To The Editor:
I want to thank Robin Donkersloot and Mary Laulis for their reply to my essay. That’s the primary reason I write these pieces.
There are so many places that we agree. I agree that the Democratic Party is the party of elites. We may also agree on the fact that the Republican Party is also the party of elites. Remember they’re the ones who love cutting taxes for the ultra rich and corporations. As a socialist I don’t like either party. They’re both far too capitalist.
We also agree that personal responsibility is really important. I think this is normal for the vast majority of Americans. Where we may disagree is that millions of citizens like me have worked their whole lives and now expect that the money we invested in Social Security and Medicare will be paid back. So, I like government. I don’t like how it’s being run right now, but without SS and Medicare I would be a burden on my friends or I would be homeless. I like government regulations that stop businesses from polluting our world. I’d like them to be stronger. I like public education and I like being able to get out of my driveway in winter. And I agree that government can’t take care of my problems, but I believe that you and I, working together, can make our society a better place for all of us. That’s the definition of government.
Robin Lehman
Warren, Vermont
