Pass a balanced budget and nothing more

Our government is in a turmoil over the Aug. 2 budget deadline, when we run out of money. A disaster yes, but consider the facts?

1. The Democratic Congress never presented a budget.

2. We spent billions of dollars to bail out the economy, far beyond budget. Now we are expected to pay more taxes to compensate, and unemployment remains the same.

3. Nothing in the budget cuts considers foreign aid. We cannot buy friendship, i.e., France and Pakistan. How much will that save?

4. Protect our citizens. Cutting foreign aid would go far toward making Social Security and Medicare/Aid break even.

5. Lyndon Johnson took Social Security funds and put it into the general fund to pay for the Vietnam War.

6. If this continues, the next generation will pay into Social Security all their lives, with nothing to show for it.

7. No matter how big or rich, the checkbook needs to be balanced.

8. Throwing more money at a spendthrift does not solve his money problems. It makes it worse.

We continue to spend indiscriminately (including illegal immigrants, and their benefits). Balance the budget, spend that and nothing more.

Merle Ries

Cedar Rapids