High-Country Health Food and Cafe in Mariposa California

CASA
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open.
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open. "We provide a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. Come in and let us help You Relax"
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California

SST LTRJanuary 26, 2018 - I have a number of questions about the comments made by Tom McClintock () in last week's article in the Sierra Sun Times. In that article he mentions the new tax law, "According to polls, most people believe it will mean tax increases and the declining standard living for middle class families. They believe it because that's what the Democratic machine in the left-stream media has told them."

I wonder, why most people believe that they will be harmed by the provisions of the new tax law. Is it because they see through the Republican rhetoric and spin that says it is good for them? Is it possible that the people see that the tax law is designed to give permanent benefits to the wealthy and corporations, while perhaps giving the rest of us a short term pittance? And is it possible that the people see that those of us who live in “Blue States” will, for the most part, be hurt by the new tax law?

It occurs to me that the, so called, right-stream media could in fact be a voice for the wealthy and corporate entities that will receive the majority of the tax law’s benefits. Think about it, who owns the media? Is it the majority of the people or the 1% and a handful of corporations that own it? I wonder, would those who own the media say things that would be detrimental to them?

Mr. McClintock asks the question, “If Obamacare is so wonderful, why must we force 6-½ million families to buy it?” I wonder if Mr. McClintock understands the reality that insurance works well and is affordable only if everyone participates in it? Isn’t this one of the reasons that we all have to buy auto insurance? And I don’t understand why Mr. McClintock doesn’t mention how many people will become uninsured because premiums for health insurance will now go up. I also wonder how many of those 6-½ million families will actually buy insurance rather than go to the emergency room, where they will get free medical care when they are sick or injured? Hummm, if I remember correctly, don’t our tax dollars pay for those emergency room visits? If so, does that mean that those who can afford it, but choose not to buy insurance are free loaders?

Is it possible that the pay increases Mr. McClintock mentions are a way for companies to make themselves and their Republican supporters look good by meeting the new minimum wage laws that are coming into effect, now rather than later? And do you really believe that corporations are going to invest in programs that will create jobs when their primary concern is enhancing the quarterly bottom line by reducing cost by and eliminating jobs?

Mr. McClintock also brings up and glorifies President Reagan. If my memory serves me correctly, the middle class was growing by leaps and bounds, and people were able to enjoy the “American Dream” before he was elected. Wasn’t it his tax cuts that also benefited the wealthy disproportionally and his other actions that began the decline in the wages and benefits of all working people? And wasn’t it his actions that began the privatization of retirement programs and opened them up to the vagueness of the market that has hurt so many people?

I’m sorry that I don’t have any answers for you. It seems that all I have is questions for you to answer for yourself.

Lowell J. Young,
Mariposa, CA.