Debt imperils country

Wednesday’s article “Expanding deficits pose threat to the U.S.” was right on target and should be a critical wake-up call for every American citizen. It quotes a Texas congressman saying the “national debt is awful, horrible, and … our spending spree is out of control.” Further, he adds, the national debt is the “greatest threat to the future of this country” and suggests that lawmakers may be too cowardly to confront it. In other words, we can expect more uncontrolled spending for every conceivable purpose adding to the $20 trillion debt. Projected annual deficits the next few years are expected to be $1 trillion, and future interest costs could become the second highest budget expenditure.

What can change the Washington mindset that out-of-control spending has no consequences—just kick the can down the road—so let the next generation worry?

Granted, our country’s economy needed a vigorous stimulus to add jobs, bring back and add businesses, and grow—but recent legislation, intended to accomplish that through large tax cuts, is actually projected to decrease federal income and add greater deficits … go figure.

What can be done to turn this awesome problem around? It must start with the president and our congressmen accepting responsibility to act now. Next, it might be wise to stop listening to Paul Krugman’s ultra-liberal theories on governmental spending. Lastly, I feel strongly that only citizens can make a difference by taking a stand, speaking out, and staying on their representatives in Congress until they act. God bless America’s future. JACK MURPHY

Little Rock