Sound Off for March 25, 2022
Reply requested
I have written my city council representative, state representative and Congressman asking for their assistance or position on issues impacting myself and other taxpayers. No reply has been received from any of these office holders.
Tax burdens
Why does the IRS tax Social Security benefits? These benefits should not be taxed like wages and other income. Since this is an election year maybe our 4th District Congressman would be willing to introduce legislation to put an end to the taxation of Social Security benefits.
Dangerous practice
To the person who authored the Sound Off titled “gas prices,” it’s a very dangerous practice to believe each and everything you read, no matter where you read it. For example, just because you read it in the Sun Herald, you are under the false impression that Joe Biden and the Democrats had absolutely nothing to do with the rising price of gas. By the way, did you read and believe that Biden ordered cessation of the construction of the Keystone Pipeline? Just wondering.
Bad policy
The continuing bad management by the elected politicians in Jackson are going to deal a critical blow to all the retired folks that chose to live here. Many people such as my family worked hard our entire life, paid our taxes, bought our home, and now don’t pay state income taxes in our old age. Our Social Security is just enough to pay our bills and eat enough to survive. Among the plans the lawmakers have after they eliminate state income tax is to continue to under fund school systems and force local governments to raise property taxes. I cannot afford to keep my home if they make me pay more every year and I’m too old to go out and work again.
Be aware
For those that received notice of a local merger that will affect banking as well as insurance coverage, you should note that there is also a name change. While lots of banks and insurance companies claim to be your hometown bank, keep in mind one thing. Mergers do not yield better service. The insurance section is there to pay out as little as possible in claims and the banking side is there to house and separate you from your money. If I am wrong I am sure a banker will tell us all why.
Not cool
I’ve repeatedly written to Sound Off about observing underage children driving golf carts in Diamondhead. On Thursday night’s WLOX-TV news, a woman admitted on camera that she lets her 13- and 14-year-old children drive her golf cart. It’s a violation of the law. To say nothing of it being dangerous for these unlicensed youngsters.
Fair question
Ocean Springs has a great idea with the cameras to identify drivers with no insurance. If the state won’t require proof of insurance for tag purchases, this is a workable alternative. My only question is: Since the company earns half of the fines as their only source of income, what happens when due to their own success the number of violations decrease?
Alternative facts
Russians believe the facts about the invasion of Ukraine is fake news. Some think that outside news media are fabricating stories and images. Why? Because the Russian media is telling them so. We have a similar problem here. Fox News either omits, lies or shows alternative “facts.”
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