Don’t just tax the rich; everyone should chip in a bit

Bob Foessett, North Las Vegas

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 | 2:02 a.m.

For the past week, many letters to the editor in the Las Vegas Sun have rightly expressed the need for the wealthy to pay their fair share.

I would go one step further and say everyone should have a stake in this country, not just the top 50 percent of income earners.

Those who don’t pay income taxes should be required to pay even a dollar to support the government in which they benefit (many benefit more than others). Although they do pay Social Security, Medicare and certain other taxes, that is for their individual purposes and programs — not to run the country.

Maybe it could be called a “minimum tax.” No one could skate.

Even companies such as General Electric would have to pay something, although companies generally pass it on to their customers.

I know of some people who not only get by not paying income taxes, but also collect other people’s income through the “earned income” credit as well.

It’s too bad everyone is not pulling his or her weight. Everyone should help, not just the wealthy or seniors such as me on a fixed income.