TOP 1 PERCENT
Social policies cater to the rich
What are the social consequences when 40 percent of our country’s wealth is owned by 1 percent of our population? (U.S. Financial Wealth Distribution, William Domhoff) Unfortunately, in the U.S. wealth equals power and many policy decisions rest in the hands of a few very wealthy people. It’s obvious that the top 1 percent are now hard at work trying to dictate U.S. policy. The top 1 percent want to purge what they consider burdensome regulations that influence their businesses and industries.
Social issues such as health care, Social Security, education and environmental protection are the enemies of the top 1 percent and they want these government-managed programs eliminated or privatized. They hate paying taxes, but greedily maximize the use of our infrastructure and resources that are owned in common or are shared among communities. What the top 1 percent really want is an unimpeded pathway to greater and greater wealth. The top 1 percent don’t care about the common good, the general welfare or domestic tranquility.
Our country is rapidly becoming an oligarchy where policy-making decisions will be in the hands of extremely wealthy individuals. The top 1 percent are intent on maximizing their profits at the expense of our health and well being.
MALCOHM MCGREGOR, Boise
MILITARY DRAFT
National security better with ‘citizen’ troops
The military today is essentially composed of volunteers who enlisted for various reasons, not necessarily because of patriotism. This does not mean that we should withhold honoring their service, but rather accept the fact that many joined to escape some unpleasant aspects in civilian life, thus possibly carrying personal problems into military life, which may account for some post traumatic syndrome cases and a rash of suicides.
Although the word “draft” is anathema to many, in the past it proved to be a leveling influence vital to a democratic society. The privileged, the poor, the naive and the smart were thrown together. In my World War II experience I peeled potatoes beside those who only knew spuds as a finished product on linen tablecloths. Unfortunately in the military of today menial tasks like peeling potatoes are contracted out, thus limiting the leveling that is indispensable to a democracy.
It is true that when the military draft existed, some found ways to escape. Nevertheless, the bulk of citizens paid their dues. They sacrificed not by choice, but because their country called them and as a consequence our country was made safer. A drafted citizen military makes a superior force.
HARRY A. DENNIS, Boise
