If you are happy about the way you are living today, ignore this letter. If not, please read on.

I don't know everything -- nobody does -- but I do know what I see and I don't like it.

Big box stores are great. You can buy almost anything you want in one trip. Most of the items are made overseas. Cheap labor and bulk buying has kept the prices down. Wages are very low for the employees. Many are limited to 30 hours or less and the company does not have to pay Social Security taxes on part-time employees. There are no health benefits. That means only one thing: large profits for the owners who have become billionaires.

Low-wage workers pay very little in taxes. That is bad for the economy. Another thing is that the mom and pop stores have a hard time trying to compete. Mom and pop stores pay a higher tax rate.

It is a national disgrace the way many companies are having their merchandise made overseas and putting employees out on the street. There are 23 right to work states now and that can only mean lower wages for their help. The prices for their products do not get lower.

Our country is slowly becoming a third-class nation. Look for a "made in America" label if you can. Good luck.

We could be on the brink of an economic disaster.

John Kronenberger

Belleville