Letters to the editor Oct. 14

Rich are already paying their fair share

An open letter to President Obama:

Dear Mr. President,

You say that the rich should pay their fair share. I agree, but facts show they already are paying more than their fair share. According to IRS figures, folks making more than $1 million pay 24 percent of their income; $200,000-$300,000 pay 17.5 percent; $100,000-$125,000 pay 9.9 percent; $50,000-$60,000 pay 6.3 percent; and $20,000-$30,000 pay 2.5 percent.

Yes, there are millionaires who pay no taxes -1,470 of them. That's about 1/2 percent of the millionaires. If we somehow changed our laws so they would pay the same as the other millionaires, we would raise approximately $367 million in revenue, which is less than the federal government spends in 1 hour.

Mr. President, the rich pay more than their fair share. According the the IRS, the top 1 percent pay 39 percent of the income taxes collected, the top 5 percent pay 60 percent, the top 10 percent pay 72 percent, and the bottom half pay just 3 percent. Those in the bottom half receive as much or more in government services as those in the upper ranges.

So, Mr. President, stop pandering and demagoging the issue. Don't blame the job creators for the failings of your administration.

John Vettel

Carson City

Time to start giving

tickets to bicyclists

There has been much media attention to the new laws protecting bicycle riders. I believe it is a good law. I also applaud anyone who rides a biycle. It is something I do not want to do.

Another thing I do not want to do is dodge a bicycle rider on the sidewalk or in the crosswalk, or coming at me against the traffic flow, or in any of the other myriad places they are not supposed to be.

Bicycles are defined in Nevada Revised Statutes as vehicles. Isn't it about time the riders of these vehicles be required to follow the laws governing them? Or should we just ignore them until someone is injured?

What should I do? Wait until a cyclist darts in front of me in the crosswalk, riding hell-bent against the traffic and the lights, and then run over them? There is a new law protecting them. Does it apply in that situation? If not, do they earn a citation? Or will I be the one cited?

Enough is enough. The laws should followed by those it applies to. It is time to issue some tickets.

Robert D. Cook

Carson City

Make sure you understand new bicycle laws

The media has done a thorough job recently of explaining the changes to Nevada state laws. As a member of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Board, I would encourage everyone to be aware of the new laws and extend additional courtesy to bicyclists and pedestrians.

Gov. Brian Sandoval recently signed into law a bill that requires motorists to pass no closer than 3 feet to bicyclists. As a person who lives in a small rural community and rides a bicycle, I know that roads can be narrow and speeds can be high. Sometimes it is hard to see bicyclists and pedestrians, and extra caution is necessary.

As the chairman of our board, Sig Jaunarajs, has stated: "I think that the legislative intent behind the new laws is to promote responsible and safe behavior on our roads, which benefits not just cyclists but all roadway users."

Nevada is a great place to live, ride and walk. With the current economic conditions being what they are, we are seeing more bicyclists and pedestrians sharing the roadways. The previous law required that motorists pass bicyclists at a safe distance, but the new law with the 3-foot requirement is very specific. Law enforcement officers will, and should, enforce the new laws.

Let's all do our part to be safe. I would also suggest you check out the various websites to familiarize yourself with not only the new laws but what these great organizations have to offer the public.

Dennis W. Stark

Yerington