Those who play by the rules simmer over Hanssen deal

0 Comments | Insight on the News, July 1, 2002

I only had to read Paul M. Rodriguez's first column in "Capital Deals With Full Plate" [washington's week, June 3] to be prompted to write my appreciation of his "right-on" commentary.

I first read about FBI traitor Robert P. Hanssen's deal, and his wife's $40,000 annual pension, in the April 21 edition of the Chicago Tribune Magazine. There has not been a day since when I have not agonized over the fact that my federal income tax pays 25 percent of that pension.

I am 84, and after 21 years as a naval officer and aviator I continued to work in private industry until I was 69. During my Navy career, I understood that if I appropriated my government-issued sidearm for private use I was subject to court-martial and loss of retirement benefits. I really didn't need such an incentive to avoid that possibility!

When I became a widower in 1998, my federal income tax increased by $4,000. My income derives from my Navy pension (which is 100 percent taxable), a modest pension (95 percent taxable) and Social Security (85 percent taxable).

During my youth and apolitical Navy career, I sincerely believed that "they"--our elected representatives and responsible government employees --conducted national affairs with common sense and fairness.

Being a U.S. citizen still is the best, but "it ain't all that good" anymore.

Name withheld