With all this talk about increasing taxes, here is my proposal. All contributions to political (both Democrats and Republicans) campaigns should be taxed at President Barack Obama’s death tax rate of 55 percent. This would reduce the terrible TV ads and the deficit.

All politicians wages are taxed at 35 percent minimum (no deductions), the president at 55 percent since he receives free airfare and a private plane. All gifts to politicians, such as $40,000 plate dinners, golf games, sporting events, Hollywood events, should be considered taxable to the politician. This would reduce the special interest groups’ ability to influence politicians. All travelers who accompany the politician on a government aircraft are charged for their share of the cost of the plane, this includes family members and special guests. The medical plan that politicians have is different from Obamacare; therefore, they should consider that cost as wages and pay taxes on it. If Obamacare is so good, why are they not on it?

Since Sen. Tom Harkin and Rep. Bruce Braley voted for a 1 percent tax on all wages, Social Security, or any deposit you made to your bank, they should be happy to share in these small changes.

Herm Reininga

Cedar Rapids