Wealthy Americans should contribute more taxes

When Republicans insist that tax increases are “off the table” to help solve our nation's economic problems, they remind me of an indulgent parent in a dysfunctional blended family. It doesn't matter that this parent's bad financial habits and indulgence of their own kids produced the family crisis; they insist that only their stepchildren should sacrifice.

This is so wrong. We are in serious trouble, and after a long period where historically low taxes helped a tiny number of wealthy Americans control most of the economic pie, it is shameless not to expect them to contribute more taxes to help balance the budget. The same goes for corporations making record profits.

If Republicans were as serious about solving our fiscal crisis as they are about defeating President Obama, increased taxes would be part of the package. This is about being honest and fair enough to say everyone should sacrifice to solve this “family's” dire problems.

Rob Johnson

Cedar Rapids