Sunday, April 17, 2011

Letter to the Editor -- Government by the Rich, For the Rich

Letter to the Editor:

Republicans’ huge cuts to social safety net programs like food stamps and Medicaid serve those Americans that would otherwise be forced to go without these basic needs. Republicans plan to transfer Medicare into a system that subsidizes purchases of private insurance plans. How nice for the private insurance industry! The last I heard, the richest 3% of Americans pay no income taxes, thanks to legislation dating back to George Bush’s presidency.

It is obvious that those serving at the national level are paid generously for their dedication and hard work conducting the affairs of the nation. However, if programs must be cut, and if legislators truly care about the “underprivileged,” it is clear that those who receive such generous benefits (example – Senators and Representatives) would and should be willing to legislate cuts to their personal benefits before punishing the poor and elderly, many of whom have no other resource for food and health care. Oh! And here’s an idea – how about those richest one-third of Americans pitching in their fair share of taxes!?!!

Shirley Yurkonis

Savannah, MO

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