Seeking more state taxes: Pay more right now (Star Tribune, June 26)

Loved the big ad touting how a bunch of local liberals want to pay more taxes. Good for them.

My question is: Why haven't they written the checks? No one is stopping them from donating to the state's general fund. If they want to pay more, do so.

JOHN JORDAN, BROOKLYN PARK

Seeking more state taxes:  Her money, Her choice (Star Tribune, June 26)

So Jim Pohlad, among other wealthy people, wants most people to pay more taxes according to the Growth and Justice organization ad on June 22. First he wants us taxed for 30 years for his Twins stadium (no wonder he has money), then wants us to pay more state taxes.

When will he and this group understand that most people can't afford to pay more taxes and want to use their income to support their families and make their own spending decisions? What irks me is that they say they want and can afford to pay more taxes, but they want to tell almost everyone else to do so as well.

They should go ahead and send in their extra money to the state. I won't object, but they shouldn't tell me how to spend mine.

CONSTANCE RIVARD, SPRING LAKE PARK

Pay more in taxes?: Philanthropy is better (Star Tribune, June 28)

News flash to the rich: Not everyone wants Minnesota's taxes to go up (Just because 203 people believe they aren't paying enough doesn't mean we all want that! Forty-five thousand dollars is very low to be considered "rich." In Hennepin County, the average household salary is around $42,000. I thought the definition of rich was having or making more money than the average.

But here's an idea. Instead of going through the hassle of formally increasing taxes for everyone, give to charities! Set up trust funds for schools -- they'll gladly take your money. Donate to the police and/or fire departments. Instead of giving more money directly to the government and then telling them where you would like it spent (and chances are they wouldn't spend it the way you want anyway), just put the money where you want it.

Philanthropists have done this for years, you can do it too. Just don't force me to do likewise when I don't want to.

BRIAN DAWLEY, BLOOMINGTON