The recent talk of "spread the wealth" is very unsettling and reminds me of the communist takeover in Russia in the early 1900s.

We defeated Russia in the Cold War without firing a shot because the free enterprise system is, by far, better than socialism. America is a world leader because we reward individual effort. America is the land of opportunity, and millions of people come here from other countries to have the opportunities we take for granted. In our great land anybody, regardless of race, sex or national origin, can succeed if they do what it takes.

The old saying "You reap what you sow" is very true. Spreading the wealth rewards non-achievers and punishes achievers. Why should I work hard every day to give my money to somebody else? There is nothing wrong with helping people who cannot help themselves, and we should do that. However, why should workers be forced to give their hard-earned wages to people who can help themselves but choose not to?

Both parties talk about taxing somebody else and not you. They say "tax corporations and give to the poor," "cut taxes on middle class," "you don't have to pay or work for it, I'll give it to you free," "if I'm elected I'll tax the rich to buy you health insurance," so vote for me. All they are trying to do is buy your vote. No matter what they say, taxes are really paid by the workers in the end.

We need to get politics out of taxes and pass the "Fair Tax." Then politicians can concentrate on the real issues and not changing the tax codes to buy votes. The problem is, politicians realize the "Fair Tax" would greatly reduce the control they have over voters by false promises of "spreading the wealth."

Jeff Clark, Martinez