Politics has been called "the art of compromise." However, through the debate in Washington, D.C., the budget reconciliation bill has become a very nasty, partisan political battle, where no one seems to be willing to give an inch.
Polls show Americans feel that balancing the budget is the most important issue in the country. We should let our representatives know that partisan politics should cease when the country has very serious problems.The Republican landslide in 1994 seems to have triggered a callous attitude and obscured the needs of the country. If the majority of the people want a balanced budget in 2002, why insist on a $345 billion tax cut? As long as we are in debt, any tax cut should be eliminated or a least be postponed. Medicare is going broke and senior citizens will be required to pay more for their health care. I believe that all Americans are willing to sacrifice (including seniors, like myself) for the good of the country but not if the more well-to-do are getting a big tax cut in the process.
Be not deceived that this is a "middle class" tax cut. Is making $100,000-$200,000 per year middle-class? Give me a break. Some people who work for low wages can't expect to earn that kind of money in a lifetime.
Martin Schouten
Midvale