Want the truth about debt in the US? The problem isn’t spending — it’s the tax cuts | Opinion

The truth about U.S. debt

Why are we only talking about spending cuts in debt limit negotiations? Research by the Center for American Progress shows that 57% of the debt is due to the Bush and Trump tax cuts and that if those tax cuts were rescinded, the debt would decline each year, permanently. Those tax cuts mostly benefit big corporations and super-wealthy individuals. An ordinary American family pays more taxes than many of the biggest corporations. This means that we are subsidizing corporate America and its billionaire owners.

Now that these tax cuts have caused budget deficits, Republicans aim to use shortfalls to drastically cut so-called discretionary spending (including highways, air traffic control, education, housing, Medicaid, VA benefits, etc.). They also want to rescind funds already allocated to fighting climate change, plus those earmarked for updating IRS technology and hiring IRS staff (which will further reduce revenue).

Instead, let’s put those tax cuts on the chopping block. Tax cuts are discretionary, too.

Beverly Smaby, Tacoma

What paper are you reading?

In response to last week’s letter “Stop trashing Republican candidates” (TNT, May 28), are you sure you have been reading The News Tribune? Just this past Sunday, I was reading articles from a wide variety of writers who write for liberal as well as conservative media outlets. They included the Washington Post, Bloomberg and The State. I even read Marc Thiessen who is a great example of a right-leaning op-ed journalist who works for a left-leaning news organization. I didn’t note any articles bashing potential Republican presidential candidates.

Lastly, the local writers for the paper covered social and criminal issues within the Pierce County area and those pieces were well written. My suggestion would be to read the entire paper to get a sense of balance and perspective for yourself.

Evan Howard Bragin, Tacoma

The recent letter titled “Tuberculosis requires bold action” (TNT, May 28) raised excellent points about the fight against TB. TB is a completely treatable disease, both here in Washington state and around the world.

Please consider contacting our local representatives, Rep Derek Kilmer and Rep. Marilyn Strickland, about supporting the End TB Now Act, which will provide resources for identifying, treating and hopefully eliminating tuberculosis.

Jennie Vano, Fircrest

Debating bail

In his opinion article in The News Tribune on Sunday, May 28, Matt Driscoll makes reference to the inequitable process of pretrial incarceration of persons who cannot afford bail. Several jurisdictions have considered this practice and attempted to revise it so that a person accused of a crime who cannot afford bail can be released before trial.

I have seen references to this practice suggest that it results in a criminal just being let go so that they can perform another crime. I have not seen any data on the success of pretrial release. Does it just let a criminal out to perform another crime or does it provide an opportunity for someone who has done something wrong to get back to a job or care for a loved one until trial?

How has it worked? Should such an approach be considered in Pierce County’s criminal justice system?

Leon Leonard, Puyallup