Letters to the Editor

Posted: August 17, 2012

Not everyone is pitching in

Adam Benforado defends the taxation of the $25,000 awarded to the Olympic gold medalists, as well as taxing the wealthy commensurate with the money they make, even when some would suggest that to do so is unfair ("Why we tax success," Tuesday). Not necessarily.

If the Olympic athletes earn that money by what they do, then it should be taxed just like any other income. In that respect, I agree with Benforado. However, he justifies the tax by analogizing the tax system with a team: Since we are all part of "team America," as he phrases it, we should all "pitch in." Unfortunately, that's not the way it works, which is exactly what's wrong with our convoluted, grossly unfair tax code.

Almost 50 percent of the working people in this country do not pay federal income taxes. That leaves the remaining 50 percent to pay 100 percent of the costs of the "team." Those of us who pay the freight are fed up with that dynamic.

Bring on the flat tax and get everyone on the team to "pitch in." That would satisfy Benforado along with millions of the rest of us.

Peter E. Moore, Jeffersonville, pemlex@att.net

Don't tax Olympic medals

I was disappointed when reminded that Olympic medal winners must pay income tax on their awards. These heroes are our pride and joy. We hold our breath as we watch final competitions. We tear up as we watch them on the podium. They awe us with their skills and flair.

The sacrifices paid by the athletes and their families are humbling. Competitors are often separated from loved ones, and they spend countless hours of their youth to prepare. Parents defer financial investments, new homes, cars, and vacations in order to support their children.

After all that, they have to pay taxes on their medals, which are our medals, too. We boast about them. Their names become familiar and are used to inspire future Olympians. So why must they pay a tax on the medals? Why can't they keep the full amount as they return home, to help their families or to continue with schooling or Olympic training? Why can't we show them our sincere gratitude by allowing them to keep all of the award they have earned?

Beth Chaville-Fuller, Elverson

A role model for all

Carli Lloyd is being portrayed as a hero and role model for young girls ("Carli Lloyd's Olympic homecoming," Tuesday). She is much more than that. She embodies the character that anyone who looks to succeed in anything should adopt. She worked hard and stayed focused, never letting her dream slip away. She had obstacles placed in her way and she overcame them. She is a role model for all and deserves every accolade that comes her way.

Andrew J. Anderson, Marlton

Uplifting story on Cristo Rey school

I cannot tell you how uplifted I felt after reading Martha Woodall's article on the Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School ("Inaugurating their school," Tuesday). It is clear that those responsible for its inception see Cristo Rey as a way out of the cycle of poverty. I applaud you for featuring such a positive endeavor.

Sister Peggy Devlin, Marlton, pdevlin.dom@gmail.com

A more serious campaign?

Karen Heller is correct that Mitt Romney's pick of running mate Congressman Paul Ryan should elevate our politics in this election year to a more adult conversation ("Ayn Rand again? Let's get to real issue," Wednesday).

However, Vice President Biden's accusation that Romney would "put y'all back in chains," and President Obama riffing in Iowa on what Romney has on top of his car, indicate that they might have missed the memo. Clearly, it will be up to the media to make both the incumbents and their opponents justify their promises with their well-documented track records. In Obama's case he needs to show the benefits of his additional trillions spent on welfare, entitlements, and green energy, and also give specifics on the taxes needed to pay for all of this spending. Once these facts are exposed to the light of day, I'm not sure Romney will have to say much.

Michael B. Hudson, Pottstown

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