Dear Senator Alexander,

I read your "Flat Tax" announcement and I have a few questions. But before I get to that, I want to look at a few key statistics about the state of our country since you went to Washington:

• Almost 6 years in office
• More than 4,034 Americans killed in Iraq and 29,628 wounded
• $9 Trillion in debt loaded onto our children and grandchildren
• Mortgages being foreclosed upon across America
• Gas prices stuck at more than $3 a gallon - Almost 6 years of blind support for the failed policies of George Bush
• Almost 6 years of silence and benign neglect on health care, education, the economy and energy prices

What a record! And now, in an election year, you propose a sweeping overhaul of the entire tax code via a press release as most Americans file their tax returns.

Perhaps you have been saving yourself for this moment.

Perhaps you have spent six years drafting this sweeping proposal and, only by coincidence, did you get finished with it on Tax Day of an election year.

Senator Alexander, I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm hoping that this is not a tawdry political stunt.

To put this perception to rest, I propose that you show us your budget for your new tax plan.

Show us how you fund our troops, care for our veterans, fully fund a sensible GI Bill and pay down the massive debt you've run up.

Show us how you will protect Social Security and Medicare.

Show us how the thousands Tennessee families keep homeowner exemptions at tax time.

Tell us what you would cut. Education? Health care? Social Security? Homeland Security? Student Loans? Corporate welfare for big oil companies?

Senator Alexander this is your chance to put me in my place. Prove to me this isn't an election year gimmick.

Better yet, let's schedule a public meeting to discuss it. Bring your plan. We will invite the media and have a calm chat about your plan.

I'm calling your bluff. I want to see your hole card.

Respectfully,

Bob Tuke

www.tukefortennessee.com