to the editor: The “threat” of billionaires to leave is more like that of a small child throwing a tantrum because he doesn't want to share his toys (“Billionaires Spielberg and Zuckerberg look to East Coast, raise concerns about California wealth tax proposal”. February 19).
It's fine with me if the billionaires want to leave California. Not that they have any positive impact on our society. Billionaires today pay so little taxes thanks to all the legal loopholes they exploit.
The ultra-rich used to be treated ethically; decades agoThey paid their fair share in taxes that helped establish some of the systems and programs that made America the superpower we were. The current elite wants to avoid paying almost anything in taxes, but indirectly benefit from billions in welfare paid for by us, the real taxpayers. Just look at how many people work for Amazon has to be in aid of the government while his boss uses his hard-earned money to curry favor with our government.
Our roads are crumbling even with the billionaires residing in our state. Will we even notice that they are gone?
Sol Taylor, Riverside
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to the editor: Regardless of whether the proposed wealth tax becomes law, the state of California and its people will survive and prosper. The possible departures of Mark Zuckerberg, Steven Spielberg and others of their ilk will not affect California's long-term future.
Robert Matthews, San Clemente
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to the editor: Spielberg and Zuckerberg don't have to worry about people thinking they left the state to avoid the estate tax. All they have to do is voluntarily give 5% of their billions to the California Treasury. That would stop any criticism in its tracks. Simple, right?
Michael Schaller, City of the Temple
