Bumper-sticker mentality blames government for sins of big business

To the editor:

I often wondered how it is possible to come up with two entirely different conclusions based on the same information, but now I have a clue. After I complained that the U.S. Congress seems to be against President Obama’s plan to extend the tax break to the middle class, my friend Harry asked if I thought it was fair to charge the rich more than the middleclass. I simply answered that Obama’s idea would be good for the country.

Later, I realized the question of fairness to the rich is a legitimate concern that should be addressed, and after pursuing the matter, I determined our country’s troubled economy really does need a serious surge of stimulating activity. Therefore, it really does make sense to get as much money as possible — from the rich who can afford it — into the hands of people who will spend it.

In a manner of speaking, Harry and I were both right to follow our respective points of view; however, if his opinion prevails, the country might go into a double-dip recession that would lead to another Great Depression and the demise of our American way of life.

Shame on you, Harry!

Actually, though, we’ve all had a hand in shaping the present state of affairs.

Too many of us have adopted a bumper-sticker mentality that blames the government for the sins of big business. Our system of government is as good as ever, but it needs the American people’s use of fairness and rationality, which has always provided the greatest amount of good to the largest number of people.

It would behoove us all to honestly examine our political and religious ideologies, and then vote for candidates whose policies are based on fairness and rationality. Ordinary people with sensible aspirations are America’s best hope for future prosperity.

Art Carney

Wasilla