What kind of economic system are we in? Is there a difference between the Republicans and Democrats on the economy this election? No, and simply put, we're socialist. Economic socialism is when the government controls your money and labor. Here is why there is no difference. Both support the Federal Reserve System. To put it in simple terms, the Federal Reserve is a government within a government. It's a monopoly by definition. The Federal Reserve creates money out of nothing. It has no competition as it is the only entity that is allowed to print our currency. Since its conception, our dollar has devalued 95 percent and has taxed the American people through the hidden tax called inflation.

Inflation is the biggest tax and neither candidate brings it up. Ask yourself what a gallon of gas cost fifteen years ago? What about a loaf of bread? How about college tuition? Prices go up because more money is being put in the system. This hurts the middle and lower class more than anyone else because wages do not rise as fast as the rate of inflation. Taxes are thought of today as if the government has a right to our hard work. The problem is that neither the Constitution nor the founding fathers thought that government should tax labor.

With the current economic crisis on hand, I will not be able to vote for either candidate this election, even if they are different on wedge issues like gay marriage and abortion. Their economic plan is too similar.

George Specht, Northumberland