Don’t make cuts at poor’s expense

“Now is the time to focus on spending,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee (“Divisions emerge as work on budget begins,” Oct. 31).

Yes, senator, it is high time to cut spending. But not on Social Security, food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid or on the backs of the poor and the veterans.

The $24 billion you and the GOP just wasted to shut down the government was the Republicans' fault. Shame on you. Cut the oil subsidies and farm subsidies to your family and the rich farmers.

The rich have made more money since President Ronald Reagan than the poor by percentage and the disparity is farther apart than ever between rich and poor. And I hope this time the GOP will work in good faith with the Democrats on the budget. We are sick of your fighting.

Barack Obama won the election, so accept it. I am 80 and in my lifetime I have never seen such mean-spiritedness and lack of respect for a president.

Estella Michels

Manchester