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6A Daily News– Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Opinion DAILYNEWS RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer's home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 Boat ramp Editor: state would want to waste money putting in a boat ramp out to the shoreline of the river at the River Park. Which shoreline? It's up now but by the middle of summer there will be only a ribbon of a river on the east side. And wonder if the river floods again? The cur- rent will take the ramp out. Yes, I did read there will be another bid for a second recon- struction to extend it. The people are getting down there just fine without a long boat ramp. I can understand fixing the dirt area up against the existing ramp as it's full of pot holes and ruts. I suggest putting the money into the city of Red Bluff cleaning up the river bed after the people who leave their trash there. Most people are decent and take their trash with them, but there is that percentage who just don't care. Also in the second bid it did say something about restrooms. Are they going to fix up the existing restrooms or put those little houses down in the river bed so the people wouldn't have to go so far, which I would think would be unhealthy. It was not made clear on that point. Oh yes, I also think their should be more patrolling of the park since there has been many more incidents there concerning vio- lence. Another place to put the money, more police protection. I thought something was sup- pose to be done with the rock and gravel bar in the river bed. I heard they were going to clear that out at one time. I honestly do not know why the One other thing before I close. I thought the main reason for clos- ing Lake Red Bluff was because of the salmon not being able to get up river to spawn. Well, I am still hearing complaints that the salmon are still having trouble. Also the pollution from the vehi- cles down in the river bed will def- initely not be good for any fish or other wildlife on their migration. So what's the difference if Lake Red Bluff is there or not? At least some of the pollution gets washed away or diluted when it's there. No one has the common sense to look at possibilities on all levels. That's what politics will get you. Monica Ernst, Red Bluff I am sorry to announce that my A.R.M.S. project had to be closed down, at least for the time being. This decision had to be made due to my failing health. My goal was to open a low cost Project closed Editor: you for your wonderful support of my efforts for A.R.M.S. I love all of you and my prayers are with you. I am so very grateful. Keep up your fine and noble work. I want everyone to know that my dream to continue on in this work is very much alive. When I can regain reasonable health and some financial backing, God willing, I will be able to continue on in this work. For more information, call me at 536-4135. Editor: The voters here in Tehama County have the chance to break up this "Good Ol' Boy" syn- drome. Mr. Herger is endorsing Mr. New views veterinary clinic funded by the proceeds from thrift stores that I was in the process of setting up. I was planning to add more animal services as funding would allow. My goal was to provide free spay- ing and neutering and vaccinations for feral cats to help control their numbers in our community. I am very thankful to have had the chance to help hundreds of homeless unwanted pets, both dogs and cats, by finding them new loving homes and to have provided food and care for many. I gained valuable experience work- ing with others helping these pre- cious animals. God bless these beautiful, lov- ing creatures and all these wonder- ful people that I have had the priv- ilege of meeting who also are involved with rescue and care of homeless animals. I want to express my thanks to each one of LaMalfa, who says he is one of us. I don't receive any million dollar subsidies and I do not know any- one that does. I'm not sure where I stand in the "Us" picture. Mr. Nielsen does not live in a mobile home in Gerber. He will be making every photo op possible. The voters best check out all those running for office and vote not for the carpetbaggers but for some new and fresh political views. Sam Collins, Red Bluff Democracy in action Editor: cy, by its very nature, has to encompass incorporation and acceptance of new ideas and views, ebb and flow, give and take, The idea of a vibrant Democra- Your Turn Mike Mayo, Red Bluff add and subtract, indeed, a system that is alive, healthy, evolving, ever changing and amenable to follow the will of its people. Take Germany, for instance, which features a multi-party par- liamentary system, that includes the Leftist (communist) Party, Socialists, Free Democrats (Liber- tarians, at present part of the government coali- tion) the Greens, and moderate right wing Christian Democrats, CDU/CSU (a major component of the current coali- tion) and seats appointed in accor- dance with the percentage of votes cast. into play, when