Problems with both parties

To the Editor:

I think I figured it out. I was perplexed by reports that 63% of Biden voters really voted against Trump, and 75% of Trump voters really voted against the Democratic Party. That means about 70% of voters cast a negative vote. Combined with the third who didn't vote at all, nearly 80% found nothing positive to vote for.

Racism and Trump's chaotic behavior were undoubtedly involved. But, there is much more. Though both major parties really work for corporate capitalists, their campaign “sales pitch” is different. The Republicans tell voters that their income and security depend on “trickle down” from rich and powerful people (like their daddy when they were little and their employer now). Security requires a strong (male) leader. The people's role, vote for him and defend him against anyone opposing him and thereby threatening their security.

Democrats provide a supposedly “liberal” alternative, claiming to support the downtrodden. Many offer rhetoric on behalf of the oppressed (black, brown, LGBTQ, Muslim, etc...), mounting a bogus anti-corporate campaign while perpetuating the policies that continue the oppression of all but the 1%. They disregard the multitude of white (and minority) working-class people who have been devastated by corporate capitalist exploitation. The Democrats are seen as having “betrayed” the people who put their trust in them, delivering virtually nothing, hence the antiDemocratic votes.

Trump and Republicans “failed” the people (trickle-down doesn't work, and COVID is a killer). Though the “job creator” myth is persistent and seductive, its promise of prosperity is illusory and unfulfilled, hence the antiTrump, anti-republican votes.

We need a democratically guided society and economy, one that serves the needs of us the people. Phil Nichols

Sonora