‘Trickle-down economics’ in BBB will only make rich even richer | Opinion
Barr legacy
I got an email from U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., titled, “Big Beautiful Bill Delivers Big for Kentucky.”
What a joke.
It will “deliver big” for the rich 1 percent-ers who fund Andy’s reelection campaigns, but it will devastate the average Kentuckians who depend on Medicaid and any type of government assistance. It will continue the Republican assault on average citizens and the climate.
It’s been 45 years since President Ronald Reagan made “trickle-down-economics” a core value of the Republican party. It is a myth that the wealthy use their tax cuts to stimulate the economy. The wealthy only use their tax cuts to stimulate donations to the re-election campaigns of Republicans like Barr so the wealthy can continue to get future tax cuts. The average American gets almost nothing from trickle-down economics.
Due to trickle-down the national debt has increased from $1 trillion dollars when Reagan was elected in 1980 to over $37 trillion now. The DOGE fiasco has added over $500 billion to the national debt already.
The “Small Ugly Bill” will push our national debt over $40 trillion - so high it will never be paid off. Barr doesn’t care. He’ll leave it for his kids to pay.
Kevin Kline, Lexington
Truth telling matters
One of the children’s stories I remember from my childhood is Pinocchio.
I’m pretty sure Pinocchio was my mother’s way of letting us know that lying has consequences. Correct conduct was telling the truth. Even when it was hard; even when you knew you would be punished for what you didn’t want your mother to know.
And I believe telling the truth was an American value — and a common value in many other countries. It is most certainly a Christian value. Isn’t it? Jesus seemed very clear about that.
Is telling the truth still an American value? Do we measure character and reputation with that yardstick? Why has fact-checking become a full-time job?
Has America been treated so badly by the rest of the world for so long that we must seek vengeance? Are immigrants poisoning the blood of our country? Are they all murderers, rapists, thieves, drug dealers, gang members, etc.? Did efforts to diversify our workspaces cause unqualified and incompetent women and people of color to gain control? Is loyalty to a particular person the right test for federal employment? Is government-funded scientific research fraud, waste and abuse?
Oh, what a wicked web we weave!
Marilyn Daniel, Versailles
Senior Center
Having recently retired at the end of 2024 and thus having much more available time for leisure activities, I recently explored the Lexington Senior Center located on Life Lane and feel compelled to remark on what a marvelous facility it is, along with all the activities and programs that are offered to our senior citizens.
For those senior citizens who are interested in meeting new people, beginning a fitness regiment, or just engaging in activities which will enhance, maintain, or improve mental and physical faculties, I encourage you to visit the center. I think you will be pleased. I know I was and am!
Andrew M. Smith. Lexington
Capitalism v. Socialism
As we saw in New York City’s primary election for Mayor last month, some Americans are fascinated with the word “socialism.” I have to admit that I don’t understand this.
For most everyone else, socialism reminds us of the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). It was an unrealistic ideology that profoundly failed. One big reason socialism failed was its lack of checks and balances. There were few, if any, restraints on the power of bureaucrats and autocrats.
Today, it appears that those still fascinated with this word have not studied the economic systems in use all over the world since the collapse in the USSR.
There’s Nordic capitalism, Rhine capitalism, social capitalism, Keynesian economic systems, and regulated capitalism among others. In the United States, we used to have a New Deal economic system. Many of us would like to bring back most of the New Deal’s practical ideas.
On the other hand, there’s also oligarchic capitalism in a few counties. No one really wants that.
Theoretically, there’s laissez-faire capitalism, sometimes known as the classical capitalism. I don’t believe this ever actually existed anywhere.
What the world apparently wants is the best practices of capitalism.
Tom Louderback, Louisville
Two Party System
In Washington, DC there are supposed to be two political parties guiding the nation. At this juncture I am having a very difficult time seeing and understanding this. Who is the second political party?
It certainly cannot be the Democratic party. Why would seven Democratic senators attend the White House hosting the worse war criminal since Adolf Hitler, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? These seven Democratic senators were U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff, D-NY; Chuck Schumer, D-CA; Jacky Rosen, D-NV; Maria Cantwell, D-WA; Chris Coons, D-DE; Amy Klobucher, D-MN; and Cory Booker, D-NJ. I wonder how much the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) donated to them to attend? Where is the party in Washington desiring peace? When the Democrats were in control of the White House, they managed to furnish Israel with bombs and artillery to murder millions of innocent men, women and children who were not combatants.
When I say that what Israel is doing is absolutely atrocious, I am not being antisemitic. I have many Jewish friends that have this same opinion. The Democratic senators did not need to make an appearance in Trump’s White House. Don’t they realize that this will cost them votes in the long run? These seven have lost ALL CREDIBILITY!
Polk S. O’Neal, Lexington
Russia v. Ukraine
President Donald Trump is now promoting the idea of a strong response to Russia’s rejection of peace in Ukraine. But what’s remarkable is the postponement of any action. Crippling sanctions, he says -- but only maybe, and only after 50 days. Recall that Russia has ignored U.S. ceasefire requests for several months, and Trump’s only response has been to extend the “deadline.”
Trump presents an image of toughness toward Russian President Vladimir Putin but never matches it with meaningful action. Yes, there’s been a resumption of U.S. weapons support to Ukraine, but so far this only restores some of what we previously provided. Putin acts decisively every day, committing aggressive war. Trump hedges and delays. His lack of real response has left ample space for Putin to enlarge the war. Of late, Russia has intensified its attacks on civilians, and has moved forces into Dnipropetrovsk province, which was previously outside its stated territorial aims.
Trump could act decisively today, but he doesn’t. As for his talk about consequential action in the future -- count me skeptical.
David Farris, Lexington
Edited by Liz Carey
This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.