Ten worrisome signs that the sun is setting on America's standing as a superpower (see previous letter):
1. Elimination of collective bargaining rights and long-standing worker protections, resulting in a reduced American standard of living.
2. Well-moneyed gun lobby that helps proliferate “stand your ground” laws that weaken law enforcement.
3. Conservative media that label everything they don’t agree with as “socialist” and smear anyone who doesn't follow their agenda as “Un-American.”
4. Sustained political influence of evangelicals, who deny equal participation in society to anyone who doesn’t follow their religious beliefs.
5. Legal and tax system that provides immense benefits to the wealthy that are not available to the shrinking middle class.
6. Scapegoating of Hispanic and Muslim immigrants — anyone who is “different” — including a campaign to strip them of their voting rights.
7. Fringe Tea Party that has transformed Republicans into obstructionists.
8. A deficit the Republican presidential nominee would not address with a dollar tax increase even if it came with ten dollars in spending cuts.
9. Growing obese population that stresses military recruiting and the healthcare budget.
10. “Citizens United” decision that has disenfranchised every American and validated worship of the corporation and wealth above all else.
MICHAEL J. ZOBEL
Brighton
Ten worrisome signs that the sun is setting on America's standing as a superpower (see previous letter):
1. Elimination of collective bargaining rights and long-standing worker protections, resulting in a reduced American standard of living.
2. Well-moneyed gun lobby that helps proliferate “stand your ground” laws that weaken law enforcement.
3. Conservative media that label everything they don’t agree with as “socialist” and smear anyone who doesn't follow their agenda as “Un-American.”
4. Sustained political influence of evangelicals, who deny equal participation in society to anyone who doesn’t follow their religious beliefs.
5. Legal and tax system that provides immense benefits to the wealthy that are not available to the shrinking middle class.
6. Scapegoating of Hispanic and Muslim immigrants — anyone who is “different” — including a campaign to strip them of their voting rights.
7. Fringe Tea Party that has transformed Republicans into obstructionists.
8. A deficit the Republican presidential nominee would not address with a dollar tax increase even if it came with ten dollars in spending cuts.
9. Growing obese population that stresses military recruiting and the healthcare budget.
10. “Citizens United” decision that has disenfranchised every American and validated worship of the corporation and wealth above all else.
MICHAEL J. ZOBEL
Brighton
