Only way to cut taxes is to cut back on spending

To the editor:

Regarding the Nov. 12 editorial "Tax changes need spending reform too":

Most Americans don't realize how much taxes they pay each year. They know approximately how much they pay in income taxes, Social Security taxes and sales taxes, but many taxes they pay are hidden, which distorts the whole tax picture. The Institute for Policy Innovation estimates that Americans pay 56 percent of annual personal consumption spending in taxes. Hidden taxes amount to about $2,642 per person. These figures do not include the costs associated with government regulation, which would push them much higher.

It should be remembered that consumers pay all taxes in the end, so trying to throw the burden off on the rich or seemingly rich corporations won't work to reduce the tax burden. The only way to reduce the tax burden is to reduce government spending, and few Americans apparently wish to do that. Most are determined to use the force of government to live at someone else's expense.

JAMES NALL

Marble Hill, Mo.