Ideology should not decide budget cuts

I am upset at the prospect of a government shutdown because Republicans and Democrats can’t come to a reasonable compromise on this year’s federal budget. I am dismayed that Republicans are looking solely to cut domestic discretionary spending and unhappily in areas that I believe are essential and important to the overall quality of life in this country.

I am particularly disturbed by cuts in education, to women’s health services and in public broadcasting. What is required is a careful search in every budget area to find outdated, ineffective or badly manged initiatives/programs. The cuts should reflect the overall needs of the nation and not be based solely on ideological criteria. Why not start with the areas that contribute most to the current deficit while also addressing how to increase revenues.

I suggest taking a close look at military spending, subsidies to agriculture and carbon-based energy companies and making the income tax more progressive. We must remember that the economic recovery is fragile and that big increases in joblessness as a result of budget cuts will decrease demand and lead to further joblessness.

The American electorate spoke loudly and passionately in the last election -- jobs and joblessness should be the main focus of governmental efforts. On the revenue side, may I point out that the growing divide between the richest 5 percent of this country and most of the rest of us is unhealthy for our future. The strength of our country has historically been its middle class, which has been undermined at every turn since President Reagan was elected 1980. The wealthiest among us should shoulder more of the burden. Business is not the be all and end all of this country.

Mary Warren

Wheaton