Letters to the editor for Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013

Democrats ignore toll of long-term spending

In response to Rich Dunn, the 10-year, $40 billion cut in the bloated food stamp program the Republicans have put forth is not even a drop in the bucket. We are spending $1.4 trillion more each year than we take in. The Democrats have always enjoyed writing checks but forget to look at the check register.

Entitlement programs must be severely cut back. We have simply outspent ourselves and the clock is ticking. Timothy Geithner, Obama’s former treasury secretary, said it best: “In 10 years the interest payments on our debt and social security payments will equal 92 percent of the federal budget.” Do you realize what that means? All entitlement programs come to a screeching halt. It’s not just cut backs its elimination of whole programs. We are currently spending approximately $323 billion a year for interest payments. The dirty secret: our debt is based upon floating interest rates. What happens when worldwide interest rates increase?

You’re correct, Rich. Not one Democrat voted in favor of H.R. 3102 to reduce the food stamp program. I think that’s sad that the Democrats still can’t figure out what’s needed in this country. We either get our fiscal act in order or face severe consequences. There’s no one out there that can or will bail out the United States of America. One bright spot was the Bloomberg poll that came out this week stating that 61 percent of Americans want the debt problem addressed. Two words for the other 39 percent: wake up.

Bill Fullilove

Carson City

Obamacare lesson is set in Silver Springs

I am astounded at the callousness and indifference of those who want the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, to fail. They care nothing for those who can’t pay for the medical care they need to stay alive. This week alone I heard of two people whose friends and family are trying to raise money to pay for one person’s care for a massive heart attack and another person who needs money for a liver transplant. How many times have I seen friends and neighbors trying desperately to raise the thousands of dollars needed for chemotherapy treatment for a child who needs it?

Those who want the Affordable Care Act to fail have paid millions of dollars for misinformation (or lies) to keep people from using it and discouraging the young from buying it. Why? I think they are afraid if they don’t, it will succeed. If you want real information, come to the Silver Stage High School in Silver Springs at 6 p.m. Oct. 15, where, for free, knowledgeable people will explain how it works and how you can actually get affordable health care, and they will answer your questions honestly.

Rita Valent

Dayton

Tax hikes for oil firms do harm in later years

Once again our government finds itself facing a so-called fiscal cliff — a battle between legislators who want to bring wasteful spending in line and those (including President Obama and Sen. Harry Reid) who can’t submit a budget and only are interested in increasing our taxes. One of their most wrongheaded proposals is to increase taxes on oil and natural gas businesses, which would not only raise the price we pay at the gas pump, but could put a crimp in Nevada’s developing energy development activity.

While our state won’t be overtaking North Dakota or Texas in oil production any time soon, several large energy exploration and development companies have been buying BLM and private mineral leases here. Development of energy resources could mean economic growth and new jobs for Nevada, but higher taxes on oil and gas companies could dry up investment in new ventures. That’s bad for our state’s families and businesses and bad for future economic prospects.

Carol Howell

Carson City

Less-privileged just pawns to lawmakers

Isn’t it pathetic that about 500 over-privileged little boys and girls can think only of themselves and their own special agenda? I am sure that they were elected to serve the over 300 million of us not-so-privileged Americans. Also, just a thought, if 800,000 non-essential federal employees are being furloughed, why were they hired in the first place?

Glenn Bush

Carson City

Blanket statements always miss the mark

In response to Adam Hulme’s Oct. 1 letter to the editor, I would like to discourage folks from using gross generalizations and unsubstantiated allegations.

Mr. Hulme makes the statement that “corruption seems to abound in Carson City,” citing use of “crime scene” tape at some recent marches. However, Mr. Hulme fails to offer a single, actual, specific example of corruption. For Mr. Hulme, the crime scene tape accomplished exactly what it was intended to: it got his attention and convinced him in three seconds that a wrong had been done. Mr. Hulme failed to do exactly what he asks us to do: research the issues.

Blanket generalizations such as “cops are bad,” “government workers are lazy,” “politicians are corrupt” are divisive, and in fact, untrue. Some people are bad. Some people are lazy. Some people are corrupt. There are likely good and bad politicians and city employees in every town. Lumping all city employees and elected officials into one horrible category is unfair and accomplishes nothing.

Mr. Hulme is right: your vote counts. Educate yourself and make it count for good. Inaction and apathy must end. But if you’re going to “get up, stand up, stand up for your rights,” you should know what the heck you’re talking about and do it with civility and reason.

Andie Wilson

Carson City