I do sympathize with the plight of North Dakota State University graduate students if the House's proposed federal income tax overhaul is approved in its current form. (Forum story published Nov. 29) However, income taxpayers, who are getting fewer and fewer, bear the burden every time a tax, any tax, is forgiven for the "common good."
This has become a scam at every level. Low-tax states support taxpayers in high-tax states, Fargo homeowners make up for the tax deferrals given to wealthy investors, student loans allow colleges and universities to raise tuition without restraint, and so on.
There has never been a comprehensive audit of the benefits of tax forgiveness or deferral at any government level, probably because the result would be a foregone conclusion-it only helps the beneficiary not the public at large.
LaVenuta lives in Fargo.
