Elections matter, vote wisely
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Editor,
In this “silly season” of election politics, there are many exaggerated or disingenuous accusations being tossed around, ad nauseam. Just listen to the news or read the newspaper, especially this opinion page. However, regardless of your politics, there are a number of incontrovertible facts that cannot be ignored and must be clearly considered by all informed voters. I call these the “600-pound gorillas” in the room.
Most disconcerting is the $16 trillion national debt, which has skyrocketed by 33 percent in the last four years. This, along with the $2 billion budget deficit, puts us on the road to fiscal disaster. Just look at Greece, Spain, Italy and most of the other Euro-zone nations with social unrest and pending bankruptcies. Gasoline prices have risen nationally from an average of $1.84 per gallon to $3.89 since the beginning of 2009. The household median income has decreased from just over $55,000 to $50,000, and median health insurance premiums for families have increased from $13,000 per year to more than $15,000.
Neither party proposes any changes to Medicare for individuals who are now 55 or older. However, eventually the program must have significant revisions for those presently under 55. Medicare and Social Security cannot be economically sustained on their present path.
There are only nine Supreme Court Justices. They are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate for a life term. Some are quite elderly and may retire in the coming years. Do you want a president and Senate who will appoint judges who are for strict gun control, unfettered abortion, amnesty for all illegal immigrants, and non-traditional marriage, or more conservative justices who reflect Montana values? Remember, nothing is free in life. Whether it’s healthcare, food stamps, school meals, or any other entitlement program, we the people are picking up the tab, or worse yet, borrowing the money from China. As president Obama is want to say, “Elections have consequences.” So vote wisely.
Edmond D. Monaco
Polson