a substantial num- ber of hip, computer-savvy, well educated mostly young citizens came to the conclusion they lack proper representation and there- fore set out to form their own bur- geoning Pirate (die Piraten) Party. Lo and behold, they surpassed the 5 percent minimum require- ment and now occupy seats in the Berlin Senate and one of the State Houses, and find themselves poised and ready to run in the upcoming National elections. Of course, their democratic Recently, this vibrancy came system was once ushered in and supported by the U.S. in the wake of WWII, which leads one to draw the following conclusion: Sometimes extraordinary things occur, such as pupils and understudies effectively moving beyond lessons and wisdom once taught and imparted by their teach- ers and mentors. Now, why tolerate and abide the inherent bi-polar stifling politi- cal stagnation in your midst? Lighten/open up, America. Joe Bahlke, Red Bluff Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 6031 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319-2102 STATE SENATOR — Doug LaMalfa (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 3070 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Jerry Brown, State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2595 Cean- othus Ave., Ste. 182, Chico, CA 95973; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (510) 286-8537. Fax (202) 224- 0454. Jackpot win no tax win Commentary Sheesh! People who hope to win the lottery sure are stingy about paying their "fair share" of taxes. Fool article by Rich Smith. Say you win big and take a $100 million lump-sum payout. The highest federal tax bracket, which kicks in at about $388,000 in income, is now 35 percent. You will owe roughly $35 million in federal income taxes. But you'll also owe state and local taxes that can exceed 10 percent in some states. I refer to a fascinating Motley thing even more interesting: Most average Americans also support "raising" taxes on America's wealthy. The Hoover Institution also finds that 62 per- cent of respondents support the "Buffett Rule," which would require that millionaires pay at least 30 percent in taxes. That is, average Americans receive $50 million. And to hand over half their jackpot to various governments. Right? Wrong. the Hoover Institution, average Americans believe lottery win- ners should not be required to pay more than 10 percent or 15 percent of their windfalls in taxes -- well less than what they must pay now. According to a recent poll by But Smith points out some- Thus, you'd pay about 45 per- cent to 50 percent of your wind- fall in taxes. Out of your $100 million jackpot, you'd get to keep $50 million to $55 million. Most folks would be happy to want people who earn big money to pay higher taxes than people who win big money in the lottery should have to pay. However, I think many aver- age Americans are confused about how much the well-off are actually paying in taxes. The rich already pay the lion's share of taxes in America, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The top 10 per- cent of income earners pay more than half of all federal taxes and more than 70 percent of federal income taxes. According to the Tax Policy that income, they're paying only the long-term capital gains tax of 15 percent -- and no fed- eral income taxes. That's how Mitt Rom- ney earns most of his money and why his effective tax rate is relatively low. "rich" are paying. President Obama has been talking about such people a lot of late. But even making them pay 30 percent on their capital gains would generate only about $5 billion a year -- a paltry sum when you consider America is spend- ing hundreds of billions of dol- lars more than it is taking in every year. Center, those making more than $1 million already pay, after deductions, 30 percent of their income in total federal taxes (income, payroll and other taxes). There are about 1,500 Amer- icans who earn more than $1 million from investments. On Today, households that make between $50,000 and $75,000 pay an average of 15 percent of their income in federal taxes. Households making between $40,000 and $50,000 pay an average of 12.5 percent in fed- eral taxes. Households making between $20,000 and $30,000 pay 5.7 percent. Meanwhile, says USA Those percentages are con- siderably less than what the fix our messy tax sys- tem, he could embrace the recom- mendations of his self-appointed Bowles-Simpson deficit commission. It recommends that If Obama wants to Tom Purcell taxes be simplified, that rates be lowered and that most deduc- tions be removed -- which would result in the "rich" paying more. still have to pay a top income- tax rate of 28 percent. That is a far cry from the 10 percent or 15 percent that average Ameri- cans want them to pay, but it sure beats the current 35 per- cent rate. Sure, big-time lot- tery winners would Tom Purcell, a humor columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate. Visit Tom on the Web at www.TomPurcell.com or e-mail him at Purcell@caglecartoons.com.