Reading Jack Kinstlinger's letter ("We Rich Don't Pay Enough Taxes," April 29) reveals so much of what is wrong with America. Over age 65 and wealthy, Mr. Kinstlinger won't "tolerate having to go back on predatory insurance companies." Rather, despite his wealth, he demands that the rest of us taxpayers, most of whom aren't rich, continue to pay for his medical care. But with what money? Since we're broke, we're borrowing it from the Chinese, and it is my children and grandchildren who will have to pay it back.
If Mr. Kinstlinger thinks he underpays his fair share of taxes, perhaps he should stop seeking out all of those tax shelters and loopholes, and stop taking advantage of whatever perks and expense accounts he has. As for the rest of us, we're fed up borrowing money we don't have to pay for things we can't afford, including health care for the apparently spoiled rich.
Urs Broderick Furrer
Redding, Conn.
Mr. Kinstlinger states that he agrees with fellow millionaires Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg that they should pay a more "fair" share of taxes. So why don't they simply lead by example and do it?
In the president's case, taking the standard deduction as the common man does, rather than itemizing as the "rich" do, would have increased his overall tax by $126,661. Then he could refuse to pay the top rate of 35%, opting instead for the 39.6% in place prior to the Bush tax cuts. That would add another $73,646, for a total of $200,307.
John Brenan
Corvallis, Ore.
Mr. Kinstlinger neglects to mention the effect of raising income on the wealthy. In 1979 the top marginal income tax rate was 70%; today it is half that. However, the share of total income taxes paid by the wealthiest 1% has more than doubled since 1979, when it was a "mere" 18%.
If millionaires like Mr. Kinstlinger feel they don't pay enough in taxes, they are welcome to take advantage of the voluntary additional contribution to the IRS that is available on every tax form.
Reuvain Borchardt
New York
Right on, Mr. Kinstlinger! As my husband's income increases each year, we find more legal ways to reduce our tax burden. We need to roll back the tax reductions for the wealthy.
Cathy Romanas
San Diego
I was quite impressed to learn from Mr. Kinstlinger that he knows several physicians who approved his transfer from private insurance to Medicare.
My husband and I are both in our 70s, and so we have fairly extensive experience with Medicare coverage. We have learned that there are many physicians who will not accept any Medicare patients.
Bernice Oberson
Kirkland, Wash.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 