Obama’s policies have backfired

According to recent studies, middle income families average-annual income has dropped $2,500 since the start of Obama’s presidency. The gap between the rich and others is wider than ever in history. Democrats boast they are for the little guy while Republicans care only for the rich and that this is all due to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Just might it be partly due to Obama’s policies and the Federal Reserve Bank’s pumping $85 billion in imaginary money a month into the economy? This allows the banks to borrow at almost 0 percent while lending at over 3 percent. Peoples’ savings accounts have been earning almost nothing. In the past folks could count on interest to supplement their income and build on savings for their retirement. These low interest rates are resulting in money seeking some kind of return and has flowed into the stock market, which has risen dramatically. But who has the money to invest in the market? The big, wealthy players, of course. Middle income families will continue to see their earnings erode further as more of Obamacare is implemented with people being laid off, hours reduced, salaries cut and insurance premiums skyrocketing.

Obama’s goal to “redistribute the wealth” hasn’t worked out as intended. It’s been redistributed, but ironically, wealth has flowed from middle income folks to Wall Street’s wealthy investors, banks and insurance companies. All the while keeping the public trough filled for high-paid government employees, politicians, Washington lobbyists and contractors.

Robert Johnston

Camano Island

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Dec. 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

FILE — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks alongside President Donald Trump during an event announcing a drug pricing deal with Pfizer in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Sept. 30, 2025. Advisers to Kennedy appear poised to make consequential changes to the childhood vaccination schedule, delaying a shot that is routinely administered to newborns and discussing big changes to when or how other childhood immunizations are given. (Pete Marovich/The New York Times)
Editorial: As CDC fades, others must provide vaccine advice

A CDC panel’s recommendation on the infant vaccine for hepatitis B counters long-trusted guidance.

Welch: State’s business climate stifling; lawmakers aren’t helping

Now 45th for business in a recent 50-state survey, new tax proposals could make things even worse.

Douthat: White House needs more Christianity in its nationalism

Aside from blanket statements, the Trump administration seems disinterested in true Christian priorities.

Comment: Renewing ACA tax credits is a life or death issue

If subsidies aren’t renewed, millions will end coverage and put off life-saving preventative care.

Comment: CDC vaccine panel’s hep B reversal leads parents astray

It isn’t empowering parents to make their own decision; it’s misleading them in a dangerous direction.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Dec. 9

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: FDA’s vaccine memo reckless, dangerous to public health

It offers no supporting evidence for its claims of children’s deaths and talks vaguely of broad changes.

Bouie: Support efforts of those helping meet needs in your area

In every committee, groups strive to meet the needs of others who lack proper shelter and nutrition.

French: Immigrant outreach answers current darkness with light

New Life Centers of Chicago answers the call in Leviticus to love the stranger as one’s self.

Comment: Using SNAP as leverage was bad idea first time around

The White House says it intends to suspend food aid in blue states that refuse to surrender data on recipients.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.