THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 5, 1997 TAG: 9701030013
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 22 lines
As one of Virginia's over-65 taxpayers, I am appalled at the convoluted thinking in the Dec. 24 column by Sue Capers, ``Means-testing for ages tax deduction.''
It's obvious Ms. Capers does not know of the hardships and work toils suffered by my generation trying to develop a retirement that affords some security and material pleasure in old age. Her proposal of means-testing for age tax deductions smacks of the communist theory - everyone receives an equal share of wealth regardless of productive effort.
Unless Virginia is ready to emulate the failed Russian system, retain our capitalistic system that is working very well. It does not take a spread-the-wealth tax policy to support a decent standard of living. It takes people with self-discipline, working and living within their means.
LLOYD G. BELPERAIN
Norfolk, Dec. 25, 1996