Are we masochists?

Hurrah for socialism! Without it, we Americans would be in sadder shape. In a sense, socialism has saved the poor and the middle class. By narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. Imagine how wide the gap would be if we didn't have Social Security and Medicare. As it is, the gap is huge. But without these socialist programs, the gap would be gargantuan. Face it, Americans. Socialism has saved us from a total collapse of our economy. Without socialism, we'd have more than doubled the number of people living in poverty. And already it's at 40-some million. Which is a national disgrace. Yet, we have capitalist politicians advocating privatizing or elimination of these great socialist programs. Such a move would be heartless and catastrophic. But still, we elect people who say we need to cut the barest of survival programs. In order to balance the budget. And at the same time, they are willing to reduce the taxes on the rich. And to allow the poor and the middle class to carry the burden on their already loaded shoulders. It's immoral. Obscene. But still, we'll return the Republicans to the majority. The very politicians that would screw us. Royally. Tell me. What makes us vote against our own personal interests? Is it stupidity? Lack of education? Or are we masochists, thrilled at the thought of being able to suffer? --Jim Broede