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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Challenges with democracy

By Carl W. Mattila, Woodland
Published: May 31, 2017, 6:00am

Money and greed destroy the true element of democracy. Money was created for the exchange of goods, not for the control of a few and the containment of many.

Everybody should pay taxes in proportion to what they make. Congress should never allow a tax break to any person, class, business or corporation. We need regulations in government. Franklin D. Roosevelt used regulations that were well accepted by the people, but not by large corporations.

We the people elect our Congress, but Congress is paid off by lobbyists and corporations. It’s ruled by the power of money and capitalism. I don’t believe the voting public is for this procedure. This isn’t how a true democracy operates.

Congress receives a generous salary, which they vote in for themselves, and a very generous retirement plan that we pay for. Congress members also gain good jobs when they’re voted out of office, from lobbyists and connections made through the power of money. They also have an excellent medical plan that far exceeds the average person’s, yet they continue to oppose health care for the voters.

We should work to improve Obamacare. It helps those in need, which is better than giving the wealthy a tax break. Feeding the 1 percent and starving the lower classes is undemocratic.

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter

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