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Huddled masses bailed out wealthy
To his credit, the writer of “Chaotic babble” (Nov. 21 Letters to the Editor) acknowledged the existence of the 1 percent holding all the nation’s wealth. But he denigrated and dismissed those unwashed, huddled masses whose tax dollars bailed out banks, corporations and oligarchs.
These are the very people the writer claimed compassion for.
The protesters whose incoherent, chaotic babble offends the writer’s sensibilities have the right to peacefully assemble anytime or anywhere, despite his protestations.
When was the last time the tea party assemblies were pepper-sprayed for their violent rhetoric or threats of civil overthrow of the government?
D.W. REYNOLDS
Wichita
Don’t represent
I guess I am considered one of the 99 percent. But the Occupy Wall Street protesters do not represent me.
If they wish to represent me, they will take a bath and put on clean clothes, and quit blocking other people from getting to work or a doctor’s office or store. They will quit trashing private or public places and quit standing there holding out their hands saying, “forgive my debt.”
DAVE WESSEL
Rose Hill
Willful ignorance
“Chaotic babble” (Nov. 21 Letters to the Editor) was a perfect example of what happens when somebody only gets his information from Fox News, and doesn’t check out the facts for himself. To say that the protesters fail miserably to express what they want, and then say that they want to take all or most of the money from the rich, is just willful ignorance.
On Sept. 29, the general assembly of Occupy Wall Street crafted a very coherent declaration that can be found online. The first two of the more than 20 grievances are: “They have taken our houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mortgage.” “They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity, and continue to give executives exorbitant bonuses.”
There is nothing in the other grievances that says anything about wanting a handout from anybody.
The movement is not about making demands; it’s about making awareness of the struggles of the average person. Somebody may or may not agree with the grievances in the declaration, but to say that they fail to express what they want is just plain wrong.
BRAD SCHLEGEL
Wichita
Crony liberals
Regarding “Strengthen unions” (Nov. 21 Letters to the Editor): I believe that more people would be receptive to unions if they knew that their union dues were not going to political agendas.
This country has gone to heck in a handbasket because unions throw members’ dues money toward crony liberals so they can keep getting elected to federal positions. How do you think President Obama got elected? We now have the Occupy Wall Street crowd being embraced by those crony liberals in Congress.
The only way these people can keep their jobs is by buying the votes of blacks and Hispanics who depend on federal programs. What’s to happen when the money runs out and these crony politicians have nothing to give those folks who are on the government dole?
Where does the government get the money to fund those “social” programs? It certainly isn’t from the 50 percent of Americans who pay no federal income tax but reap huge refund checks for not working.
RICH BACH
Wichita
Feudal system
Last week a number of Kansas labor groups announced the formation of the Working Kansas Alliance. This signal that the state’s labor groups intend to cooperate on a broader, more effective level is good news for all Kansans.
Labor groups in Kansas and across the country were a key factor in the growth of the middle class during the latter half of the 20th century. And they can help put a stop to the right-wing wrecking crew that has been trampling traditional Kansas values.
In the upcoming legislative session, Gov. Sam Brownback and his allies will try to dramatically reduce or eliminate the state income tax. Such an action would reduce the taxes paid by the wealthy and push the necessary costs of government further onto the backs of our middle class and working families.
We are already burdened with a fairly regressive tax system. Brownback and his right-wing advisers would push us further into the mire of a modern-day feudal system.
Moderate and progressive Kansans need to follow labor’s example and organize.
LYNN HELLEBUST
Topeka
Your choice
American- or foreign-made? It’s your choice.
Buying from an American manufacturer supports the federal government of the United States. If you choose to buy a foreign product, you are supporting that country. Examples of big purchases would be a General Motors vehicle versus a Japanese vehicle.
What that leaves is your decision as to whether you support the United States or Japan or other foreign countries.
AVIS DECK
Andover
