Money wasted on political ads could help needy

MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

ARTICLE OPTIONS

A A

Mitt Romney raised $76 million in May for his presidential race, and Barack Obama raised $60 million for his.

I read in the paper where nearly $37 million was spent on political ads in the first few days of June by the Republicans, and some were against Obama, and $11 million by the Democrats (total $48 million). Now, is this really necessary? I think not. Does it really take billions of dollars to elect a president? Can you imagine what even half of the election money could do to help families who are losing their homes or help families who have lost a job, run out of unemployment and are about to lose their homes?

Obama and Romney both say our country needs help in both categories, so why don’t they (Democrats and Republicans) take all the negative ad money and put it to good use by paying money directly to the ones who need help. Two things would be accomplished with this act. First, millions of people would be helped, and second, we would not have to listen to the bad ads every hour of the day. People with jobs pay taxes and that will help everyone. Both men seem to be intelligent and “possibly” good for our country, but they are sure not helping that much with the recovery.

I know this is only a pipe dream and will never happen. But I don’t understand why common sense does not enter into this race. Aren’t both parties supposed to be working for the good of the citizens of the United States and not just a political party? I am beginning to believe all politicians feel this way when running for office and then when elected, they forget that we the people elected them thinking they would do a good job. Are they in it to win it and then only think of what is good for them or their party?

With all the wasted money being spent on ads, I will be watching less TV and spending my time doing more interesting things.

Linda Smith

Watertown