Growing political power of socialism
Social Security was a long-term plan to help working Americans live more comfortably in their advancing years, where the recipients pay a Social Security tax during their working years, plus their share of federal, state and local taxes. Social services is a welfare plan for which the recipients pay no insurance or tax that was designed as a short-term tool to lift Americans out of poverty and give them a shot at the American dream. Unfortunately, it has led thousands of Americans into a permanent dependent class and transformed America into a debtor nation with an unsustainable future debt for its many social programs.
Capitol Hill has taken trillions of dollars out of Social Security and Medicare to pay for social services. We are $16 trillion in debt and the biggest crisis is yet to come. Government pensions are not funded and in the near future, many cities and states will fall into bankruptcy because they have insufficient funds to pay their government employee pensions.
Mitt Romney’s attempt to point out the dangers of out-of-control spending was labeled as “heartless” and “no compassion for the poor.”
America is on a collision course with reality. The theory of redistributing the people’s wealth has nothing in common with democracy. It is a tenant of socialism and communism, and it will undermine the foundation of independence and remove the incentive to work or to seek the American dream.
Social services will use their voting clout in support of their allies, but it gives us comfort to know that the ballot box will still be there on Nov. 6 and that allows the voters to choose the destiny of their country.
Ondis Brantley, Russiaville
An idea for parking downtown
If a parking garage is needed downtown, why not utlitize the lot on the southeast corner of Superior and Main streets (the site of the old jail)?
Marjorie Bowyer, Kokomo
President supports soy farmers
The Obama administration should be commended for supporting strong domestic energy policy by boosting biodiesel production last month under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This decision will stimulate new biodiesel production and create jobs across the country, including right here in Indiana where the world’s largest integrated soy biodiesel plant is located.
Biodiesel — made from feedstocks such as soybean oil, recycled cooking oil and animal fats — is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to be produced on a commercial-scale nationwide.
Biodiesel isn’t just a good thing for soybean farmers, but also for livestock farmers and ultimately consumers. Livestock, especially pigs and poultry, rely on soybean meal for a large portion of the protein in their diet. When soybean oil is used for biodiesel, this increases oil value and can create a steady supply of soybean meal for livestock farmers.
The administration’s decision increases the amount of biodiesel that refiners must use to displace petroleum diesel next year to a total of 1.28 billion gallons. The U.S. diesel market equals about 55 billion gallons annually.
This gives the biodiesel industry and its feedstock producers the certainty they need to boost production and invest in their operations. It also will diversify our fuel supplies so that we’re not so dependent on global petroleum prices that threaten our national security and economic growth.
With gas prices once again on the rise, this is exactly the kind of smart domestic energy policy we need for the future.
Kevin Wilson president, Indiana Soybean Alliance Walton
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
