Income tax needed

The slew of budget cuts has been hard for all, but some have suffered much more greatly than others. The people who have taken the brunt of the cutbacks are those who do not have political or economic clout. They are the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens – those whose mental illness, physical disability or developmental disability limit their capacity for independent functioning.

It is unethical and, in my opinion, a violation of human rights to continue these cuts on those who are disabled and in poverty. Citizens and politicians need to be bold enough to say the “t” (tax) word.

Washington is one of a handful of states that does not have an income tax. Times are tough and nobody likes taxes, but we have to stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves. It is time to take a stand for our fellow man and be men enough ourselves to call for a progressive state income tax.

Ben Marlow

Spokane