Fix the Debt serves the wealthy

It was refreshing to see the group Fix the Debt exposed for what it is, another front group for the wealthy [“Fix the Debt’s special interests,” News, Jan. 10].

If they were truly interested in “pro-growth” debt reduction, they would insist the richest individuals and corporations, many of whom pay no taxes at all, start paying their fair share. They would advocate taxing capital gains at the same rate as earned income and eliminating the carried interest exception.

They would recommend a tax on financial transactions and an end to tax breaks for shipping U.S. jobs overseas. They would consider making it legal for the government to negotiate prescription drug prices for Medicare, Part D. They would also support cutting our bloated defense budget.

However, because they represent those who benefit from such loopholes and spending, they are opposed to these solutions.

Instead, their recommendation for increasing revenue is to “broaden the base” by requiring low-wage earners to start paying federal income taxes. And, they want to cut “entitlement” programs that benefit the neediest among us. It appears their goal is not as much about reducing the debt as continuing the decades-long wealth transfer to the top.

--Sallee Carlson, Redmond