A mattress TV ad shows a reprehensible person being asked by an onlooker “How do you sleep at night?” The accused claim to sleep all night long on one of the company’s mattresses.
Cute, but it made me think. “How do Republican legislators who voted for tax breaks for the wealthy, but large social spending cuts, sleep at night?” They may be thinking:
- Throwing people off social programs such as Medicaid will be done by the states that now must decide to raise taxes and cut essential services to make up the difference. Those working the front lines in state human services departments and healthcare providers who directly help the disabled and seniors in nursing homes will do the dirty work.
- The cuts don’t take effect until January 2027, when Democrats might be back in power to deal with the mess. That’s plenty of time to fully justify cowardly actions to voters with short memories.
- New regulatory changes buried in the “Big Beautiful Bill” that are difficult to interpret and implement will discourage participation by those in need.
- The changes don’t affect anyone in Congress personally, particularly if they don’t know anyone who is disabled, and because they themselves are covered by health insurance, provided at taxpayer expense.
- They could lose their seats if they don’t vote the way Trump and the MAGA cult say. Trump will make their lives miserable and finance their opponents in the primaries.
There are any number of other reasons that Congressional Republicans might use. The point is that those who voted for cuts to social programs may never have to stare a taxpayer in the eye and tell them they can’t have the necessary support they need.
The role of government is to set and fund priorities. Based on their actions, Republicans prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy and less regulation and oversight of major corporations, all at our expense.
Some Republicans believe poverty is the fault of the person suffering it. They didn’t work hard enough; they were born at the wrong time and in the wrong place; things that legislators think they have no responsibility to correct. Republicans say throwing money at a problem won’t fix it and will add to the federal deficit. Funny how they don’t think that way about tax breaks for the wealthy, corporations, and any organization that supports MAGA values.
You obviously feel strongly about social programs and providing help for those in need. That’s wonderful! Having compassion for your neighbors is really important. And no doubt a great many others feel the same way. I just wanted you to know that you are more than welcomed to provide the necessary funds directly, or to pay extra taxes if that’s easier. Please refrain though, advocating the government to steal funds from others who may not be as compassionate, or would prefer to help in other ways. In the same vein, I will not advocate for government subsidies to businesses, farms,… Read more »
They sleep because they are sociopaths concerned only about themselves and have no empathy or emotions except for greed and anger. Apparently 1 in 30 people are sociopaths.
I doubt that’s it, but just in case, please feel free to donate more/all of your wealth, either directly to those in need, or by paying more taxes, if you prefer that route. Both will be happily accepted. There’s no need to be generous only with other peoples’ money. Lead by example and show us how much of a better person you are.
For some reason, my response has been interpreted as being in favor of the Big Ugly Bill – you have no idea how very against it I am!! It’s an atrocity!! My response was only regarding the reason those politicians voted for it – that lies in their greedy sociopathic personalities because they are only looking out for themselves.. For the record, I did not, have never, and would never vote for tRump – the orange man-child vengeful dictator!! I also would not ever support any politician who is a Right Winger I will always be a liberal independent!
That’s the spirit! Go with the ad hominem attack to win me over. Color me persuaded!
Dear Duane, Your letter raises concerns that prompt me to question the sources of certain misinformation. I understand that those who didn’t support Trump may feel uneasy about his policies, but spreading falsehoods about the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) distorts its actual impact. First, the BBB didn’t introduce tax breaks. It simply extended and made permanent existing tax liability rates for all Americans. The claim that it favors the wealthy ignores that the top 50% of earners already pay 97% of U.S. taxes, while those below the poverty line typically owe no income tax. Second, the BBB made no financial… Read more »
I never said the BBB introduced tax breaks, but you have to admit, voting to make permanent a tax break is still approving of a tax break. And there are additional breaks for the wealthy in the BBB if you just look. I’m no billionaire, but the BBB gives me and my wife an additional $12,000 deduction we don’t need all because we are over age 65. Beyond semantics, let me push back on your claim of social program cuts targeting only “waste, fraud and abuse.” If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. You have to… Read more »
If you don’t need it, I’m assuming you’ll refuse that $12,000 deduction? Every little bit helps, you know.