate.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate John Scott (‘Not right or helpful,’ Jan. 18) and Ted Ferguson (Mayor has ‘moxie,’ Jan. 18) for putting a little truth and realism in the current Centre Wellington tax increases.
There are a lot of letters from what I call complainers. They may not realize that negative attitudes might feel good to them, but in reality they increase their health risks and lower their life spans. I suspect that these letters are not from the young. If you are over 50 you have had a great life in a great country.
However, the youth of our nation are going to continue having a much tougher life (cost of education, housing and climate change). Let us celebrate the life that many have lived and pay our taxes to support the infrastructure required in the future for our youthful citizens.
Larry Harris,
Elora