In a recent article, Jim Crawford stated that the Republicans say we can no longer afford Social Security, as it is, and Medicare, as it is.

If he would just check “Obamacare,” it is not the Republicans who are doing away with Medicare. It is Obama and the Democratic Party that passed the legislation.

If you will check just what is to happen in 2013 under Obamacare those who go on dialysis will no longer be covered by Medicare. And those who are over 75 years of age, in order to have heart stints, will not be approved for the procedure. Also, those who are on Medicare, when they need major surgery it must be approved by a panel of the government before they can have the surgery.

Now, I’m on Social Security and I am in no way rich. However, I can plainly see that the tax structure is wrong. You see, the top 10 percent of the people pay more than 69.94 percent of the taxes. The next 40 percent pays 27.9 percent and the bottom 50 percent pays 2.7 percent, of which some pay no tax, but get earned income tax with their refund.

What percent do you think is fair for the top 10 percent?

Yes, the two parties should work together for the betterment of our country. But when the Democrats had control of both the House and Senate they totally ignored the Republicans on all issues.

Obama and Harry Reid still control the Senate and will not pass anything the Republicans send to them.

However, since they are Democrats they are not to blame. It is just the other side that won’t work with them.

We need to stop spending for departments that could be eliminated. Then maybe we could get our budget in line. The Democrats who have had control since Obama was elected but have never passed a budget, nor will they let one pass the Senate.

When both parties start working together, we will be a much better country. This will only happen when we, the people, demand it from our political leaders.

Homer Campbell

Ironton