‘Oil and Common Sense’

Your editorial is simply brilliant.

Now that gasoline is falling below $1 a gallon, while we’re accustomed to $1.30, a proposal to, in effect, let the government tax the difference via the Beilenson bill, borders on the inspirational.

But why stop there? Why not explore other consumer goods that have fallen in price and suggest the government tax the difference there too!

For example, 19-inch color TVs are selling for $299 everywhere, but were $499 just a few years ago. So why not slap a $200 tax on every color TV?

Or how about hand-held calculators? Selling for $7.95 today but were $150 12 years ago. Slap a $142 tax on them.

And computers. Why, home computers selling for $2,500 today were $15,000 a few years ago. Slap a $12,500 tax on them.

And in some areas of the country, even homes have decreased in price. So tax them. Why, in 30 days all of the government’s boondoggling could be paid for.

With such brilliant thinking coming from The Times and our elected officials, we peasants can relax and know that we’re in safe hands.

Beilenson’s bill meets the criteria--”simple, substantial and painless.” It just doesn’t go far enough.

DON HULL

Costa Mesa