Letters to the Editor

Politicians should stand up for the middle class

We are all struggling with the high cost of everything. My wife and I live on our only income, Social Security. We were not given a cost of living increase this year, as you well know. We have six children, four boys and two girls. All fine young adults. Three of our children lost their jobs, and are presently doing what they can in odd jobs, to try and get by.

Needless to say, we are trying to help them with their responsibilities with food and money. It is becoming hopeless for us as parents to continue this way.

It's time for you, our public servants, to go to bat for the common man.

It is us, the middle class, who takes the beatings from the big cats, for their own interest.

It is time to take a stand for Middle America. God speed!

—James McLaughlin

Altamonte Springs

Stop bank lobbyists from killing reforms

America needs financial reform. Without it, banks, Wall Street and the stock market will crash again. We do not need more bailouts. We need fiscal responsibility. No company is too big or too small to fail if the company or corporation doesn't practice fiscal responsibility.

A company or corporation that uses excess funds rather than be held accountable for their actions shouldn't be in business. Reckless behavior by big banks, mortgage lenders and credit card companies have cost millions of Americans their jobs, their retirement savings and their financial well-being.

Strong reforms currently before the Senate would hold big banks accountable and crack down on abuses by credit card companies.

There is an army of lobbyists on Capitol Hill fighting to protect the bonuses, loopholes and sweetheart deals that some Wall Street banks enjoy, while millions of Americans lose their jobs and savings. Close all loopholes.

Senators must make sure that any final bill protects states' rights, requires that investment advice be based on the needs of the client — not the financial institution — and provides consumers with a watchdog to protect their financial security.

Americans deserve to know whose side their senators are on: working families who play by the rules or the big banks who got us into this mess. Those responsible for these problems need to be held accountable for their reckless actions.

—Lois Hemm

Orlando