Gang of Six needs fair shake

Like my fellow Americans, I am deeply concerned about our nation’s financial future. Our country will face a fiscal catastrophe if Washington can’t address our crushing debt.

Any solution needs to be both long term and short term, as well as perceived as fair by both sides. It can’t be done without compromise.

Fortunately, some in Congress understand the urgency. For months, a bipartisan group of senators known as the “Gang of Six” have been working together to produce a comprehensive plan to address the ballooning deficit. Their approach has earned the backing of No Labels, a new political group encouraging bipartisan problem-solving. The Gang of Six has been working on a proposal, but some on the left and right have begun their attacks.

As Congress weighs its next move in the weeks ahead, we need our leaders to demonstrate real courage and exercise political restraint. Let’s hope our representatives give the Gang of Six a fair hearing. If not, we risk more hyperpartisan gridlock, which we can’t afford.

David Schwebke

Crystal Lake