We were right to challenge new tax

"STOP MOANING?" SECOND HOME OWNERS IN FRANCE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO PROTEST AGAINST LAW CHANGES THAT AFFECT THEM. WHAT an acrimonious response from Susan Riley to the body of opinion

expressed in Connexion with regard to the proposed tax on second homes in France (see letters, 1 July). There's no further need to explain what we second home owners saw as an unjust

assault on people already paying their way more than adequately within the French economy. But Ms Riley was not affected by this proposed hefty increase in taxes, as it appears she lives

here full time. Why is she so angry at those who were? Is it because we have two homes and thus appear to be well-off and 'rich'? Susan says she has to live on the basic minimum

wage. With respect, has this got anything at all to do with people objecting to a clearly unjust imposition of extra taxation that would probably not have got past the European courts? This

was a fiscal imposition aimed at people who have already made 'informed' decisions to live partially in France. Homework was clearly done. Didn't she understand that this

additional tax burden was proposed 'after the event' for present second home owners in France? Rest assured, those of us who have a home in France as well as one elsewhere, are in

France because we want to be there - for the climate, way of life, culture etc. However, we were not stupid enough to agree to be soft targets for this type of political gain - wherever it

happens to be. No Susan, it didn't suit and we weren't going to roll over for it. What a pity Susan's perception of this business has given rise to so much bitterness on her

part. She may have misunderstood the rationale and implications of the proposed tax and the reactions to it, but this does not excuse her patronizing and, frankly, insulting attitude towards

her fellow Britons. Myself, I'm quite satisfied with the role Connexion has taken on the issue in that it has allowed responsible (and intelligent) people to air their views through

the letter page and as a result, happily, may have helped to maintain a fair and just system. VAL DENNISON Photo: Dmitry Nikolaev - Fotolia.com