47 percent aren’t leeches

The 47 percent Rob Leach (Nov. 28 letter) so disdains include veterans we keep sending back to a war we know we won’t win, and they pay the consequence; wars that were never funded (what percent of our deficits is from the wars?).

Some are mentally ill or physically challenged. Some are retired, collecting benefits paid into all their working life; you know, entitlements. Some are just poor, working minimum wage jobs (not living wages), but pay payroll taxes, sales tax (be sure to keep cutting education).

But, yes, there are people who take advantage of the system and, yes, the system should be fixed, but definitely not with vouchers.

And, the rich won’t be bringing the jobs back. They found a country with people worse off, only paying them $1 a day (and getting tax credits). Some of the rich get richer by receiving information before you or me. I think it’s called insider trading – legal for them.

Small businesses employ two-thirds of the private sector, and 97 percent of small businesses make less than $250,000 a year. The wealthy have had lower taxes for over 10 years, where are the jobs?

Heard of Citizens United? Please, read.

Lori Petrie

Spokane Valley