Comment: Dear Sen. Connie Mack, et al, I ask that you reform our current system instead of going to some radical new system. I am nearly 71 years old and have a modest nest-egg which I expect to last me my lifetime under the current system. I am proud that, with sacrifices, I have been able to do this. I'm sure there are millions like me. However, if we change to a consumption tax, value added tax, transaction taxes, flat taxes on other than income, etc., my modest nest-egg will disappear rapidly, perhaps putting me in a position of needing assistance, which would be a big blow to my pride in independence which I have strived for all these years. It would also increase the government expenditures for assistance - or would you just throw that onto local government, making them raise their taxes? And what about the poor, who struggle to exist as it is? We seniors did our share of supporting our governments under the old system and I don't think we should have to pay these large taxes and lose our nest-eggs because of a change in policy. Please keep those of us who no longer have incomes in mind as you debate these issues. Very truly yours, Susan C. Szabo |