Romney is correct about housing market

As usual, Steve Sebelius has missed the point in his comments on Mitt Romney’s statement: “Don’t try to stop the foreclosure process” (Friday Review-Journal). He talked only about the reactions to the statement by the babbling politicians and ignored the fact that what Mr. Romney said is exactly correct.

We should have learned by now that government intervention is not only ineffective, but is the opposite of what should be done. During the first Great Depression, Hoover and FDR tried massive government intervention and that caused the Depression to last 17 years. When are we going to learn that government is the problem, not the solution, and we must let the economy reset itself before we can expect to see a restoration of economic growth?

Mr. Sebelius, quit playing the political game and get to the heart of the problem.

Tom Porter

North Las Vegas

Tax code

To the editor:

In the latest attempt by the administration to gain favor with voters, President Obama tries to create the illusion that he is a capitalist by advocating a reduction in the corporate tax rate. However, before the CEOs of many large corporations start jumping for joy, I’m sure they will read the fine print.

The president seems to be hanging his hat on the elimination of tax loopholes, many of which are abused but many of which are legitimate deductions and tax credits which keep out businesses in the ball game with foreign competition. As our corporate tax structure is the second-highest in the world, our business leaders must use every advantage available to keep from trimming jobs and services.

Another area the president has targeted is the elimination of credits for use of corporate jets. I think this is a fine idea, but only if the president quits his extensive use of Air Force One, especially for campaigning or fundraising. Air Force One uses about five gallons per mile while in flight. Plus consider ground transportation for staff, security and so on. You do the math for a coast-to-coast trip.

Little appears to be mentioned about personal income tax reform, other than the usual class envy rhetoric and the threat to raise dividend tax rates (which would largely hurt retirees).

Though it is difficult to judge the merits (if any) of the president’s plan from a small news article, it seems to do little to benefit the American taxpayer or help our debt situation. One cannot help but wonder why it was not presented earlier than during an election year. Could it possibly be a ploy to grab a few votes?

Robert Latchford

Henderson