Ehrlich should support reform of state tax code
When Progressive Maryland embarked on its "Looting the Treasury" project, we were encouraged by Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s comments attacking the culture of corruption and nepotism in Annapolis. We had hoped he would promote a more equitable and fair tax code.
But upon the release of our report, we were disappointed by comments from Mr. Ehrlich's staff defending the existence of 52 inexcusable tax breaks that cost Maryland at least $421 million ("Group calls for cutting of Md. tax breaks," Dec. 4).
Maryland's tax code has loopholes big enough to drive a truck through. But average citizens do not have the political influence or campaign dollars to lobby for cushy tax breaks. Therefore, they are left with higher personal income taxes and reduced services so that some people can enjoy subsidized country clubs, ski slopes and antique shops.
Mr. Ehrlich must decide whether he wishes to continue the tradition of serving special interests or make a fresh start by returning responsibility, equity and transparency to the state tax code.
Matthew McCluskey
Silver Spring
The writer is a co-author of Progressive Maryland's "Looting the Treasury" report.
Manufacturing sector is a progressive force
Seeking to prevent budget cuts in human services by taxing Maryland manufacturing is a prescription for disaster ("Group calls for cutting of Md. tax breaks," Dec. 4).
The manufacturing sales and use tax "loophole" identified by the group Progressive Maryland is not a loophole at all. It was a measure of fairness enacted several years ago to help Maryland manufacturing companies compete in an ever-growing market.
At that time, Maryland was one of two states in the country that taxed manufacturers for materials used in the production of certain products. The Regional Manufacturing Institute worked to get the tax eliminated. It takes a stretch of the imagination to consider that a "tax loophole," and fighting to rescind that law is wasteful.
Gov.-elect Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. has been a member of the board of directors of the Regional Manufacturing Institute during his terms in Congress and knows the value of Maryland's manufacturing industry. He also knows the need to expand our manufacturing base and that manufacturing offers more living-wage jobs than any other sector.
He knows that manufacturing supports other local businesses and, of course, the transportation, shipping and warehousing connected to the Port of Baltimore and Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
But Progressive Maryland appears not to see what is truly progressive in Maryland - our manufacturing industry.
Michael Galiazzo
Sparks
The writer is executive director of the Regional Manufacturing Institute.
Innocents will pay the price of war
The more I read about the fanatics in the Middle East, the more certain I become that armed conflict with Iraq is not in our best interest.
There is little doubt we could win such a war. However, I don't believe we can win the peace unless we have the means to kill every religious zealot who is willing to kill himself as long as he can kill those who do not adhere to his beliefs.
Who then will pay the price of war with Iraq? Innocent American citizens.
Bill Huppert
Perry Hall
Hypocritical policies explain animosity
The 44-nation survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press should put to rest the fiction propagated by the Bush administration that anti-American attitudes abroad are rooted in "who we are" rather than what we do in the myriad misguided, counterproductive and hypocritical policies around the world ("Anti-American attitudes on rise, global poll shows," Dec. 5).
Most people surveyed were clearly not jealous of our freedoms and democratic ways, but resent our double standard in handling Third World problems.
David Dent
Towson
U.S. shouldn't pay for Japan's atrocities
I agree the United States should recognize what the Chamorro people of Guam went through at the hands of the Japanese during World War II ("Recognizing Guam's anguish," Dec. 4). After all, Guam is a U.S. territory.
But why should the U.S. government pay them war reparations? The Japanese tortured and killed the Chamorros. The U.S. Marines freed them.
I'm sorry, but to pay the Chamorros for what somebody else did does not make sense.
Jay Weaver
Poly can be proud of students' success
As a teacher at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, I am very proud of the successes of our diverse population of students.
To no one's surprise, results of the High School Assessment tests showed that Poly was a leader in a majority of the test scores ("For schools, now there's 'proof in the pudding,'" Dec. 7).
Many Poly graduates come back to visit during the holidays and relate to us the fact that their first and second years in college have been a snap given the foundations learned at their alma mater.
Our students reach success in the athletic arena as well as the classroom. And Poly's student-athletes are the leaders of tomorrow.
Mark Schlenoff
Baltimore
The writer is the athletic director of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.
Cardinal Law must resign
With the recent revelations of gross negligence toward his Boston-area flock, it seems clear that Cardinal Bernard Law must resign ("Boston priest fathered two children, files show," Dec. 6).
Cardinal Law is an embarrassment to all Roman Catholics in the United States. If he were at the head of any secular institution, he would have been gone long ago.
But perhaps the only thing that will force Cardinal Law out is censure from his own colleagues in the church hierarchy.
R.T. Kambic
Baltimore
Bible is also filled with tales of violence
Cal Thomas was correct in urging more Muslims to speak out against the fanatics who are perverting their religion ("Pressure Muslims to police their own," Opinion * Commentary, Dec. 4).
His article fails, however, through the sin of omission. Mr. Thomas mentions Paul Weyrich's book claiming that the Quran is full of war and conquest, but fails to note similar stories in the Bible.
Both books are beautiful works that are often quoted out of context.
Kevin Bonds
Baltimore