Editor,

A letter writer in Wednesday’s Gazette said Paul Ryan has done nothing since being elected. Paul Ryan is working tirelessly to reign in the out-of-control spending of Obama and the Democrats. Republicans in the House of Representatives have passed a sensible budget that the Democrat controlled Senate refuses to act on. It has been 1,000 days since Democrats have passed a budget because they do not want voters to know what their out-of-control spending will do to this country.

Ryan is working to save Medicare for future generations. Democrats not only refuse to act to save Medicare, they use Medicare reform as a scare tactic against seniors in an effort to win votes in November. Politifact named these Democrat attacks as the Lie of the Year. Paul Ryan’s Path to Prosperity would save and strengthen Medicare by preserving this critical program with no changes for current seniors and providing for greater choices and security for future generations.

The only way Medicare will end is if Obama and Democrats remain in charge, continue to do nothing, and let the program go broke. Ryan has listened to his constituents. He is working to preserve and protect this program at great political risk. This is the definition of public service.

Ryan is getting national recognition for his extensive knowledge of healthcare and efforts to reduce the federal deficit. He could take the easy way out and do nothing like the Democrats are. Instead he is putting the country before his personal interests.

Fred Yoss
Janesville

We agree on that! :)

the fact remains that so many more white collar criminals are bankrupting this country than are the street criminals. the street criminals just don't have the money to buy off a criminal investigation or the means to adequately hide their crimes (tax evasion, off shore banking, embezzlement, etc).

I have no real sympathy for the street criminal, but I have no sympathy for the illegal activities of the wealthy, either...in fact, it's more disappointing when the wealthy steal from those who are investing their life savings, than the street criminal who steals a tv or xbox. both are wrong, but when the white collar does it, he seems to somehow moves up the corporate ladder, while the street criminal rots in jail or prison.

I support the FairTax, it truly levels the playing field for everyone, rich or poor, drug dealer or politician. But that won't happen anytime soon, it makes it hard for politicians to sell tax breaks.
Since our tax system is "progressive", the more money you make, the higher the percent you pay in federal income taxes.
Here are some stats.
86% of all federal income taxes are paid by the top 25% of income earners.
The top 50% pay 97% of all income taxes!
The top 1% pay 39% of all income taxes!
So the "rich" (however defined) are overall paying way more than their fair share, although I'm sure there are some that pay little or nothing due to our goofy tax system.

I understand and appreciate that many people (many MANY people, in fact) will ALWAYS have more than me: more money, more things, more opportunities, more travel, more ?...the list goes on and on). But that doesn't mean that I should (or will) treat them differently than I treat people of my own economic situation or those in an even worse place (financially). People can be DIRT POOR but have a more satisfied life than people who have more resources than they "need" to exist. That doesn't mean that they shouldn't have the right to keep the things/resources/money, etc that they have--or that they SHOULD give it to those who might need it. I think there are PLENTY of wealthy philanthropists who give all sorts of things to the disadvantaged.

What I don't agree with; however, is that the wealthy pay "more" in taxes than do the, for lack of a better term, common-folk. The government needs to do away with the loop holes that allow wealthy people to pay a smaller percentage of their income on taxes. Taxes should be based on a flat rate percentage of your income. No loop holes or tax breaks if you do this or do that...the whole tax code is so complicated that the (again for lack of a more fitting term) "common-folk" can't interpret it and the wealthy have tax accountants and attorneys to do that for them. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not blaming the wealthy for having the resources available to them to hire such people; however, in the end, the "common-folk" are very likely not taking advantage of the tax deductions and breaks they COULD BE taking and end up paying in more taxes (based on a percentage of their income) than do the wealthy.

Now, when I say wealthy, I am talking about the major corporation CEOs, POLITICIANS, etc. I am not talking about the small business owner who does well for him/herself, but is not "wealthy"...the lines of upper, middle, lower, working-poor, and poverty (poor) "classes" are no longer very clearly defined. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. for instance if you have a significant income, but due to bad choices, be living paycheck to paycheck. That doesn't make you part of the working poor, just not very fiscally responsible.

Interesting perspective. I don't think it's so much poor hating rich, I think that class warfare encourages everyone to hate the "rich". Of course you have to realize that "rich" is a relative term, only the richest of the rich might consider themselves to be. When Clinton started the "soak the rich" nonsense, we found out that they were defining "rich" as people earning as little as $50,000 a year, thus many who supported "soaking the rich" were supporting "soaking" themselves.

that the "poor" hate the "rich". I agree there might be some jealousy/envy, but to call it hate it not accurate...while I see a lot of sheer hatred coming from the comments where there is no question of where their next meal is coming from and spewing hatred on those who are in need and use, for instance, the food share program to get their next meal.

Some people will always judge others, and some people will always help others. We seem to agree. What part of my analysis do you think is wrong?

