Dear Joe LETTERS

Joe Bell seems to have forgotten that the largest tax increase in

history was passed by Bill Clinton in 1993 (The Bell Curve, “What to do

with that ill-gotten tax refund,� Aug. 16).

This tax refund goes to all those who have been paying ever higher

taxes, thanks to Clinton and the Democrats, and includes everyone in the

United States, not just those in Texas. Bell goes on to say he resents

President Bush’s administration for trying to return some of our money

but doesn’t resent Bill Clinton’s eight years of constantly taking more

and more. That would be laughable if it were not so pitiful.

Bell continues to whine about the windfall for the rich, but the rich

are the ones who supply jobs, take chances with their own money, and not

some handout from the government, to start businesses, invent new

products or technology, or expand existing businesses to create even more

jobs. This is not easily done, especially in a state like California,

which is not very business friendly.

I notice Bell also conveniently forgets to mention the rich in the

Newport area. Is he afraid to tell them that they also don’t deserve a

tax refund even though their high taxes help fund a great number of

expensive and unnecessary government programs and those who pay

absolutely no taxes?

His ill-informed and snide remarks are not only very unbecoming but

rather sad for someone who calls himself a journalist.

A.M. GRANT

Newport Beach

How can one respond to the irrational and purely emotional statements

in Joe Bell’s Aug. 16 column? I will try.

First of all, how do rich people benefit from the same $600 that he

and his wife received? There is no significant tax benefits to the

wealthy until after 2004, which by the way is after two congressional

elections and one presidential election. I defy you to show me a tax

reduction in the last 20 years that benefited the rich without increasing

the overall benefits to our economy.

And, by the way, how is it that people get their own money back and

that is called by people like Bell a “benefit.� Since when is the refund

of my own money considered a benefit to me?

Regarding Bell’s comments on the reduction in the surplus: First, I

should say that a surplus means what it says -- an overpayment -- and it

should be returned to the payers. Secondly, try reading The Wall Street

Journal for a more thorough discussion of all points.

Finally, I hope Bell’s stepson, Erik, does not learn one of the seven

deadly sins from him. Envy. Every “rich� person I know worked hard for

their wealth and contributes to this country’s significant taxes. His

diatribe against them and the Bush administration smacks of sour grapes.

Bell should understand that this great country was built by

independent, hard-working people of all income levels -- stop the class

warfare against successful people.

KEN PETERSEN

Corona del Mar