The estate tax the Republicans are trying so hard to get rid of was not enacted primarily to raise money, but to limit the very rich from becoming dynasties that would threaten our democracy.

The people who founded this county left England and fought a war to escape rule by the rich and privileged. The Republican Party seems determined to take us back there. Iran and North Korea are not a threat to our democratic form of government, but our members of Congress who sell their vote to special interests are.

The vast majority of Republicans who signed a pledge to never raise taxes under any circumstances did so at the request of Grover Norquist. Most people in Iowa have nothing in common with Norquist, so by signing this pledge, who are they representing? Before you vote, be sure the people you vote for have your welfare and interest in mind, not just the very rich and privileged.

Jay Levsen

Cedar Rapids