Ms. Ryan’s most recent column, titled “The growing deficit,” could not have come at a better time. The article paints a bleak future for America: We’re spending more money than we bring in, and unless we can significantly scale back the social safety net, our country will be bankrupt by the time our children enter school.
The previous day, Congress voted to approve $700 billion in military spending — more than the president or the Pentagon requested. At the same time, Congress and the president weighed a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans which would reduce revenue by roughly $2.2 trillion through 2027.
By myopically focusing on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits, we blind ourselves to other forms of government largesse. Before we consider significantly stripping the social safety net of its ability to help Americans, let’s consider some other common sense solutions to cut costs and reduce the deficit. Preferably ones that prioritize feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and caring for the sick — financial expenses that “some would argue” are necessary.
Sean McFeely
junior
Sept. 29
