In politically divided America today, struggling Americans — Republican and Democrat alike — come together, but not in harmony. Instead, they come together to fight in an endless blame game.

Three Republican presidents, over four decades, slashed federal income taxes for top earners by the billions. This contributed to vast income inequality and an ever-rising national debt. As a result, in 2020, 10% of Americans owned 77% of America’s wealth. Along the way, underpaid workers suffered through years of stagnant wages.

Today, surging inflation is crippling America. To make matters worse, my local bank still charges double-digit interest on credit card purchases. It literally pays pennies a month interest on substantial amounts, lying stagnant in my checking account. The Fed doubled the interest rate.

So, it was now time to visit my bank. Result? It will pay me 1% on a money market fund if I invest $100,000 and use my bank credit card on at least five occasions each month. I threatened to return soon to close out my accounts.

Our politicians, bickering in D.C. far from the fray, only agree to disagree. Many add fuel to the fire, squabbling over critical issues, sprinkled with innuendo and poppycock. It’s now time to roll up our proverbial sleeves, you stressed out Americans. Challenge your bank. Write your Congressperson. Demand answers. Resist gobbledygook.

But, please, stop the political wrangling that haunts America.

It is the politicians who guide our destiny, allowing banks to convert our free money into lavish loans. It seems like only yesterday when one could invest in a 15-year C.D. earning 8.70% interest. Lifetime annuities paid 9.75% interest. A good time to retire was 1990, with pension and profit-sharing checks in hand, in the glorious 20th century.

But, sadly, not in today’s America.

Geno Mariotti

Butler