Many of us are in the 47 percent

Editor,

Who are the 47 percent who do not pay taxes? In 2010, a family of four with adjusted gross income of $45,000 would not have a federal tax liability. This is because of the deductions and credits that are allowed by law. I doubt that they feel that they are "dependent on government, believing "they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you name it." They would have employment taxes (FICA and Medicare) withheld by their employer. They would pay sales tax and property taxes.

In 2010 my tax rate was 15.46 percent. In2011 it was 16.23 percent. If I treat my charitable contributions as tax, rates would 28.52 percent and 28.05 percent for these periods. These percentages do not include FICA and Medicare taxes that are withheld from my wages. Why should I pay a higher tax rate on income that I earn, than others pay on unearned income?

Why is it an improper redistribution of income to help poor children get fed, receive health care, or live in better housing? But, it is alright to redistribute my income to defense contractors for weapon systems that the Pentagon does not want or need? Or, to give Israel aid that enables them to build settlements in areas that they have occupied?

Anytime a government spends tax dollars, it is a redistribution of income. I would rather mine be spent for humane purposes here in the U.S.

Just a last thought to generate more responses to this letter: Why is it OK for Israel to have nuclear weapons, but not Iraq or Iran?

Yes, I listen to NPR, watch PBS, and drive a Prius. I am a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army. I used federal hand outs (the GI bill) to attend Weber State (a state supported school) to obtain a degree. Which I then used to obtain a good paying federal job.