LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Elections: generalizations and grandiose promises

Dear Editor:

I read with amusement Dr. Myron Kuropas' apotheosis of the Republican Party as the noble defender of working people. The article contained so many sweeping generalizations that I felt compelled to answer with some of my own.

A lot of Americans would like to:

• have a government accountable to citizens and not to wealthy corporate donors;
  
  
• breathe clean air and drink clean water;
  
  
• pay the same price as Canadians do for prescription drugs;
  
  
• have reasonably priced health coverage that actually pays for their medical expenses;
  
  
• make a living wage, not just a "minimum" wage;
  
  
• be able to take a leave of absence, to take care of family members without fear of termination or other retribution at work.

As far as I can remember, a determined group of radical Republicans in the U.S. Congress has worked vigorously against all of these goals.

These stalwart heroes of the middle class can also list the following as some of their accomplishments:

• working energetically against meaningful legislation such as the Patients' Bill of Rights, the Family Leave Act, the Clean Water Act and campaign finance reform;
  
  
• shutting down the government twice in their feud over spending with President Bill Clinton. (Once this occurred in late December, forcing government workers - real taxpayers with families to support, not "faceless bureaucrats" - to do without pay during the Christmas season.);
  
  
• supporting corporate polluters and tobacco companies.

On another matter, the main problem with the tax system is not the inheritance tax, but corporate welfare. The system allows dozens of established, profitable corporations (of Fortune 500 caliber), a free ride in terms of taxes - subsidizing these wealthy companies, with tax money from average citizens. According to the IRS, collected taxes from corporations have decreased over the past 10 years, while taxes from citizen taxpayers have risen.

And nothing will change until there is meaningful campaign finance reform. Both major parties are guilty: representatives have their donors' interests as a top priority.

Under the current system, helping the working taxpayer isn't a prerogative. Average citizens are addressed only at election time. That's when grandiose promises are made, such as cutting taxes.

Oleh Sydor
Glen Ellyn, Ill.

For Ukrainian Americans the choice is Al Gore

Dear Editor:

The year 2000 is here and that means that in November we get to elect a new President. For Ukrainian American voters that choice is Vice-President Al Gore. You might be telling yourself that the Democrats have been in charge of the Executive Branch of government for the last eight years and we need a change.

But as the old saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" The last two presidential terms have been prosperous for America. The economy is stable and has been continuously growing. President Bill Clinton and his administration have recognized Ukraine and assisted in her growth and development. American foreign policy has ensured Ukraine's vital position in the new Eastern Europe and has not allowed Russia to step all over our homeland.

The candidate, Mr. Gore, has been part of the Kuchma-Gore Committee, which has been very important to Ukraine as a developing democracy and a world player. Mr. Gore will continue this work if elected president on November 7, and bring all his Ukrainian experience to the office of president in January.

If that is not enough for you to make the right choice on November 7, then ask yourself if you want George W. Bush, son of President George Bush - who in 1991 went to Kyiv and slapped Ukraine's democrats in the face. He called Ukraine's hope for freedom "suicidal nationalism" and told the Ukrainian people to bow to Moscow's will. Do you want his son to be president and repeat his father's economic policy that cost Americans their jobs and a strong economy?

Ukrainian Americans have had enough of Mr. Bush's "Chicken Kiev" in the past and do not want George, Jr.'s in the future! Vote for Mr. Gore and other Democratic candidates on November 7! Let's continue the progress!

Marc Anthony Datzkiwsky
Newark, N.J.

The letter-writer is president, Ukrainian American Democratic Association in New Jersey.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 29, 2000, No. 44, Vol. LXVIII

| Home Page |