THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, March 13, 1995 TAG: 9503100023
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Since arriving back in Virginia, where I was born, as a military member, I have been appalled at the apparent lack of outcry by people being gouged by their own government.
A state that has been ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court to pay back the retired military members all of the taxes it illegally took from its citizens decides to pay back only 76 percent. Apparently it's OK to blow off the Supreme Court. Try blowing off a state tax collector, but only if you desire to meet another state employee - the state police.
Have you ever looked at your phone bill? Closely? I am charged $17.09 for the basic services I desire. The state tacks on $5.27 for tax and a relay charge. The federal government has a 62-cent tax and $3.50 subscriber line charge. Bottom line: a total taxation of $9.39 on a $17.09 service. That's a 54 percent tax on service that most folks are required by their jobs to have.
You rarely see many local politicians working to remove all those insidious taxes until you pull the string. I would suggest folks ask their representatives how they feel on these two ``minor issues'' and see if they really represent us.
PAT CASSIDY
Norfolk, March 1, 1995 by CNB