Common sense is all we need

The Republicans and Democrats have been bantering back and forth for months on what needs to be done to deal with our ever increasing national debt. Even though I only have a high school education and have never held a political office, I have a few suggestions.

Let’s stop spending more than we take in. Let’s bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan. (How soon we forget what happened to the United States and France in Vietnam, and to the Russians in Afghanistan.) Let’s put more emphasis on protecting our borders and less on those of foreign countries.

Let’s stop sending foreign aid to countries that couldn’t care less about the United States. Let’s stop bailing out and providing financial aid to greedy corporations and financial institutions. Let’s stop spending billions on health care and education on those who are in this country illegally. (Before some of you fly into a tangent, I’m all for someone coming to this country through proper, legal channels and becoming a U.S. citizen.)

Let’s provide low-interest financial aid to small businesses and simplify the loan process. They’re the backbone of this great country. Let’s quit farming out much of our production to China and other foreign countries. While labor in many countries is dirt cheap, their products can’t compare with those made in America.

Let’s take better care of veterans and those currently serving in the military. Without their service and sacrifice, none of us would be enjoying the freedom that we have today. Let’s place term limits on those holding political office.

Lastly, let’s forget about political agendas and start listening to those who elected you.

It doesn’t take an Ivy League education to figure this out. All it takes is a little common sense.

Steve Haisley

Vernon Hills