DEFICIT
We must act to save our country, kids, grandkids
The recent report of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform concluded that, absent very substantial movement to eliminate deficits, our country faces an economic catastrophe. The need to act to do the right thing for our nation and future generations is clearly set forth.
It has now been reported that a tax deal has been struck that does nothing but decrease tax revenue and increase spending. These things will have very little impact on the economy. Our economic woes basically come down to supply and demand.
However, if the economy gets better, they’ll be credited. If the economy gets worse or stays the same, we’ll hear how much worse things would have been if they hadn’t been done.
Apparently, the goal is to get as close to the edge as possible without going over — not the right thing to do for our country, children or grandchildren.
Allen Buckley, Atlanta
SOCIAL SECURITY
Get prepared, America: Big cuts are mandatory
Regarding the letter about “changing the rules” in the middle of the Social Security game: I had to chuckle (“Don’t change the rules in the middle of the game,” “Readers write,” Opinion, Dec. 6).
Folks, we are going to have to have major cuts to our Social Security take-home pay; major cuts to the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid; and, yes, substantial cuts to the defense budget.
Otherwise, rhetoric about cutting the budget and shrinking our government will be just that — meaningless rhetoric. Right-wingers and left-wingers, let’s walk the walk.
Phil Davis, Powder Springs
PUBLIC HEALTH
Obamas’ so-called health concern a joke
I’ve had it with the Obamas telling us how to live our personal lives — the latest being the Obamas’ targeting of bake sales that are held by various organizations to raise money for much-needed equipment.
Their so-called concern for the health of children is a joke. President Barack Obama has had many photo ops in which he is downing a hamburger and soda. He has also been seen to smoke (which is probably more detrimental to his health than the foods schoolchildren eat). I wish they would just chill out, and let us live our lives according to our standards. I’ve survived almost 84 years without their nutritional advice.
Sue Shealy, Loganville
EDUCATION
Pressure on children can have negative effects
Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. The film “Race to Nowhere” illustrates this perfectly. Well-meaning parents who push their children to academic performance or engagement in excessive activities are starting to see how this pressure can have negative effects.
There’s a difference between high expectations, and unrealistic ones. There’s a difference between being involved in activities, and being overwhelmed by them. Parents need to use common sense and find a happy medium — or their children will suffer the consequences.
Jerry Schwartz, Alpharetta
