Will not move Pa. forward
Failed policies
Regarding “Stark Choices for the State Budget” (Jan. 3 Perspectives) by state Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman: How about intelligent and progressive choices that accept the realities of the 21st century?
Sen. Corman’s suggestions demonstrate a very short memory about the consequences of austerity measures that crippled states and countries. What he is suggesting is the ploy to “starve the beast.” It will impoverish the middle- and lower-class citizens of Pennsylvania.
Were the policymakers who created secure pensions and Medicaid/Medicare systems foolish, myopic or antibusiness? Policies were created to provide a living wage for people throughout the continuum of their lives.
Finland, a progressive country, has concluded it must just give people money to support the country’s financial structure. Yes, this is an experiment but one that will keep the Finnish economy viable. Finland realizes wealth must be distributed so goods and services can be created and consumed.
Wealth must be distributed, or we replace democracy with plutocracy. Distribution of wealth adds jobs, unlike cutting taxes. Mr. Corman is suggesting failed policies of the past.
The creation of jobs must take into account the reality of modernity and technology. Yes, it is complicated. Many jobs in rural and urban America will never come back, no matter what politicians promise. Modernity is a fact. Technology and robotics are facts. Cutting taxes and privatizing will only make the rich richer but will not will not bring back jobs of the past.
The thinking or lack of critical thinking is fueled either by greed, self-righteous morality, idiocy or an insanity that doing the same policy will bring different results. Mr. Corman’s plan will divide people into haves and have-nots.
Face the many hard decisions with required analytical and critical thought and create progressive policies that reflect our present reality and provide an optimal standard of living for the citizens of Pennsylvania. LAINIE SILVERLIBERATI
Hampton