There is a suicide epidemic among men of a certain age. This problem is not talked about and goes unrecognized.

These suicides are being committed by hardworking people. Good people, who are working themselves to death, and still not getting by. Working two and three jobs, and still not being able to put food on the table.

That this is happening proves that making a starving wage is depressing, and that the trickle-down economy only enhances the top tier and does little to help middle-class workers.

A starvation wage of $7 or $8 an hour leaves people with feelings of depression, uselessness and failure – especially when as they grew up thinking and striving for the “American Dream,” which now has become an American nightmare.

I cannot quote the exact numbers. But just the fact that this is happening shows that we are long overdue for a national livable wage increase across the board. Long overdue. ‘Nuff said.

The other crisis is a result of plutocracy, meaning that a few wealthy people run the country. Do you think it is not possible? Then look up “Citizens United.” If you don’t know what it is, you should. It means that corporations can give and spend as much as they want to give to the candidate who they want elected.

Only one candidate for president, Bernie Sanders, has refused this type of super PAC money and is fighting this injustice. We as U.S. citizens should wake up and see what is really going on. It is how our leaders get into power. Personally, I don’t want to be controlled by a few uber-rich, who really have no idea how the average person gets by on poverty wages!

Roger Richard

Waterford