At last count the United States has 536 billionaires; China is second with 213. This is why America is called the ‘richest country in the world;’ but try and tell that to a homeless man, woman, or family. These 536 Americans are wealthy beyond the average man’s imagination because they benefit from opportunities and laws not available in most nations. It’s time that they pay the nation for their lives of privilege.
Several of these billionaires have made pledges to give their wealth away to the needy, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Mark Zuckerberg. Others, such as the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson, and Donald Trump want to increase their wealth, and never consider the plight of the average man.
With this much wealth in one nation, there is no excuse that one individual or one family lives in a homeless situation. The number of families living in poverty is rising; the number of millionaires and billionaires is rising. The middle class is disappearing.
Donald Trump offered a tax plan; almost. Although he did not give specifics, the rough plan was studied by economists. Their decision was alarming. The one-percent, which includes Trump, would benefit, while low-income and impoverished Americans would continue to struggle. The national debt would double.
Not a single Republican would raise the tax rate on our wealthiest Americans; their party is owned by big business and those who live in luxury.
Something must change. Wages are not increasing; many of our best jobs are now in foreign nations; Congress refuses to raise the minimum wage, forcing many men and women to work two or three jobs to support the needs of their families; millions of Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless.
Income inequality is not a joke; this is what trickle-down economics truly means. The wealthy are not “job creators,” they are money hoarders.
With the livelihood of millions of Americans in the balance, the American people cannot allow a Republican to live in the White House. Our domestic problems would worsen, and the safety of Americans abroad would be in danger. These are facts, not political posturing.
Next year our Congress must address the current tax laws and make changes which will benefit the majority and not special interests. Our judicial system much be completely revamped. Wealthy citizens receive far less punishment for crimes they commit. Low-income and poor Americans are punished far more severely. Contrary to Republican claims, black Americans receive more violent treatment from law enforcement than whites.
Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have addressed the economic situation in our nation during their campaigns; Trump has never spoken a word about this unforgivable condition.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 