As we approach the November election, we have Republicans saying they will not raise taxes on anyone, perhaps ever, and Democrats saying spending of social programs will never be cut.
Perhaps you have seen in the news where austerity measures in Greece and Spain have caused retired and active workers to see pay cuts of 30 percent or more. They are striking and rioting in the streets. Normally calm people will take desperate measures when they see their livelihoods at stake. Leaders in those countries say foreign lenders and bond holders require these benefit and pay cuts. It is handy to have someone else to blame.
We are headed in that same path as our national debt has whizzed past $16 trillion. Don't raise any new revenue and don't cut spending until our creditors force us to! We are devoid of bold, honest leaders. When the strikes and rioting begin here, remember it is not just the present leaders who have failed us. You can find many of the other ex-politicians who are buried in the cemeteries or living in nursing homes who were complicit in this financial mockery.
Doug Reeder
Vincent, Ohio
