Who is really raising taxes?

The Republican Party is the tax party. For decades, it has opposed reasonable gun reform. Lack of such reform contributed to the weapons used in the Oct. 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 19,384 firearm homicides in 2020. For the average gun homicide, taxpayers pay well over $100,000 for the apprehension, prosecution and 10-50 years of incarceration of the perpetrator. Taxpayers also pay for gun-related robberies, rapes and other crimes.

For decades, the GOP has advocated excessive funding for the military and defense contractors. According to the Soldiers Project, the U.S. has “roughly 750 foreign military bases” in 80 nations. What have taxpayers paid for excess nuclear weapons?

For decades, Republicans have advocated no or minimal taxes on wealthy corporations and foreign bank accounts. The 2017 GOP tax cut for the wealthiest 1% meant less services and/or higher taxes for the 99%.

For decades, Republicans have advocated reducing or eliminating estate taxes for eight-figure assets. For the 99%, the GOP formula is tax, tax, tax.

Mark Bird,