The myth of GOP fiscal sobriety

What is the truth about the deficits and the national debt? Wade Harbison gives us an answer ("Government shrank under Obama," March 14 letter).

Look it up, folks. Anyone who would like to know the truth can go online and search under "budget deficits under Democratic and Republican administrations." You will find it a myth that Republicans are more fiscally responsible than Democrats, a myth deeply ingrained in the American psyche and exploited by the GOP.

From a national debt of $900 billion under the Carter administration, the debt rose dramatically under the administrations of Ronald Reagan and the Bushes. The GOP attempt to blame President Obama for the $16 trillion debt would have the public overlook the $10 trillion inherited from the George W. Bush administration, along with the massive recession and resulting mass unemployment that has significantly reduced government revenue.

A poll indicated that only 6 percent of the public believe that the deficit is getting smaller, when the truth is that under Obama, we have had a faster deficit reduction than under previous administrations.

Republicans pose as deficit champions, opposing any revenue increases, while economists tell us that economic growth, not deficit reduction, should be the current focus of government efforts.

JOHN DIVERS
CLOVERDALE

Not a license to kill on the road

Driving is a privilege. But the privilege carries a lot of responsibility.

According to the paper, a lot of deaths could be avoided if people would buckle up ("Making it click," three-part series on seat-belt use, Feb. 24-26).

We have lost many people in wrecks. Some young people have lost their lives too early.

We think it will always be someone else. We should realize we are not indestructible.

Let everyone who drives be more careful so there will be fewer wrecks and fewer tragedies. All of us who have a license should use it with care because we don't want to be a statistic or cause someone else to be.

RUBY C. McCULLEY
SALEM

Weather Journal

15 hours ago