Republicans cast Democrats as tax-and-spend liberals. The Democrats, over the strong objection of Republicans, enacted legislation giving us Social Security and Medicare. Big business and the medical profession gave millions to Republicans to defeat both programs. Big business did not want to pay its share for workers Social Security; the medical profession did not want to receive less for its services.

President Bush wants to privatize Social Security with individual accounts, and to put those covered by Medicare into private health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The accounts have to be invested in the stock market, which cannot guarantee retirement income. There are scores of people who relied on the stock market for retirement and lost practically everything. As for HMOs, there are plenty of horror stories where patients were denied necessary treatment to save money.

In addition to cash subsidies, Republicans have given big business massive tax breaks and loopholes to avoid paying taxes. Working people, retirees and small business will eventually have to pay higher taxes in one form or another to make up for taxes not paid by big business.

The Republican Medicare prescription drug law, paid for and written by the drug industry, prevents government from negotiating with drug companies for lower prices.

Obviously, Republicans are as liberal as Democrats, but are far apart. A vote for the Democrats is far better than a vote for big business, drug companies and Wall Street.

Leonard J. Bornstein,

New Sharon