Who is getting the ‘free stuff?’

A recent editorial page cartoon (Lisa Benson, Feb. 22) had a cute but simplistic meme with Bernie Sanders floating balloons labeled 'free stuff.”

Interesting how anything benefiting the common man, woman or child is seen as a giveaway, but farm subsidies and outright payouts, corporate welfare, especially the trend for government tax incentives, as well as tax brakes for the wealthiest among us are seen as reasonable.

I bought into the idea of an America in which assuring general welfare and domestic tranquillity were the purpose of government. I bought into the idea of small government separated from church and big money influence with an emphasis on a free press and freedom of speech. I thought that was core to GOP principles. But it is Republicans who seem to favor big government handouts and tax advantages that favor the rich and powerful.

Study where our nation now lists in the categories of education, health care, inequality, infrastructure and real democracy. Seriously, study facts from independent sources. Don't buy into propaganda from any source no matter your preconceived affiliation. Then consider which policies best create a nation to which your children and grandchildren would want to pledge allegiance.

Thomas Simon

Mount Vernon