Archived Opinion

GOP should not politicize debt ceiling

To the Editor:

During the Trump administration, bipartisan votes increased the debt ceiling three times, without conditions. Now that a Democrat is president, the Republicans do not want to do what is necessary for our country. After the debt ceiling is passed, both parties can then negotiate to pass the next budget. The tax cut passed during that administration caused a significant increase to our national debt, but it did benefit corporations as well as millionaires. 

The bill just passed cut the increased funding to the IRS, benefiting those who cheat on their taxes. As a retired CPA who helped clients who were being audited, clients who do not cheat have no fear of an audit. Average taxpayers, with income from salaries, do not have the ability to take advantages of tax loopholes, so a school teacher or policeman often pays taxes at a higher rate than a corporation president. The vote passed by the Republicans also cut a number of programs important to many Americans, including $20 billion cut from the VA.

When President Trump was in office, he paid no income taxes for one or two years and only $750 in another year, although he claims to be a billionaire.

Clark Pearson

Sylva

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