Estate tax no more unfair than any other
Regarding the Another Opinion: Congress needs to fix the death tax mess: I would like to offer the following. The fact that there is uncertainty in the estate and gift tax laws is another example of Congress not being effective managers of the nation's economy.
Had Congress put in place a structure for this tax years ago then we could all plan how we wanted to deal with the imposition of the tax. As it stands now even the most brilliant adviser cannot plan for your future with any material degree of assurance.
Decisions on investing are in part based on the income and estate tax. Being able to predict the tax is more important than the basis for its imposition. A tax on the transfer of property upon death is just as valid a basis for an imposition as is a tax on the transfer of real property upon sale, or a tax on the earning of income.
The author of the comment claims a special insight into the reason for the imposition but in reality the author is just venting. Attributing emotional reasons to the discussion adds to confusion. The only reason for the tax is that Congress wants the money and the group paying the tax does not have the political power to stop the imposition. All taxes are about redistribution of wealth.
John McKenna
Carson City
What's the purpose of story on Reid's book?
In regards to the Associated Press article, "The account in Reid's book said untrue," why is this information being covered a year after the book was published? Seems to me that whomever the journalist was that wrote this story needs to go back to journalism school. I am pretty sure that after one week, a story is considered dead in the water.
It is trivial whether we should care that the quote is in Reid's autobiography in the first place. There are several quotes in famous literature by politicians that have been questionable. Ever read the Federalist Papers?
Basically, it comes down to this: What does Reid have to gain from lying in his book? The original story was published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which clearly has unfavorable opinions on Sen. Reid. And not wanting to comment on an occurrence that happened between two colleagues several years ago is very appropriate, it's called professionalism.
Because of this article, I cannot help but wonder if the Nevada Appeal is trying to make a political stand or what propaganda your publication hopes to spread?
Something tells me you should be doing research into senators' health plans and discussing who has been hit by the lobbyist and how their written solutions reflect that. Here's a lead ... Dean Heller's is quite interesting. Oh, wait, that could be real journalism.
Matthew Embrey-McClain
Reno
Freeway extension will ease downtown congestion
There are compelling reasons to oppose the idea of opening the new freeway, but there also are those ideas that (support) it. Some people might say that it isn't a good idea because it will just cause havoc with the cars and it will waste a lot of time to just get by.
In my opinion, I think that opening a new freeway is a great idea because I think it will make traffic a lot faster because the speed limit is greater so people/traffic can get to their destinations a lot faster than usual. I also think that it will eliminate the traffic in downtown Carson because people going to or coming from Reno will take the freeway because it's faster, and they wouldn't want to cross through town going 25 mph with a lot of traffic which could cause road rage, which could also cause a bigger possibility of an accident happening.
The only thing that I don't approve of is the amount of money that the city has to pay to build and open this new freeway, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Most people think that instead of wasting money on this freeway that the city could be using the money on improving schools, health care, and a lot of other important things.
I agree, but things have to happen one at a time. It might take a long time for those things to happen, but eventually it'll happen.
Christian Salavia
Carson City
Lawbreakers should not receive state benefits
I am a state employee. Today, I am taking my monthly furlough day without pay to help my state navigate this financial crisis. Like many other Nevada citizens, I have adjusted my spending down to absorb this loss of income. As a single parent, I hope that this is the end of the cuts for state employees.
If not, I hope that the state Legislature will look first to end the funding for illegal aliens. Once this drain on the economy is stopped, then look to me for another cut.
It is no secret that many illegal aliens qualify for Section 8 housing or subsidized rent, food stamps and health care. Many of their children require bilingual teachers and books and receive free or low-cost lunches in schools. They also qualify for relief from high energy bills. Nevada taxpayers pay for Spanish language signs on state buildings and offices and provide printed materials in other than the English language.
Regardless of their home country, lawbreakers who invade this country and our state should not receive the same benefits as American citizens.
Just say no.
Michael Mangiaracina
Minden