SMART ALECK

The question on April 12: The federal tax form includes a $3 checkoff to finance presidential elections. For what other specific programs should the feds invite contributions?

How about a spay and neuter clinic for politicians? It would make them more tractable, keep them from wandering and stop all of this uncontrolled mating.

Steve Meckler, Claremont

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Six dollars total: $3 supporting an amendment for congressional term limits; $3 for an initiative forcing Congress to use the same HMOs/PPOs that we do--no more Bethesda.

Peter Gray, Rancho Santa Fe

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Everything. Every last program. If we support it, we pay for it. If we don’t, we may be persuaded to pay for it. No more pork barrel if it is coming out of our pockets. Checkbook democracy--literally.

Keith Marshman, Signal Hill

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Neither the feds, nor you, should be asking, taking or suggesting “contributions”; all money should be applied to the U.S. debt or returned to citizens, period!

Felix Heflin, via the Internet

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I have thought the exact same thing for many years now about that box to check for election funding. I always tell my wife that I would gladly check a box that would give an extra $25 to NASA and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Brent Kuszyk, Tujunga

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There should be a checkoff for a fund to defend the politicians who lie, cheat and steal while in office.

Norman S. Berney, Van Nuys

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Start a Beautify America Fund--and contribute $3 toward a make-over for Janet Reno. Married couples can contribute an additional $3 for a make-over for Bill Gates.

Steve Edinger, Portola Hills