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While the wealthy do not support programs which benefit the common person,
they influence voters through clever advertising and misinformation.
For example, fossil fuel companies say there should be more oil and gas exploration, for "Energy Independence". However, more fossil fuel extraction causes less independence since then we are dependent upon oil rather than renewable energy, which is cheaper and will be available as long as the sun shines and there is wind. But then oil companies won't make their huge profits. Follow the money; who is profiting?
Think how the word "socialism" has become a dirty word. Yet, Social Security and Medicare are socialism. The main goal of socialism is "to share wealth more equally and make sure people's basic needs are met." What's not to like? The goal of capitalism is profit which causes severe wealth gaps and can lead to unfair treatment of workers. No wonder the wealthy, who make the profits, are threatened by equality. Hence, they use scare tactics, accusing socialists of being communists, which is very different because communism doesn't allow private ownership.
I am puzzled why voters continue to vote for candidates who weaken Social Security, remove millions from the Affordable Care Act, make Medicaid less available, restrict SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients who are disabled or unable to find work, oppose unions which fight for fair pay, while giving billionaires tax breaks.
Tricking the voters with false slogans is why the rich keep getting richer and the poor, poorer.
SANDRA FOLZER
Mansfield
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom