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Letters
Unfair to give back money to small group
There's an old saying that you can't cheat an honest man (and woman today). If those who gambled on bettering their financial positions considered the worst case scenario, and paying up front, thereby avoiding future bankruptcy, the outcomes would be different. Of course, the alternative minimum tax is wrong . . . it was wrong from the very beginning when only rich hard-working professionals and others were impacted by this unfair tax, part of the "politics of envy" argument so prevalent to those in our country who feel cheated out of their fair share of wealth.
Now that the common guy gets burned as part of a bear market collapse in the high-tech stock world, change is demanded. Clearly, stock market risk taking as a form of greed was used not only by the people who got burned, but also by their advisors. Sue the advisors for malpractice . . . maybe. But it would be unfair to give back the money to a smaller group of people when it was well known out there that the real risk was the alternative minimum tax.
Franc G. Fallico, M.D.
Anchorage, Alaska
Program helps students learn about democracy
Democracy is more than a spectator sport--for it to survive and flourish, we all must become active, engaged citizens. This is the message I heard from 1,053 students representing 59 Northern California high schools, who recently participated in the Close Up Foundation government studies program in Washington, D.C.
For a full week, these youth had unique opportunities to develop a better understanding of our democratic process. History, government and current issues came alive for them through meetings with congressional leaders, political advisors and journalists. In addition, they learned from other Close Up participants from across the nation through daily debates and discussions.
Most important, they returned home with a deeper awareness of their responsibilities as citizens and the realization that a single individual can make a difference. Their new found enthusiasm for involvement in our system of democracy is to be admired.
The Close Up experience was made possible through the efforts of local educators and parents and the financial support of the American Express Foundation, The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Inc. and Wal-Mart Foundation. On behalf of Close Up, I commend the dedication of the Los Gatos community and look forward to working with you for many years to come.
Laura Codding
Northern California Coordinator
Correction
In the Aug. 8 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, the identity of Loretta Meyer was omitted in a story on Jeanine Sanchez Harms. She is Harms' friend from high school and a Campbell resident.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
