Media Watchdog.

Dear Eugene,

I read your recent column on the debt ceiling negotiations, which was posted on the San Antonio Express-News site: http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Drop-false-narrative-GOP-is-to-blame-for-debt-1463063.php

You wrote, in part:

The story on the Republican side is entirely different. There are ways to finesse a “no new taxes” pledge, too. Instead of raising tax rates, you close loopholes in the name of reform; you add an enhancement here, a “user fee” there, and you can manage to get the revenue you need and still claim you haven't voted to raise taxes.

There has been much discussion of “tax loopholes” during the debt ceiling debate. However, I’m unclear on what exactly tax loopholes are. Certainly the word loophole carries undesirable connotations, so I assume you’ve used the term deliberately. Could you explain the difference between a tax loophole and other tax deductions and credits you don’t consider loopholes? Also, if you could cite specific examples of tax loopholes that would be a big help.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Regards,
luridtransom