I am expressing my outrage over our current tax system.

My wife and I ran astray of the alternative minimum tax this tax season, and I cannot find the words to express my outrage over this inherently unfair system.

We worked for years to educate and train ourselves in order to take part in the American dream. We do not own a mansion, and I am driving a 2002 Ford Explorer with 140,000 miles on it. Wasn't the alternative minimum tax for the rich and wealthy?

We are attempting to save for our children's college, pay off our home and finance our retirement. Despite paying in excess of $51,000 in federal taxes and Social Security we still owe an additional $5,000 because of the AMT. We have zero allowances and pay some of the highest state and real estate taxes in the country. We are middle-class Americans earning a decent salary and paying more than our fair share of taxes.

Our grocery bill has doubled, our heating oil has doubled, our electric bill has doubled, and our health care premiums have doubled in the last year. These are ordinary living expenses we cannot do without. Where is our relief? Where is our school voucher for a decent education? What will become of our future retirement benefits? How will we be able to afford medical care?

My family is one job loss away from financial disaster. Who speaks for us? Who fights for the true middle-class citizen who bears the tax burden? Where is the outrage for a system that penalizes a modicum of success? What personal incentive is there in a system that just increases my taxes when I earn a little more money that I thought would provide for my family?

Where is the outrage from the common citizenry in a country founded on a tax rebellion? How did we develop such apathy towards a burden that our children will bear?

I despair from what little return I have earned from my federal tax burden. What legacy has my government left for my children?

Jedfrey Welch

Adams Center