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Posted

To the editor:

I intended to write how the partial DOJ release of the Epstein files proves that Donald Trump not only knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, but that Trump was likely a participant.  But, why? 

Trump apologists would only parrot his false claim that the files actually “exonerated” him, just as they overlooked Trump’s self-confessed sexual abuse on the Access Hollywood video.

Instead, I will add to Howard Elterman’s excellent letter on the urgent need to raise taxes on the wealthy.  One online critic of the letter cited that taxing wealth is too difficult; requiring an administrative army.  He also claims taxing wealth is counterproductive; it would cause economic harm and the wealthy would evade taxation by moving, resulting in little revenue. 

Both arguments are pure nonsense.

Every state in the union already has a wealth tax – the property tax.  For most working-class Americans their largest, and perhaps only asset, is their home.

Each year homeowners pay property taxes equal to 1-3 percent of their home’s value.  Why couldn’t stock brokers be required by federal law to issue a 1099 providing the value of each person’s investment portfolio as of closing on Dec. 31 with that amount subject to a 3 percent tax? 

The federal government could take 2 percent and the remaining 1 percent returned to the state of the individual’s residence – no administrative army needed or avoidance possible.

Secondly, if the economy can withstand consumers paying 6-8 percent sales taxes and 15-30 percent tariffs on domestic and imported goods, it can surely survive investors paying 1-2 percent on market transactions. 

However, capitalists, through lobbying, wrote the rules regarding who pays, on what and who doesn’t pay at all.  That’s why homeowners pay 1-3 percent annually on an asset they might only hold a 20 percent share in, while their banks pay nothing on the 80 percent they own. 

Joseph Cannisi

Comments

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  • Valete

    To counter the propaganda presented in paragraph one of your letter, I provide a comprehensive and unbiased account of the relationship between Mr. Trump and Mr. Epstein.

    During the 1990s and early 2000s, Trump and Epstein were part of the same social circles, attending various parties and events together.

    However, after Epstein’s arrest in 2019, Trump claimed that he had not spoken to him in years and was unaware of his activities.

    Over time, Mr. Trump’s comments regarding Epstein have varied, but they generally suggest a lack of knowledge about Epstein’s criminal activities.

    In conclusion, it’s crucial to approach statements about high-profile individuals with caution, as the media often simplifies complex relationships into oversimplified narratives.

    Wednesday, February 11 Report this

  • krell1349

    Your boy Trump is in there over one million times. He was involved and was complicit along with many other men. That's why he did not want the files to be released. He his trying to protect himself and other powerful men.

    Friday, February 13 Report this

  • Valete

    If I were you, I would avoid bringing up the Epstein Files. Biden’s Attorney General, Merrick Garland, looked high and low for incriminating facts to destroy Mr. Trump, but to his dismay, he said there was no smoking gun.

    Given the uproar surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, there was a missed opportunity. They could have invited former President Bill Clinton to testify about the Epstein files during halftime, to liven things-up a tad.

    Unfortunately, that did not happen. However, after a lot of wrangling, the Clintons are scheduled to appear for closed-door depositions later this month regarding the infamous Epstein files—this should prove very interesting!

    Friday, February 13 Report this

  • krell1349

    Nothing will become of the Clinton's testimony. It's a distraction. The one who should testify under oath is Trump.

    Sunday, February 15 Report this

  • Valete

    Mr. Trump is hopeful that the Epstein Files will be released shortly. His enthusiasm is fueled by his assumption that when the truth is revealed, countless Democrats will be running for cover in sanctuary cities all over the country! However, there’s one small problem: with sanctuary cities full to the brim with illegal aliens, is there room for Epstein’s compadres?

    Sunday, February 15 Report this

  • Valete

    Putting aside partisan politics, I’d like to offer Mr. Biden a fair and unbiased critique. It seems that he was struggling to navigate the political landscape. His family may have exploited his mental health challenges to push through a failed political agenda, leading to his downfall and embarrassment. As a result, his actions have impacted his public persona, political career, and legacy.

    Thus, it’s only befitting to say, I wish Mr. Biden finds peace in the twilight of his earthly existence. May he find solace in the Elysian Fields, where he will be reunited with his loved ones who have already embarked on this metaphysical journey across space and time!

    Monday, February 16 Report this

  • fcannisi

    The only "uproar surrounding Bad Bunny's Superbowl halftime show" came from the racists Trump appeals to whenever he finds himself in trouble, as usual.

    Monday, February 16 Report this

  • Valete

    I have news for you: the people who play the race card are the most racist of all!

    Playing the race card is like the boy who cried wolf—nobody pays them any mind.

    Monday, February 16 Report this