I wanted to raise two questions that could be taken up in future coverage.

The article points out that "Capitalists and their spokespeople in Germany accused the politicians of having buried Germany's chances to emulate the kind of `supply-side' tax remedies that have benefited the economies of the United States and Great Britain - that is, cutting taxes on the employers."

The article seems to say that corporate taxes are being significantly raised in France, on hold in Germany, and cut in England. Is this differentiation solely due to the pressures of the projected European Monetary Union or are there other factors?

Also, Isacsson writes that in France, "Corporate capital gains, previously taxed at 19 percent, will be permanently taxed at the same rate as profits." The only corporate tax mentioned is the 41.6 percent that represents the new 1997- 98 tax increase. Is this "corporate tax" different than the tax on profits or is the capital gains tax in France being doubled?

Janet Post

Miami, Florida

More on UPS strike
I have a question about one aspect of your coverage of the UPS strike. It seems to me that the decision by almost all shippers to try to send their package other ways was a victory for the strikers. That competitors of UPS were able to carry most of it was an advantage for the strikers. The blows that were dealt were concentrated on UPS and its profits, making it easier to win support for the strike. It doesn't seem to me that UPS's competitors were handling "struck work." Could you explain your position on these questions in more detail?

Nick Gruenberg

Midfield, Alabama

Irish leader gives briefing
On August 9, 1997, Martin McGuinness gave a political briefing to the members of the NORAID tour and Derry Republicans. From my notes I reproduced most of the question and answer session with Martin McGuinness responding:

Q: What is the American government position on deportations?

A: We are sure that there will be no more deportations.. that is justice.

Q: What are the feelings of the POWs about the peace process?

A: We have begun a series of meetings with the POWs... The prisoners are totally supportive of the peace process... They will refuse to be used as bargaining chips.

Q: Does the Dublin government support Sinn Fein's goals?

A: John Hume, Gerry Adams, and the Dublin government have all signed a public statement that no "internal settlement" will be acceptable... This will make it very hard for the government to draw back ... The South Africans told us to trust nobody; we go into negotiations trusting ourselves alone.

Q: Questioner had met a youth who fears the collapse of social benefits after British withdrawal.

A: This is a false argument, we offer not the dole, but a future with employment... We are trying to bring about a total economic change on this island... Their vision should not be the dole, but a united Ireland, with social equality and employment for all.

Roy Inglee

Elsmere, Delaware

U.S. attack on Oahu
August 6 marked the 52nd anniversary of the American atrocity against Hiroshima. On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan made a point not to target civilian populations on the island of Oahu. On August 6, 1945, the United States made a point to target, bomb, and attack hospitals, schools, orphanages, religious shrines, the elderly and disabled.

J.L.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The letters column is an open forum for all viewpoints on subjects of general interest to our readers. Please keep your letters brief. Where necessary they will be abridged. Please indicate if you prefer that your initials be used rather than your full name.  
 
 
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