Capital-gains tax

Regarding the Economy page article "How Washington Can Create New Jobs," Aug. 24: The author is dead wrong if he really believes that people think of capital gains as part of their decisionmaking process in risking capital or starting new businesses. The reasons for starting businesses are many: the desire to be independent; the aspiration for wealth and position; the necessity; and the fulfillment of an idea or ideal. I have formed and have helped form businesses and know many people who have started, s ucceeded, or failed in their businesses. None of them thought of capital gains when they started. Bob Chernow, River Hills, Wis.

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