Open Forum: Our money

Back in April, the Mini-Page of The Winchester Star published an article about coin collecting and the value of our American coins to the collectors, the U.S. Mint being the largest dealer.

Then, on April 22, a TV ad had a new coin minted out of .9999 gold — a depiction of the Indian Head Nickel — for only $9.95. It asked you to call an 800 number and have your credit card ready.

The Winchester Star also had a previous article on the penny costing more to make than it was worth. Our government leaders were planning to eliminate the penny. Now taxes can rise at intervals of 5 or 10 cents.

Where are the thinkers of today when problem solving is needed? If gold is cheaper than copper, make the penny out of gold. Oh! Where is this gold coming from? The government supply is still intact at secret locations, or is it? Maybe we need to collect gold also!

The housing loan scandal with bailouts seemed very costly. If all bailouts were prepaid the government could pay for the copper penny and our coins could remain intact. Also the national debt may be reduced.

Do our leaders value our money? Or our country? Or are our leaders being swamped with incorrect information to make educated decisions? Where is the copper, brass, and aluminum being harvested today going? To make better American products? Or shipped overseas?

Our electric, gas, and oil companies have been given a green light on charging the American people. Do these inflated prices help pay for elections? Or for health coverage? Who receives the extra money, America or other countries?

All elected personnel should ante up their inflated salaries to help repay also. If the American voters were given the chance to vote on salaries with length of term in office of elected officials, and company CEOs, would our country still have problems with money distribution? Is our money being shipped out of the country?

Most American working people have valued both their homeland and their heritage, and live with less. So who are the American voters today, and are they informed with truth on government and elected officials? What value is our money, with a $16 trillion debt?

Phyllis Cather is a resident of Winchester.