Letter: It's about time to help middle class

Re: "Righting a wrong or just politics?" editorial on Sept. 1: I believe the "Daily Herald" was unfair in its assessment of President Biden's decision to forgive the student debt for many people for whom this relief will be life changing.

It is true the debt relief does not address the underlying problems of student debt. However, it is an important first step and helps many who need it the most.

Why is it that so many people get upset about cancelling some student debt when the whole student loan program has been marked by problems and changing and confusing rules on repayment for so long?

When George W. Bush offered a prescription drug program for seniors (while specifically prohibiting Medicare from negotiating prices with pharmaceutical companies) before the elections, few people complained about the cost to the taxpayer.

Similarly, when the GOP passed a tax reduction bill heavily weighted toward the rich and corporations, few people talked about the impact on the deficit.

American taxpayers have been giving tax breaks, relief, write-offs and subsidies to the rich for decades. It is high time that working and middle class people get some of those same benefits. President Biden deserves credit for helping people with onerous debt burdens.

Christopher Melby

Arlington Heights