Cuts to Entitlements? Let's Do It For Everyone

Tea Party, Republicans, Democrats.... they have several things in common. They are all unwillling to go against powerful special interests and all of them seem to think that just because they were elected , that they all have a "mandate" to vote straight down party lines.

All representatives, including the president, should be more concerned with the prosperity and well being of all Americans, regardless of pressure from special interests groups. And yet, those with power and money always seem to come out on top. Everybody seems to agree that state, city and federal governments need to cut back on expenses in order to balance the budget (or at least pay the interest payment on the debt). However, when anyone suggests changing eligibility for social security or reducing benefits, nobody is willing to take on the AARP (the grey haired among us vote more and control around 80% of American financial resources) and recommend these changes effect current retirees along with our children/grandchildren. Social Security was designed as a "safety net" for Americans who had no savings or pensions..... not to provide vacation money for senior citizens with more than $1 million in assets!

How can we make home health care workers take a cut in pay, or stop coverage for organ transplants for some MediCal recipients and be unwilling to charge taxes on home loan interest exceeding $1,000.000!

And it's only getting worse! Catepillar has pitted Illinois against surrounding states, by threatening to leave the state if Illinois does not stop the increase in corporate taxes from 3%% to 7% --- most states are way above20%. Bank of America manages to subvert IRS rules and the result is 0% tax liability in corporate taxes (they say that's okay because the pay into payroll tax). The Chairman of the Board of CountryWide Bank, made billions on his easy loans and lax verification policies, is convicted, andyet stays out of jail. On the other hand, individuals who took out "liar loans" are given jail sentences of 24 months. Homeowners in foreclosure risk jail sentences as well, even those laid off and unable to find another job! Energy companies spent millions to exempt themselves from the requirements of Nixon's Clean Water and Air Act. Government is unwilling to require banks and financial service companies receiving billions in bailouts successfully. Oil lobbies push Republicans to decrease funds/capability of the EPA to monitor drilling, despite the recent catastrophe and growing concern about the lack of regulations on natural gas drilling operations.

It's really easy for local governments to fine homeowners and small businesses for code violations and yet Massey Corp. can litigate their verified safety violations for decades, despite mining tragedies that have cost the lives of many miners!

In campaign commercials, all the politicians say they are for "Main Street" and small businesses and the "American Way". It's time for all Americans to make them back up the rhetoric with action. Corporations should not control the American government. Corporations are successful because Americans buy their products and are productive workers (thanks to govt. supported schools/roads/infrastructure/research funding. Why should the US government provide major tax breaks to companies who shelter funds off shore and give out outrageous bonuses, using our money and enjoying high profits while cutting salaries, benefits and staff.

Come on guys. We are all entitled to our different opinions.... but shouldn't we all try to protect the shrinking middle class (included all the hard working people now collecting unemployment or sleeping in their car) through no fault of their own. Write your representative..... don't let them cast a vote simply because of an expected campaign contribution.