Is government encouraging greed?

“Of the people, by the people, for the people shall perish from this earth.” — Abraham Lincoln, 1863

“For want of a better word, greed is good.” — Gordon Gecko, Wall Street, 1987.

When I observe the flag of our country flying ever so proudly, I wonder if what that flag represents is still there. A government that represents the people. What we are witnessing with our current economic depression is nothing more than a product of greed. A banking system that allowed subprime loans to people who could not afford them and then sat back and watched those people lose their homes. An oil industry that raises the price of oil products with no care to what that increase may do to the country or to its economy. Large and small corporations shipping out millions of manufacturing jobs to foreign countries for profit. We have accepted trade agreements with the most despotic country in the world, China, for greed. Next time you wave that flag, check out where it has been made.

We’re in denial that our health care system needs drastic help, that the people need help, that families are going bankrupt for lack of such help, that people are dying in the richest country in the world because of greed.

The question must be asked. Who does our government represent? Does it represent the people or does it represent those who are more affluent, whose only concern is the bottom line? You may argue that what I represent is socialism. So be it. For if socialism is a concern for the people, if it is a concern for the future of our country then you can eat cake. Let us rally round the flag, boys, let us rally once again, shouting the battle cry of the people.

Steve Karlovits

Buffalo Grove