MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Opinion

Discussion

November 24, 2012

THE PEOPLE SPEAK – Senior concerned about attitudes

I  am a senior citizen concerned about the attitudes shown by so many of our citizens, encouraged by even the presidential contender, maintaining that he lost because Obama offered “gifts” such as free health care, free contraception for young women, “amnesty” for illegal immigrants, forgiveness of college loans and extended health care for older children from their parents’ health coverage.

The economic situation, bad for almost everyone, has been used to blame different segments of our society, especially the poor. People displeased with Obama direct their charges to the resentment that they believe many people have against the poor, especially those of color. It serves their interests to blame Obama and his supporters for the economic woes rather than blame those allowing companies to take jobs overseas, or the large corporations that pay executives big bonuses, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and others making exorbitant profits. When they complain about the national debt, they conveniently ignore the cost and amount recent wars have added to it and that these wars have not been adequately funded from taxes that have been much lower than they were in the ones where I and people my age served. They also handily ignore the amount many companies and their rich owners and shareholders have profited from these wars.

From coverage in newspapers, TV, and internet, it seems most of this anger and resentment is a manifestation of a deeper racial bias and hatred in spite of the denials. We recently honored our veterans, and this attitude is a disgrace to me, a disabled war veteran and all the servicemen, including those of color, who died in our many foreign wars and those living with wounded minds and bodies, the price it costs to give these people freedom and the right to vote.

EDWARD

V. HARRIS

Hugo

Text Only
Opinion
AP Video
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8 Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8 Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs Obama: Friction in Afghan Talks No Surprise Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park 3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Poll

Should Congress cut federal food programs in its effort to reduce government spending?

Yes
No
     View Results
Featured Ads
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Stocks