Taxes, Not Charity, Are Reliable

James Flanigan’s article on SunAmerica chief Eli Broad [“Deal Puts SunAmerica Chief in New Light,” Aug. 21] laments the possible diminishment of Broad as a civic leader in Los Angeles, and rightfully so following the sale of insurer SunAmerica to New York-based American International Group Inc.

But the astonishing wealth of Broad or any number of his cohorts also raises a question: Could not, as a society, we modestly increase taxes on the Broads of the world, so that we can have ample funds for our public art museums, concert halls, schools and the like? Or must we rely on their civic leadership, which is unpredictable, even in the case of a stalwart like Broad?

BENJAMIN COLE

Los Angeles