To the editor:

I am responding to a letter written by Mr. Dick Hall in Saturday’s (Nov. 15) Record, criticizing those who oppose a tax increase for the “top 5 percent.”

Mr. Hall’s basic theory seems to be something like “to whom much is given, much is required.” I agree with Mr. Hall, in principle. The trouble begins when Mr. Hall invokes first the U.S. Constitution and then the biblical story of Zacchaeus, and finally Jesus himself to bolster his assertion.

As far as the Constitution is concerned, I’m sure we can all agree there may be many ways to “promote the general welfare.”

What is most troubling is the tendency of many to invoke Christianity and Jesus whenever it suits their purpose. In this case, Mr. Hall reduces Jesus to “one of history’s most famous socialists,” and elevates our new president to immortality, Greek columns and all.

Mr. Hall fails to recognize that Zacchaeus the tax collector was confronted by Jesus, repented of his sins and immediately made restitution and began sharing his wealth. There is no record of Jesus ever petitioning the Roman government to forcibly take money away from Zacchaeus and give it to the poor. In fact, the government had nothing to do with Zacchaeus’ new sense of morality.

Jesus did indeed command his disciples to “love their neighbor as themselves”; that is a far cry from socialism. We would also do well to remember the United States is not a Christian nation; it is a pluralistic nation founded on Biblical principles.

Finally, there are many economists who recognize it is the wealthy, (greedy scoundrels notwithstanding), who provide jobs for many Americans.

Temporarily cutting taxes for the wealthy as a means to increase permanent employment and grow a stronger economy, seems very much within the bounds of “promoting the general welfare.”

I respectfully wish Mr. Hall and those who believe similarly would cease from throwing anti-Christian labels at others who favor alternative ways to get us out of our economic mess.

Arthur D. Angst

Langley