Today President Obama proposed new and sensible changes to our nation’s gun laws. The great majority of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents have stated that they approve the measures. Republican politicians oppose them. You must be asking; why?

Let’s take it issue by issue.

The major topic of interest for the working class is income inequality and the disappearing middle class. You won’t hear it discussed by the Republican presidential candidates because they just don’t care. Their wealthy supporters have benefited from a disparity in income, and that is their only concern. So what if the number of families living in poverty is rising every day?

Adequate health care will remain an issue. Although millions of Americans have enlisted in the Affordable Care Act, it is far from perfect. Instead of working along with Democrats and improving the law, they continue to say that they will repeal it. Why? Once again it is in deference to the wealthiest Americans who would be forced to pay into the system. And, why should politicians care; they have the best health care our tax money can buy.

Immigration reform is not only necessary; it’s a must. The majority of Americans believe that some form of legal status must be available for nearly 12 million men, women, and children. It’s not only logical, it is the moral thing to do. In addition, economists claim that a fair transition would aid our economy. So why do Republicans oppose the difficult process offered by the Senate ‘gang of eight?’ Once again it’s because of their wealthy supporters.

No less than a minimum wage would be allowed for these working men and women. Employers would be forced to pay into social security, Medicare, and workman’s comp. They would receive other benefits, not comparable to politicians, but at least some degree of security would be offered. It might take away one-half of one-percent of their profits. Their other fear is that Hispanics tend to vote for Democrats.

The most backwards position taken by Republicans is about same-sex marriage. They continue to promise that they will overturn the Supreme Court decision. Why are they attempting something which the America people favor? Once again, ‘follow the money.’

A large demographic for the GOP is the lobby of the Christian religious right. Because Republicans have little or no support from blacks, Hispanics, women, millennials, and any other intelligent person, they must take what they can get. Christians and whites are their base and only reliable support.

Women have been denied complete equality by the men in Washington for nearly 240 years. They must have the same rights as their male counterparts at work and in the home. Everyone but Republicans agree that this is a critical issue if our nation is to move forward. Women are marrying later in life, if at all. More women are entering universities and colleges than men. They are more concerned about our nation’s problems than men; and they vote.

Other issues supported by the people and denied by Republicans are reasonable gun laws, a minimum wage increase, and national security without sending our military into another unwinnable conflict in the Middle East.

Necessary support from the NRA, large corporations, and those invested in the military industrial complex prevents Republicans from doing the right thing.

Now you know. The question is; will you vote intelligently or for a party which fails to support the American people?

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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