The U.S. budget deficit continues to grow

Well, the truth has finally come out about the Republican tax cuts. Instead of paying for themselves (as Donald Trump, Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Mitch McConnell guaranteed), these tax cuts have resulted in an explosive growth in the U.S. budget deficit.

As just announced by the Trump administration, the budget deficit for 2018 is now projected to be over $779 billion, a six-year high and a 17 percent jump from the previous year. Of course, any credible economist forecasted this result.

What is the Republican plan to address this shortfall? To cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, of course. This has been their shell game all along: give to the rich, and take from the poor, middle class and seniors. Is anyone really surprised? Wake up, America, the shell game is being played on you. JEFFREY HOLST Murrysville commission could be and should be formed.

Overall, Ms. Monroe had well thought out positions and the drive to succeed based on already talking to 4,000 voters in the district while Ms. Mizgorski emphasized her experience in local organizations without explaining much about her positions. ROBERT J. REILAND O’Hara

In response to the letter “Balanced View” (Oct. 17 by Gerry K. Smith), the writer opens with, “Time to renew my cancelled subscription.” The writer goes on to praise the editorial board of the Post-Gazette for its balanced views and moderation. That is so far from reality. The editorials have become a mouthpiece for the Donald Trump malarkey.

This writer proves the point that this country is so divided that what he sees as moderate couldn’t be any further to the right. To state that the editorial view of Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation is one of the paper’s finer moments is just silly. There is nothing balanced about that editorial, unless it is seen through the eyes of Sean Hannity. Maybe it is time to cancel my subscription. RUSSELL KUEHNER Ben Avon