There are a lot of smart people here and I'm hoping someone can tell me why so many elderly, middle class, and/or others seem to be embracing right-wing drivel and voting against their own self interests. More importantly, I'm hoping someone can suggest what message we could employ to turn this around.

I'm astounded and stupefied by it all. How can we allow the Fair Pay Act to be rejected and not be going nuts? How can we allow legislation permitting the government to use propaganda against it's own citizens, or cut taxes for the wealthy at the expense of Social Security ... and behave as if all that is just fine?

I hope someone can think of an answer we can use to communicate with those who seem so oblivious. HELP!

Last Sunday afternoon the New Hanover County League of Women Voters sponsored an opportunity for residents to meet and speak with their elected representatives. The New Hanover Government Center is situated in what used to be an indoor shopping mall and tables were set up in the open area for each representative. Representatives from Pender and Brunswick County attended, as did Johnathan Barfield, Chairman of the New Hanover County Commissioners. I'd estimate there were 300+ people attending.

After very brief opening remarks by Barfield and our Congressman Mike McIntyre, people lined up to speak with whomever they wished to speak.

The following are my impressions and observations:

Dear Friends,

During this time of economic challenges, it is important that Congress not adjourn until two important issues have been finalized. First, we need to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts so that there are no tax increases on employers who provide much needed jobs and that there are tax breaks for middle and working class families who need the help and the jobs. Second, unemployment benefits for those that are out of work need to be extended. I urge the Administration and Congressional Leadership to keep working and find an agreement that will keep Southeastern North Carolina and the United States moving forward.

Mike Mcintyre

He absolutely knows the $250K and above tax increase has practically zero to do with "employers" and he also fails to mention that the rich already are getting a great tax cut on dividends/capital gains.

Smoke and mirrors.