Why give some tax breaks?

A recent statement by Sen. Dave Cogdill concerning no new taxes to deal with the state deficit ("Cogdill: GOP to fight tax hikes," May 7, Page A-6), underscores the basic mentality of Republicans: use the faltering economy as an excuse to protect special tax exemptions.

Many of the proposals were to adjust the balance and fairness to those codes.

For example, sales tax exemptions are given to computer businesses writing certain types of software, but not to others.

There are many other examples.

The point is, why are certain tax exemptions allowed and others are not?

Fairness would dictate that all pay the same amount.

Do these politicians favor fiscal policies that deal fairly with the state budget crisis, or are they using this crisis to keep in effect tax exemptions for special interests?

STEVE BANTLY

Merced