Speak out, vote for an end to the greed

Speak out, vote for an end to the greed

The bill to increase the minimum wage went down to defeat in the Senate; another example of the Congress's unwillingness to improve the lot of the majority of Americans. The failure to increase the minimum wage denies millions of low wage earners the opportunity to improve their lives.

The heartless policies Republicans espouse inordinately affect racial minorities, the middle and lower class, women, young, elderly and disabled.

The Republican plan for the future is clearly outlined in the Ryan Budget Proposal. Cut benefits to the poor and middle class, including: cut food stamps, Pell grants, Medicaid, turn Medicare into a voucher system, reduce Social Security benefits, repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut veterans benefits. Republican benevolence comes in the form of tax cuts to the wealthy.

Republican policies of keeping wages and benefits low while providing tax benefits for corporations and the rich will only continue to widen the gap between haves and have-nots in this country. Limiting opportunities to rise from poverty, to get an education, to have access to affordable health care are moral as well as economic issues.

These heartless policies will be implemented if the Republicans gain control of Congress in the mid term elections. It is up to all of us to stand up and speak up, vote for change and end the greed.

Karen Williams

Huntley