which one is correct?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
#1

Hi all,

Would you please let me know which one is correct? If both of them are okay, would you tell me what is the difference in nuance?

The government care only about the wealthy and not the poor.

The government care only about the wealthy but not the poor.

Many thanks!

Aikamama

#2

They seem the same to me, Aikamama. I think ‘only’ should be omitted in the second one.

#3

IMHO:

May I gently remind you that in American English, one should say "The government cares …

#4

Thank you very much for the replies!!