Don't widen chasm between rich, poor
Editor:
If you are concerned about our country’s future, act now. By Nov. 23, Sen. Max Baucus and the other 11 members of the supercommittee must submit their proposals for reducing by $1.5 trillion the federal deficit.
On the table for cuts is all that we love — national parks, schools, public safety and roads, libraries — and all the government programs that protect our most vulnerable neighbors — Medicaid, SSI, Meals on Wheels, subsidized housing. The result of cuts to our safety-net programs would be millions more of our neighbors becoming homeless and underfed, including veterans, children and people with disabilities. Think of my friend who cannot work because of a brain injury. She and her two children survive with the help of many government-supported programs — housing, Medicaid, SSI, Head Start.
Let’s encourage Sen. Baucus to insist that any deal include meaningful increases in revenue, not just cuts to programs.
How about raising revenue by requiring Social Security taxes on all wages, even those over $106,800? None of us want to see the chasm between rich and poor widen as a result of the tough decisions that must be made in Washington. You and I can’t afford to do nothing — there’s too much at stake.
Amy E. Hall
Helena
Most are just free-loaders and are personally responsible for the gap between rich and poor. This country was founded on free-enterprise and for that reason and that reason only, we surged ahead of the entire world. Yes, there are obvious benefits of hard work and long hours and a good business eye but without those type people there wouldn't be anyone to hire the rest who are satisfied with less natural toys. Sheeesssshhh one can't take anything with them anyway so why fret because someone else has more while here on earth as they will soon lose it and their kids will fight over it and fritter it away usually.
I do agree we need to keep programs for those who sincerely need them.