1765 - Letter to the editor

This is another 'letter to the editor' 'hit the nail on the head' post. Sometimes someone just puts all the right words together.


Poorly represented

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was subjected to some hardball politics when his opponents chose to misconstrue his comment about how he enjoyed, "firing people." He was, of course, referring to having the option to fire a health insurance company. The problem with the governor's logic is this: No one wants to fire his health insurer until that insurer denies coverage, often leaving the policy holder in a desperate situation. At that point, it's too late to fire your insurer — it already "fired" you.

More troubling to me was Mr. Romney's attempt at humor when he referred to himself as being unemployed. I'm sure the governor has no concerns about feeding his family or losing his home to foreclosure, as do too many long-term unemployed workers.

These two incidents and others highlight a fundamental problem with wealthy and/or career politicians who have no concept of the daily struggles faced by working-class and retired Americans. Any voter not fortunate enough to be in the 1 percent is being poorly represented by office holders and candidates of both major parties.

Jim Shepard • St. Louis