Menhaden, the Bible and cartoons in today’s letters to the editor.

Pick of the day: Same old House tricks

Can Congress, especially the House of Representatives, understand the American people are sincerely concerned about in-action with regard to the fiscal cliff? It seems the entire country is being held hostage by people who cannot do the governing they were elected to do.

Eliminating loopholes to cut the deficit is an acceptable but vague goal. So far, only one loophole has been identified — the low tax rate of the upper 2 percent identified by the administration. Even these taxpayers recognize that is not enough, but Congress has not specifically offered any alternatives. Where is the list of specific items upon which it can act in under three weeks?

We are told by House Republicans that upper-level tax rates cannot increase because that would hurt small businesses, but that is not true. First, astute business people deduct business expenses so they are not taxed as income. Second, the enterprising entrepreneur incorporates early to decrease personal liability.

With under three weeks of negotiation left, why does Congress still talk about vague subjects like entitlement reform that do not have time to occur? Specifics are needed now so they can be evaluated, discussed and acted upon in a matter of days.

MARION EHRICH

BLACKSBURG