Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 15:02:46 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <200212202002.PAA19900@multics.mit.edu>
From: belmonte@MIT.EDU (Matthew Belmonte)
To: senator@kennedy.senate.gov
Subject: eliminate tax deductions for SUV's

Dear Senator Kennedy

Today's New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/20/business/20AUTO.html)
reports on a tax loophole that allows small-business owners and the
self-employed to claim huge deductions on heavy, gas-guzzling luxury vehicles
such as SUV's.  Deductions for smaller, more efficient cars are, in comparison,
much less.

Especially given the economic liability created by the United States'
dependence on foreign oil, and the diplomatic liability created by its
rejection of the Kyoto protocol on global warming, steps should be taken to
eliminate this tax policy which currently provides an incentive for consumers
to purchase gas-guzzling cars.  Either the deduction for small cars should be
raised, or the deduction for huge SUV's should be lowered to establish parity.
I hope that you'll consider introducing or co-sponsoring legislation aimed at
achieving such parity.

Sincerely

Matthew Belmonte
[address]