Editor:

I read with scepticism Jon Roig's column "The nightmare of the Forbes dream" (Feb. 19). As I expected, Mr. Roig forgot a few key points in his feeble attempt to discredit Steve Forbes.

In his sole focus, the flat-tax idea, Mr. Roig states, "Forbes' plan would eliminate all personal income tax deductions, transforming taxes from a time and labor intensive chore to a quick and easy way to give the government 17 percent of your earnings." I have only one question for him: Has he even read the Forbes plan? I think not. Forbes' plan DOES NOT eliminate personal exemptions. In fact, they are the cornerstone of his plan to create a simple, pro-family tax plan which is fair to all. The Forbes plan allows for the following standard deductions: head of household, $17,050; single exemption, $12,800; joint married, $25,600; deduction for each depedent, $5,200.

Completing the math, a family of four earning $36,000 or less would pay NO taxes whatsoever to the federal government. Any income on top of this amount would be taxes at 17 percent, meaning that if a family of four has an income of $37,000, only $170, or 17 percent of the $1,000 above $36,000, would be paid as taxes. A typical student, who most likely earns less than $12,800, would pay NO taxes. This compares to last year, when I made $5,300 and paid the federal government $120. Hmm, the flat tax looks like a good deal for students, doesn't it?

My advice to Mr. Roig: Focus on your specialty, the arts, which I assume you have some knowledge, and avoid topics you know little about. When trying to denounce someone or something, use real facts, don't just use what you assume is the truth. Oh, and if you want to learn more about the Forbes campaign for president, try his homepage: http://www.forbes96.com/. It ought to help clear some things up for you.

FORBES FOR PRESIDENT, 1996!

Michael E. Broyles
biochemistry and German studies freshman