All of us owe a debt of gratitude to the Republicans in Congress for holding the line on taxes until 2012. If the Republicans had not done this, a single person with no children making $50,000 would pay an additional $3,280; a married couple making combined wages of $100,000 with two children would pay an additional $8,256.

The Democrats had already budgeted to spend the revenues from the planned increases.

Equal treatment for all Americans seems fair instead of the class warfare the Democrats promote. There are those who wanted the tax rate increased only for the wealthy, but the wealthy are the ones who can create jobs by expanding their companies, and we have a high unemployment rate. How can the poor hire people and pay wages and benefits?

However, the expansion planning of the wealthy must be able to count on a stable taxation rate. There are many major companies that are sitting on billions of dollars, simply waiting to see what the politicians will do.

Therefore, is it enough assurance for companies that the taxes will not increase for two years? The answer is, maybe not, but it is a start.

If employment levels in the next two years go up, the 2012 elections could give Republicans full Congressional control to boost the economy and eliminate Congressional deficit spending.

Inefficient agencies and Congressional earmarks are among the budget reduction targets.

Remember, Congress alone appropriates the money, not the president.

Thomas F. Shields, Auburn