Ed Klein, Peoria, IL

The vote buying games politicians have been accused of playing from time to time is nothing new. They probably never really made a lot of difference as far as influencing an election. But, the Republicans have taken the concept and elevated the game of vote manipulation to a new and very effective high. Now, instead of trying to influence individuals one at a time, they have developed a really ingenious scam. The twist now is to write and introduce voter registration laws that are not intended to buy votes, but to prevent them. Of course, the intent is to eliminate millions of voters – primarily the poor, the elderly and others who would most likely vote the Democratic ticket. They mouth the spurious claim that no, they are not trying to deny anyone the franchise, but simply prevent what they claim is their patriotic duty to end massive voter fraud. Never mind that voter fraud is virtually non-existent, but what a golden opportunity to pose as our patriotic saviors!

You are probably aware how this played out in Pennsylvania. And you’ll probably hear about similar chicanery in other states, particularly in the South. But there’s one aspect of this game we should be acutely aware of. It’s the alarming possibility that those Republican governors and their ex-parte Republican judges who rule out any opposition are being influenced by the sinister forces of big money. Consider how much money is being poured into Republican coffers through super pacs and other funnels. Money provided through the largesse of the Koch Brothers, the Coors, oil interests and other big corporate entities who will seemingly do almost anything to steal a Republican victory in November. No one needs to question their motives. Once they get Obama out of the way, they will have placed an obligation on Romney-Ryan to show their appreciation by enacting legislation designed to provide them with bigger tax breaks, larger tax rebates, fewer government regulations, and of course more power over the American economy and the lives of all Americans.

Paul Ryan is a perfect example of what I am talking about. He has tangled with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and others in the church over his budget, which would cut Medicaid, food stamps, Pell Grants and a host of other programs that directly help the nation’s poor. Ryan had said the budget is based on Catholic social teaching. But the Rev. Thomas J Reese, senior fellow of the Woodstock Theological Center called that nonsense.

“I am afraid that Chairman Ryan’s budget reflects the values of his favorite philosopher Ayn Rand rather than the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Reese. “Survival of the fittest may be OK for social Darwinists but not for followers of the gospel of compassion and love.”

How often have naïve and trusting citizens believed in the morality, honesty and integrity of politicians and found themselves betrayed?

So, think about it. If you do, you’ll understand how the wealthy and their corporations are waging class warfare against the middle classes, the poor and elderly by disfranchising them, which is only one of their sinister strategies. How many other tricks will they come up with to gain the money and power they want? I guess we’ll find out as the election draws near.