To the Editor:

Recently I was talking with Ruth Heden, a Democratic State Representative from Milford. She happened to ask me when I first became a Democrat. It turned out that we both became Democrats as a reaction to the horrific repercussions of the Vietnam War. Today there are many new reasons to be a Democrat:

1. Republican policies have resulted in inequality at levels that are unconscionable. Forbes released its annual list of the 400 wealthiest Americans in September. They are worth a combined $2.29 trillion (up $270 billion from last year-a 13 percent increase!) These billionaires now own more wealth than the bottom half of America–over 150 million people. Meanwhile most Americans have become poorer. Median family income has declined by almost $5,000 since 1999 and over half of the American people have less than $10,000 in savings.

2. Republican polices have resulted in student debt that threatens the financial well being of millions of young workers as well as the housing market and other major parts of the economy.

3. Republican policies have kept Congress from sensible immigration reforms that are humane as well as economically productive.

4. Republican policies have blocked the adoption of the right of health care for decades and they are still trying to role back progress made to date.

Democrats do not have all the answers. No one does. It should be clear, however, that America desperately needs a more humane and just economic system. Republicans have absolutely no intention to move in that direction.

It’s time to take a fresh look at where we need to go to build the kind of prosperous and caring nation that benefits every citizen. That is not where the Republicans are leading us. More than any time since the Great Depression this is the year to vote and to vote Democratic from the top of the ticket down through every State Representative position.

Frank Emmick

Milford