To the Editor:
No need to point out that the majority of Americans feel the pinch of taxes. So, why aren’t we jumping for joy that the IRS (defunded by Trump) now has the money, staffing and software (thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act) to investigate tax evasion by multibillion-dollar partnerships such as hedge funds, private equity groups, real estate investors and large law firms that routinely dodge taxes with sophisticated accounting maneuvers? (Audits will include partnerships holding more than $10B in assets and 1,600 millionaires who the IRS believes owe $250,000 or more in back taxes.)
It makes no sense that the average American on a modest income is routinely taxed, while the US loses $1 trillion a year to tax evasion by the 1% who’ve gained legislative corporate favoritism from Republican politicians whose campaigns they’ve funded.
No need to point out that we once trusted US courts to make unbiased, non-partisan legal decisions. So, why aren’t Republicans, not just Democrats, demanding that ethical guidelines be established for the Supreme Court? It makes no sense to allow judges to self-monitor when it’s become evident that they haven’t (and still aren’t) recusing themselves from cases tied to their wealthy friends.
No need to point out that the media once opted for fact-based informative journalism; now replaced by showcasing political theatrics. Sen. McCarthy’s announcement to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Biden was the big headline. But where was the legal fact that an impeachment proceeding must be accompanied by a House vote and none was taken? It makes no sense to get excited by a political stunt that isn’t really news at all.
No need to point out that public education in America used to be valued. Now ignorance due to lower reading levels, dependence on information circulated on unregulated social media, book-banning and disdain for college-educated professionals is applauded. It makes no sense that Republicans championing such attitudes are elected and regularly reduce federal money for education.
No need to point out that the US lost its esteem as a democratic nation when Trump cozied up to dictators. Why isn’t President Biden now being given credit for his statesmanship in restoring that respect among world leaders? Or for rebuilding America’s infrastructure, strengthening US manufacturing and addressing unprecedented natural disasters, while Republicans childishly threaten another government shutdown?
It doesn’t make sense, but that’s the illogic of MAGA.
Martha Hodges
Massena
