Editor:

Sen. Jim Demint (R.-S.C.) recently stated that the Republican party has no common goals with the Democrats. Let’s see if he is right. Pres. Obama is trying to get a bill passed that will create millions of jobs by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, to be paid for by a surtax on the rich. Republican politicians keep voting against the bill. The Republicans say lower taxes on the rich to create jobs.
Bush took a budget surplus and turned it into a near depression with his tax cuts. Democrats want the rich to pay the same tax rate as the working class. Dems are trying to get affordable health care for everyone, Repubs are lobbying against Obamacare, and are defunding Planned Parenthood. Repubs want to cut the deficit by cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, all programs vital to the working class. Dems want to do it by asking the rich to pay their fair share in taxes. Dems urge every child to get a good education, Repub governors are cutting education funding.

Dems fight for the rights of the working class, Repubs fight for the rights of the moneyed class. Dems believe that our private lives are ours alone. Repubs are trying to eliminate abortion rights, contraception, and are beginning to push for abstinence. Dems urge everyone to do their civic duty and vote, Repub governors are passing laws restricting voting to those more likely to vote Repub.

Sen. Demint brags about the differences between us, stunningly oblivious to what that says about his character and that of his fellow Republicans. Senator, you are right. We have nothing in common.

Barrie Johnson, Exeland