Welfare for the Rich

The letter writer seems to think the Democrats should have stopped the tax cut for the wealthy that took effect on Jan. 1. He also seems to support the cuts in spending for Medicare, Medicaid, tuition loans and the enforcement of child-support programs.Surely he is aware that Republicans -- in control of the House, Senate and presidency -- determine the overall agenda, appoint committee heads, make the decisions about what will be discussed in committees and then what will be brought out of the committees for discussion on the floor of both houses. If you are not the party in control, you are virtually powerless to influence that schedule or have any input in the priorities set by the lawmakers. Minority party lawmakers usually lose when the votes are tabulated.Given the evidence now coming out of Washington, the people have little to no voice in our government, which is overwhelmingly controlled by the wishes of the lobbyists, who predominantly work with those in power, in this case, the Republicans. We all know the phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely," especially now, as we are watching it in action.We should all remember this when we vote this fall. It's time we had a little give and take in our government.

BETTIE REINA

Milmay

Letter published in the Courier Post, February 7, 2006