The politicians of both parties have it wrong — tax breaks do not make for a strong economy, nor do they create jobs. If they did, we all would be working now. Companies like free money, as do we all.

We must question: Will companies spend more to create more jobs, or will they keep the windfall money to increase their profits — to make themselves look more favorable to their investors or to pay higher salaries to the executives?

Let’s face it, life is not fair; those who have, want more, and those who have not, want jobs and are willing to work for their share.

So, again, we must ask, are companies willing to create jobs to help this country’s future, or are they just happy to take the tax break without putting any effort into turning the economy around? So far, their excuse seems to be that they have jobs but the people do not have the skills.

Maybe they do not have the skills because they have no money to pay for the training; only enough to survive.

Perhaps it is time to resurrect an old tradition of apprenticeship — pay while teaching and build your own work force. After all, it is those workers who will pay for the tax breaks and keep this country strong.

Doug MacIsaac, Mexico