Tax cuts for rich have cost us much

St. Alphonsus is credited with the principle sometimes stated as “hate the sin but love the sinner.” That’s why I hate what the billionaires haven’t done or have caused not to be done. At the beginning of Jimmy Carter’s administration, the taxes paid by the wealthy and large corporations were significantly higher than they are now. But in 1978, there was a deep cut in capital gains taxes and payroll taxes were raised sharply, highly regressive changes. Then, the Reagan administration and following Republican administrations have cut taxes for the rich while creating tax breaks and subsidies for large corporations. Because of those changes, our national government has been underfunded and our national debt has skyrocketed.

What makes me seething mad is to think of the great good that could’ve been done and all the suffering that could’ve been avoided had the rich and the corporations continued paying taxes at the old rates.

The National Institutes of Health has funded research that has led to great cures and medical advances, but many more problems have gone unfunded. How many of our fellow citizens have died or continued to suffer over the last 40 years because of lack of funding to study their disease or condition? And the Trump administration has just announced an 18 percent cut in funding for the NIH.

Our infrastructure has crumbled all that time for lack of funding. We’re unsafe, and look at the jobs that could’ve been created. Our inner city and rural schools operate at Third World levels. I hate when I think of the opportunities lost, but I can get excited when I think of the great things that could be done if the rich and large corporations would pay their fair share, like in the days of Jimmy Carter.

Kent Kirkwood

Mount Prospect

A matter of trust

We should promote virtue, character and discipline. I have known the Wheeling village president for close to 20 years. He is a likeable and intelligent man, but unfortunately displays questionable judgment as revealed in the recent Daily Herald exposé. Knowing the Horcher family for the same time, I can attest to Pat’s honesty and dedication to the vil-lage. He spent 16 years on the board and showed clearheaded skills and impeccable character. Count on his experience. Carefully review his stellar record. We need good, reliable people. I implore you all to vote on April 4th and help steer our village in the appropriate direction. Our annual budget is $83 million dollars. Whom will you trust?

Jack Caldwell

Wheeling.