Tax reform would make room for more jobs
I agree with The Times’ evaluation of Norm Dicks’ congressional performance [“Stormin’ Norm as a deficit hawk,” Opinion, May 17].
Indeed, “for the good of the entire state, he has been an ally across topics, jurisdictions and party lines.” But the suggestion that “he now must become a deficit hawk” seems Reaganesque. The federal deficit is a concern, but recovery from the current recession and restoration of employment outweigh a balanced budget.
A healthy economy and tax reform would create a balanced budget. Tax reform in the form of a state income tax is imminent in Washington and expiration of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy is imminent in Washington, D.C. Both would allow the government to invest in jobs.
The concern for epic deficits is about a decade late. The federal budget was balanced when former President George W. Bush entered office. His administration ignored fiscal responsibility in an attempt to “starve the beast.” The conservative economic theory is that if the government is broken, it cannot govern. The results of this policy are now painfully evident off the Louisiana shore.
— Bill Taylor, Renton