The feds could use my $500

Re “Deficits matter, when it’s the other guys,” Opinion, Dec. 5

Jonah Goldberg makes a good point about there being ideological differences underlying the way liberals and conservatives talk about government deficits, but his analysis doesn’t go far enough.

The role of government is not limited to supporting economic growth. Leaving an extra $500 in my pocket every year will not pay for transportation projects or cleaning the air. Government has a responsibility to protect the broader interests of all the people.

I happen not to believe the Republican tax cuts will stimulate enough economic growth to pay for themselves. And I believe that when the Republicans start cutting back on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, along with tossing out health and safety regulations, there will be even more of us falling through the tatters of the safety net hearing, “Well, you should have taken better care of yourself.” Cheryl McDonald

Pasadena

Goldberg starts off with a good point, and then he smoothly sails across the entire ocean without feeling any waves.

It’s true that Democrats are making a lot of noise about the deficit, not normally their territory. However it seems obvious to many of us that the deficit-minded Republicans already intend to gut Medicare, Social Security and aid to states for Medicaid not long after they launch the ship.

Goldberg appears to be telling us that a janitor making $15 an hour can save his $300 annual tax cuts to get the $100,000 for comprehensive medical services he may need when he gets old. I know, Goldberg’s model really works well for people making $500,000 and up. Ken Hense

El Segundo

Goldberg writes, “Liberals start from the assumption that the government is entitled to as much revenue as it needs.”

He is just trolling your readers. Isn’t there a more insightful conservative voice out there? David Weaver

San Juan Capistrano