SuperDave, As I said, I wonder exactly what it is that some folks want out of life. I am convinced that people are less accepting of those who are living in poverty. People are judgmental and angry. Those who are struggling to get by, trying to make healthy choices and are working hard at low paying jobs don't really have time to worry about anything other than getting by. These are the ones being watched and judged-"what are they buying with their food share cards?", "how could they allow a person who lives in that area of town babysit their children-must be bad parents", etc. They do not have the energy to be angry at the "lucky" ones that, more than likely, have also worked hard, but have more money than they do. I think you are completely wrong in your assessment about class warfare.

I know plenty of people who live in poverty who go out of their way to help other people who also need help. I think the group that is forgotten is the group that struggles, tries not to ask for help, but is appreciative and truly grateful for the kindness of others, regardless of income or political affiliations.

Really NoLeft: Sorry had work to do so couldn't continue playing on line all day. Here is the new census release (https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases...) On this page you will be able to read that wages are stagnant and that poverty is increasing for intact families. If you follow the links you will get more information about poverty than you ever wanted. Is poverty bad in female head of houses--yes it is. It is also not looking too good for married.

I meant good ARTICLE.

Here's a good video on the latest "tax the rich" job-killing scheme. Please watch the video also!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424...

@american: You said "How can read the comments on this site and honestly claim people don't hate the poor but the "left" hates the rich?" Examples please. I stand by my statement that I don't know anyone who hates the poor. People do criticize the poor (deservedly so in many cases!), but that is not "hate". In fact, I can't tell you how often I help out "poor" people, or witness others doing so. For example, a couple weeks ago a friend of mine took her friend's school-age kids out for clothes and school supply shopping. She spent almost $500 - and again, these are not her kids. She said there was no way the family could afford to do it themselves. That's compassion, not hate.
I also stand by my class warfare comments. I hear/read people most everyday condemning the "rich", you can find comments like "their own island without the rest of us bothering them" on this very thread. Of course, many have been conditioned to link "rich" with "conservative", when the truth is that money follows both of the big parties.
So when Obama says that the "rich" need to pay their fair share, when in fact they are already paying far more than their fair share, what do you think his intent is? Think about it carefully.

No leftist will never get it... what is gained by the rich hating the poor.... they dont, they may see them differently, as lazy, or enjoying the dependecy.... not hate.... now the poor -- well the politicians are driving the class warfare to generate hate to make it look like they are helping the poor, manufacturing a hatred through envy and disdane.

Noleftist, so 37% of two parent households are at less than $30,000. Poverty guidelines are appr. $19,000 for a family of three, with 37% at less than $30,000 that's a lot of households below, at or very near the poverty guideline. Add in the cost of childcare and the fact low income families in Rock County spend 51% of thier income on housing and you have a lot of struggling families.

As a wealthy individual I'm offended by the term "rich". This isn't the 1950's anymore people so quit your bigotry. Please refer to us as "job creators" from now on.

Oh, and by the way, the problem I spoke of was not children having children. It was illegitimacy. You prove my point by not even being able to speak or write the word. Liberate yourself from the close-minded chains your leftism puts upon you!

I figured you had none, or didn't like what they would say. So I found some.

In 90 percent of the married-with-children households, 63 percent of the spouses earned more than $30,000 a year, with about half earning more than $40,000 a year.

Or how about this? In more than 75 percent of these families, the minimum-wage job accounts for less than 20 percent of family income.

Doh! Looks like your third hand anectdotes were just that.

Still waiting for some stats.

superdave,
COME ON MAN!
"""" don't know anyone who hates the poor! """"
.
How can read the comments on this site and honestly claim people don't hate the poor but the "left" hates the rich?
.
Good Grief!

Can we at least get regular drug testing as a requirement for receiving welfare like they did in Florida?

the funniest thing about the class warfare discussion is that it never looks at what is truly happening. Ever wonder why so many super rich seem to support policies that cost them money? Why does Warren Buffet say that folks should pay more taxes? If you look at it, it becomes clearer... Warren wants no competition for seats at the country club, if someone from the middle class moves up through hard work and joins the ranks of the rich Warren and his buds are disgusted at Jed Clampet showing up at the party. The best way to prevent this is to pay a few mil while advocating policies that would prevent upward movement of the peons through taxation. It also helps to foster resentment of the lower classes. The elite know that while confiscating from the middle to keep them in their place just enough funds then can be given to the bottom and insure that the resenment barriers are kept strong while preventing the bottom from moving up through dependence.

This article's thought that it is okay to hate the poor is just wrong. I don't know anyone who hates the poor! There are those that might use common sense and criticize the life choices made by the poor, but that does not equate to hate.
Now, hating the rich is another matter. It has become quite fashionable to criticize and demonize the "rich", a term I put in quotes because it's all relative. This demonization is encouraged by the left and is known as "class envy" or "class warfare". The so-called "rich" are to blame for everything, from the size of your bank account to the weather. The rhetoric is severe and toxic, and it accomplishes nothing other than to divert your attention away from what they are actually doing, which typically involves giving money/contracts/jobs/power to their wealthy supporters. Think about that irony.

agree peacenick...and not that I have an opinion that is either black or white, I find it curious how conservatives want to stop the social programs yet are still against abortion...which...if what noleftist is attempting to prove is valid, makes me scratch my head and ponder exactly what it is that the conservatives want...except for their own island without the rest of us bothering them with all of this "life" stuff...

