In response to Mr. Paul Bixby’s letter published March 9, desiring the implementation of a state income tax to make the “rich” pay their way. Mr. Bixby, do you not realize that an income tax, as often proposed, will be on top of what you are paying in taxes now? And that it wouldn’t be a replacement? How will that help the poor and punish the rich?

Sales tax is the acknowledged, fairest form of taxation. If you have money and you spend it, you will pay tax on it. Everybody pays the same rate. The more you spend the more you pay. Simplicity at its best. That’ll show those “pampered rich” that they can’t get away! And those nasty rich “villains” seem to have large homes that you can resent also, and they have to pay more property tax, again, that’ll show them!

Gee, maybe those of us with a significant income are paying our way after all — just like you. I spent four years in college and seven and a half years in the military to get where I am. I think I have earned it.

Fred Darvill

Coupeville