Working together beats labeling each other
Working together beats labeling each other
EDITOR:
I find the pessimist’s letter of Nov. 10 claiming that Democrats are socialists and the reason his income is diminishing a little convoluted. First off, eight years of his 14 years of retirement were spent under Republican rule. When the Democratic president left office, this country had a surplus in its budget. As soon as the Republican president could get his hands on it he spent that, and a trillion dollars more, bombing Iraq and then rebuilding it. And no matter who is in office our tax dollars will be paying that off for many years to come. At least the Democrats want to use our tax dollars to rebuild America’s infrastructure, not that of other countries.
When Clinton was in office the stock market was sound. My personal savings plan was rising steadily. Needless to say it is practically nonexistent now. Even though many investment companies practiced risky and dishonest investing, the Republican party bailed them out with our tax dollars which we will also be paying for many years to come.
I shudder to think where the majority of Americans would be after the stock market debacle if the Republicans had been able to get away with their plan to privatize Social Security. I paid into Social Security every week for 37 years and am still contributing. When I choose to collect it, it will be a benefit I paid for, not a gift from the government.
I am all for capitalism, but I believe we have an obligation to the country and the people who helped us to be financially successful. I believe that most of the businesses that went to foreign countries were profitable. They just wanted to put more money in their pocket and less in the workers’.
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I voted for Obama. I voted for him because I am disgusted by the glorification of the dog eat dog mentality of our present government officials. I am disgusted by their prostitution to the almighty dollar and the power that comes with it. I am disgusted by their lack of loyalty and compassion. I want all Americans to thrive by working together, not against each other. I want to be financially comfortable but not by sacrificing my values, my morals, or my compassion for others. I expect others to pull their weight, but I’m willing to give them a hand when they are down and out. I expect the same in return, too.
I am aware that America will always have problems and challenges, but I believe the most productive way to overcome and solve our problems is to work together. Labeling each other and sulking is counterproductive.
KATHY AARON
Boardman
Look at labor costs first
EDITOR:
General Motors is the largest auto producer in the world. GM has the largest market share in America. Sales revenue is not the problem. Production cost is the problem.
UAW labor is the largest expense and must be addressed. The union’s primary responsibility is job security for its members, yet union leaders are refusing to negotiate reasonable cost saving measures. Putting tax dollars into a flawed and failing company will not save jobs.
DON JOHNSON
Liberty Township