Why do so many Americans demonize the poor and unemployed?

DEAR HARRY: I worked in a job for a company that had more than 4,000 employees. The company fell into bankruptcy early last year. They let us all know by putting signs on all the cash registers indicating that they were no longer operative. No notices; no pink slips. We just found out about the bankruptcy when we saw those signs. I had to go on the unemployment-comp rolls. Today, for many people, that means that I'm lazy and don't want to work. This is no picnic because the pennies they pay you sucks, but they keep us from starving. I'm 55, have a small mortgage, no credit-card debt, 10 remaining payments on my car, and a spouse who is only able to work part time at a minimum wage. And Congress won't do anything to help by increasing our amounts or the time limit! And we are said to be a religious country. Where is the conscience of America?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: For too many, America has lost its conscience. Those in power would rather you, and others in similar situations, have a tough time keeping their heads above water than see a small increase in public debt or taxes. There are far too many who blame the unemployed for their own fate and proceed to demonize them. The answer is the right to vote. Learn who's supporting each candidate are and where they stand on the issues. Then get out there and vote.