Panel is a smart way to find savings

A letter from a reader on Sunday Feb. 21 was a long rant about a proposal for the president's bi-partisan commission to find ways to reduce our nation's debt. The writer's main complaint was that this commission would be too costly even if both Sen. Simpson and Mr. Bowles and the rest of the appointed commission were unpaid volunteers.

It seems like we are becoming a very negative people without any good ideas except "no more spending." Unfortunately, if we stopped all spending our government would shut down.

In comparison to our huge deficit, the cost of this commission will be minuscule. Yes, it is the job of Congress to deal with the budget, but Congress voted to ignore their duty.

Maybe nothing will come out of the commission; but I am glad that Sen. Simpson and Mr. Bowles are willing to step up to the plate and at least make an effort. To paraphrase Sen. Simpson "this is not a political issue, it is an American issue."

N.V. Helms

Arlington Heights