Independent Vermont Senator Bernard Sanders and others have pointed out how little time the presumed presidential candidates have spent talking about the dire economy — especially its effect on the poor, the working class, and even the middle class.
At times, the apparent Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, seems no more attuned to the plight of working people and the poor in George Bush-era America than his opponent. If he is concerned, he has been too careful not to offend any of the moguls or corporate entities helping to press down those at the bottom of the economic pile.
Republican John McCain, whose party is closely tied to the interests of the wealthy and big business, has said even less. Senator McCain promises to retain, even expand the Bush tax relief for the well-to-do, which shows where he is coming from.
But Senator Obama also has promised tax cuts, although for the middle class, which is to say he would — with slightly different emphasis — continue the bankrupt Bush administration policies. Bankrupt in that, in order to right our economic ship, the federal budget must be more in balance and the $9 trillion federal debt must come way down.
In other words, there is no alternative to raising taxes and calling for sacrifice from all Americans if we are to dig out of the huge hole we find ourselves in. Yet, no one wants to say that, and each would be ripped apart by the other if they proposed what is so obviously necessary — and in our best interests as a nation.
Only tax cuts sound good to the voting public, of course, never sacrifice, even for the good of the country. Which is why candidates — other than Senator Sanders and very few others, who are never seriously challenged — say they want to do what is clearly called for.
But at some point, doesn’t someone have to step up? Preferably before we have another Depression-like crash.
The sad part is that assisting the poor and working people, providing health care and quality education and good-paying jobs — and a secure retirement — is a much better investment in the United States than the perpetuation of an obscenely wealthy, hoarding elite.
— Jim Therrien