9/01/05: Deficit Is Nation's Biggest Challenge - Jean McElhaney

Deficit Is Nation's Biggest Challenge

Wisconsin State Journal

Thursday, September 1, 2005

I was glad to see coverage of the problems associated with the federal deficit. Here are three points in response:

The writers who stated that the deficit may result in cutbacks in government services have it wrong. The deficit has already resulted in cutbacks in government services.

The war in Iraq is costing approximately $1 billion per week. Aside from the fact that this war is illegal, immoral and has resulted in countless deaths on both sides, perhaps it is time to observe that we can't afford it.

President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy simply do not make sense given this financial picture. We need capital to be invested in the infrastructure of this country - in jobs, education, housing, health care, etc. We do not need to provide more capital to wealthy people for second and third mansions in gated communities and whatever other luxuries they feel like indulging in.

- Jean McElhaney, Lone Rock