Initiative not untouchable

Sun., Oct. 31, 2010

Proponents of Initiative 1098 would have us believe that only the rich will pay income tax if voters agree to its implementation. Ads supporting its passage claim it cannot be changed to include taxpayers below the $200,000 threshold.

Let’s consider this claim in light of the Legislature’s action in this year’s session to suspend, due to an economic emergency, the thrice-passed voter initiative requiring a two-thirds majority to increase taxes.

Approving Initiative 1098 would be like allowing the fox into the henhouse with the understanding that it eat only the biggest chickens. With the Legislature having the power and the will to rescind the will of voters, guess who will be eaten by the fox after all the bigger chickens have been plucked.

Al Payne

Spokane

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