Please provide statistics that large numbers of intact families are living in poverty: your third hand anecdotes are useless.

Or how about statistics that show large numbers of primary breadwinners of intact families working for the minumum wage.

If it's as prevalent as you say, shouldn't be hard to produce them real quick.

NoLeft--so much so wrong. I have to say that you must not be paying much attention. Wages for all but the top are stagnant. Downsizing has led to all of us doing more for less. Jobs moved to other countries have left American workers with significantly less manufacturing opportunities. Now the poor are left with service industries paying minimal wages and hiring part time staff while the cost of everything has gone up.

You may also be very surprised to learn that Janesville has very many intact families living in poverty and long before the recession hit town.

While children having children is a serious problem that I would be willing to talk about with serious people it is far from our country's only or biggest problem.

The poor have the same chances to work themselves out of poverty as they have ever had. They also have the same chances to condemn themselves to poverty, most of which are becoming more socially acceptable and thus more prevalent.

For example, it is basically impossible to be a married couple with your own children in this country and be poor. By contrast, it is much more likely that if you have children outside of marriage, both you and your children will be poor.

Illegitimacy is really the driving factor of most social pathologies (lack of education, drug use, poverty, child abuse, lack of healthcare) and is evidenced by any tour through an inner city (Beloit, Milwaukee). Somehow, it is never talked about.

Political correctness is condemning our children to lives of poverty and those who profess to care the most about it are standing by saying nothing.

American workers are more productive than ever before, paid less, and offered less security. Lets face it--the money doesn't fall far from the top. I think we have to make sure we recreate a world where the poor have the same opportunities to work their way out of poverty that we had.

I agree grandys618, but what if the "needs" list continues long after the money runs out and each "need" is legitimate? food, rent, gas, power & light...which of those can be skipped?

Personally -- I dont see people that hate poor, nor the rich. What I see are people that hate to see their money (tax $$) wasted. Money that goes to people that either dont invest or invest properly or that have no intention of working their way out of their situation (poor). What we do well is identifying a probelm, what we do poorly is implementing a solution to the problem. Its the governments solutions that are the problem and thats why their approval ratings are so low.

I don't know any hardworking people that are poor for more than a year or two (especially if they wait until they're married to have kids), and I don't know any lazy rich people. I'm sure there are some, I just don't know any.

And for all the complaints about hunger, why is it the "poor" are also the fattest here in the states? I saw a quote from an Indian immigrant who said "I want to live where poor people are fat." Kind of sums it up.

I am not suggesting that all poor people are lazy or don't want to work. Whay I am suggesting is many of their choices/decisions are lacking in common sense. I know of too many that shop at convience stores or spend their money on items they really could live without. It seems to me that too many of them want to live my lifestyle without earning it like I did.
I do feel we need to help the ones that are in dire need of help, just suggesting they need to help themselves, also.

You need to look at the study, not the republican slant that is being pressed. Poor does not equal lazy, many very hardworking people have fallen below the poverty line.

Honorfirst: I agree with you. Hard work and self sacrifice is something that is lost on most people these days. Government handouts are so much easier. People cannot tell the difference between wants and needs. Contrary to what the phone companies say, a smart phone with unlimited data plan is NOT a need for the majority of people. People covet what their rich neighbors have and think that they are ENTITLED to the same. Ever think that maybe your neighbor worked hard and earned the right to spend their money how they want??? It is so much easier for people to blame the rich for making them poor than to look inward and see that they have failed to take the actions needed to separate themselves from poverty.

yeah, I agree for the most part that Xbox and video games, cable etc are definitely not necessities. Air conditioning, to me...is more of a necessity. I know we didn't have AC growing up and we survived. but...

people who have never wondered where their next meal would come from don't understand bread pills. they don't understand drinking water till your urine is completely clear. I think walking a mile in those shoes is absolutely mandatory to understand poverty.

I know many who take advantage of the state and federal programs, but for the most part, the people who are on the brink of getting off state aid just need a break and a glimmer of hope.

I'd like to think humanity hasn't become so pessimistic and angry at the people accepting the state and federal aid that they will kick them while they are down instead of offering a helping hand. it just might be the one thing that will make the difference between self-sufficiency and continued dependency.

The "poor" could probably go without cable, sell their xbox, get rid of some of their items they feel necessary, which in reality are not necessary, but desired. With this extra money, buy food (not junk food or sodas, ice cream, etc) that allows them to feed their children. Children do not need to wear designer clothes to be seen in public, just make sure their clothes are clean. Get rid of air conditioning and open the windows, we did and we survived. Get an education and pull yourselves to a higher level. You can do it without all the subsidies from Uncle Sam. Hold your head high and let the world know that you did it through hard work!

What better way to divert the blame where it really lies.

I believe the problem is that the rich have turned the middle class against the poor. The rich have the resources to paint any kind of picture they want about who the poor are. And, sadly, we are all too willing to believe it. It gives us an excuse to ignore the very real needs of the down-trodden and look out for only ourselves. Very sad.

janesvillean: Great post!