Warren Buffett uses 'loopholes' too and more letters to the editor

Buffett uses 'loopholes' too

I find it ironic that the TFP prints a large editorial about Warren Buffett's idea to raise taxes on the same day it prints a small piece on how anyone can donate to the national debt.

But Buffett and other hypocrites don't bother to actually give money to the government.

After all, Buffett uses tax "loopholes" to not pay his "fair share," the same way Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney and others do.

Buffett even uses a tax "loophole" to divert the vast portion of his estate so that he will not have to pay death/inheritance tax on it and will not allow the federal government to spend it.

Buffett, Biden and others who say tax rates should be raised (for others), should instead work to eliminate ALL the "loopholes" (tax credits, deductions, etc.) so they actually pay.

That will not be done, but, they may all go to www.fms.treas.gov/faq/moretopics_gifts.html to see how to pay their "fair share."

And how about 50 percent additional tax on all concert, movie, television and record income over $100,000.

After all, it is immoral that they make more than a Navy Seal.

JIM HILL

Harrison

School maintenance expenditures a folly

I want to commend this paper for the extremely well researched and written article "School repair needs mount" (Nov. 25), regarding the appalling state of maintenance for the Hamilton County schools. Many people have complained for years that cutting the maintenance budget to maintain other expenditures was not only foolish, but short-sighted.

The remark by a developer that he plans for $2 to $3 per square foot for maintenance while the county only budgets 56 cents puts in amazing perspective the folly of such expenditure.

It also makes Commissioner Henry's remark that the county provides enough money for the school system, and the school board must decide how to spend it appear not only ridiculous but absurd as well. It is interesting to note that the most recent explosion of construction has occurred in Commissioner Henry's district.

I do not know what it will take to get the County Commission to come to its senses about the needs for the schools' physical plant. Perhaps if every citizen sent a copy of that article to his or her commissioner it might at least have some slight impact.

Again, I want to commend the Times Free Press for such an informative and timely article.

SAM JONES

Crafty thieves disguise themselves

America's most crafty thieves have avoided detection by posing as public servants for years, disguising and sheltering themselves as politicals.

These thieves steal and squander billions by giving themselves gold-plated benefits and awarding their benefactors with favors from the public treasury.

They're normally well-groomed, boasting business acumen and degrees, overseeing national and international businesses. Hobbies usually include golf, visiting nice restaurants, and many are frequent flyers, all characteristics law enforcement officials believe allows them to blend in.

However, their familiarity with religious organizations and political practices could be their biggest asset. Most once lived lives that one might consider normal before becoming politicals.

It's a possibility because of this familiarity that prior to their current blending in they were involved in different types of fraud, so they're not actually public servants as they claim.

These thieves enjoy being the center of attention, often grandstanding before the media where they deride others for their beliefs or positions.

The American people know that the thieves are operating in plain sight, but cannot bring themselves to actually believe it and defend themselves.

Confirmed group sightings occur wherever politicals gather.

If you encounter one of these, trust not, him or her.

WILLIAM A. KELLER

Sewanee, Tenn.

DesJarlais just plain wrong

Kudos to Gary Fisher (letter, Nov. 2). Let me get this straight. Scott DesJarlais, a pro-life, anti-abortion Republican congressman, had his wife get two abortions. He was having affairs (he is a physician; do no harm) with several of his patients. One he allegedly impregnated was encouraged to get an abortion. Not only is he guilty of malfeasance and just plain wrong from a physician's perspective, but he is a hypocrite, not anti-abortion, pro-life. Yet, he has supporters who are still backing him who claim to be pro-life. I don't care if you are pro-life or not. Right is right, wrong is wrong. This guy is just plain wrong.

I am not that worried about this guy. His karma will catch up with him. I am more concerned about the people who know the facts and profess to be "Christians" who are willing to overlook these misdeeds, because he is a Republican and one of theirs. Disgusting.

TIM ENGEL

Hixson

Protective measures needed

The Nov. 18 Wall Street Journal front page reads: "Investment falls off cliff ... uncertainty about federal budget, tax increases and spending cuts may tip us into a recession."

Bank customers should insist their banks clear the fog of cyberwar by calling their bank's president, requesting answers about protective measures in light of these facts:

  1. $263 million in losses from online fraud.

  2. $10 billion in ID theft through mobile devices.

  3. 97 percent of breaches could have been avoided through appropriate intervention.

  4. FDIC insurance coverage of accounts reported to change.

BETTINA KING

Signal Mountain

'Development' not always progress

On Nov. 14, I attended a meeting with Councilwoman Pam Ladd concerning the Scenic Land Company's latest request for the rezoning of Highway 153 and Boy Scout Road. Several citizens voiced one central point from a variety of angles: this development will not improve the area.

The development will negatively impact the North Chickamauga Creek watershed. As water becomes an increasingly valuable resource, we cannot afford to hand one of our greatest assets to a developer with a voluminous history of water-related citations. Promises of modern drainage methods cannot obscure the fact that razing a hillside does not improve water quality.

Many in Chattanooga appreciate the easy access to surrounding natural spaces. We take for granted that adventures into unique and scenic areas do not require half a day's travel. If we are not careful, we will only recognize the value of these subtleties after we have traded them for another place to park and buy things.

I appreciate Councilwoman Ladd's willingness to listen to her community, and I hope that she will share what we have seen with the rest of the council. We must remain determined and vigilant in opposing "development" that runs counter to real progress.

TIM LARAMORE

Red Bank

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