Reaction to debt ceiling letter

In her Sunday letter, “Increase debt ceiling,” Barbara Collier wrote: “Republicans in Congress — again in defiance and hatred of the president — oppose increasing the federal debt ceiling” and “So much for putting politics aside and working with this administration.”

First of all, Republicans do not hate the president. We hate his policies, which are not good for America. As far as putting politics aside and working with this administration, it always seems that liberals cry loudest when they are not in control. 

Did President Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi work with any Republican input when they were passing Obamacare? No, Republicans were told to take a back seat on the bus.

As far as the debt ceiling is concerned, when they were in control Democrats passed a pay-go law requiring that any added spending would be offset with cuts, which they then promptly ignored. In doing so, they helped push the U.S. deficit to $1.4 trillion.

Congressman Paul Ryan, who had the courage to come up with a plan to reform Medicare, has been vilified by the political left. But I don’t recall seeing a Democratic plan to address this issue unless of course it involves the worn-out mantra of higher taxes on the rich and blaming President George W. Bush. So if the left wants to put politics aside, I suggest they start by looking in the mirror.

 Regarding Collier’s question: “How far will the Republicans and tea partiers go to get President Barack Obama out of office?” Well, there is only one definitive answer, and that is: All the way.

Michael Welhausen, Waco

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In response to Barbara Collier’s letter branding Republicans and tea partiers as ignorant, defiant and hate-filled, I agree with her on one point. If opposing certain policies and standing against unrestrained reckless government spending, a government that ignores the United States Constitution, and a government systematically curbing and restricting liberty and freedoms labels me as defiant, then so be it.

I and millions of others will be happy to be described as such. However, is it not hatred to attack and mock others simply because they have an opposing view, like the president himself and others have done recently? Is it not ignorant to continue giving politicians a blank check despite the fact that they continue to promise anything and everything with other people’s hard-earned money?

Would Collier give her child a credit card with no limits and then, when it is maxed out, say “Here’s another credit card, go max this one too”? Would she do this while having to borrow money just to pay the interest on the cards? I would call that behavior ignorant and suggest it would be hateful toward those who will have to clean up the big mess afterwards.

Jamie Amos, Woodway

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If Barbara Collier watched “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren” on Fox News, she would know that 82 House Democrats also voted against raising the debt ceiling, including Nancy Pelosi. This vote was exactly what the Democrats demanded: no spending cuts and tax increases and just a clean vote on the debt ceiling.

So why did so many Democrats vote no? Well, that’s because almost everyone on both sides of the political spectrum knows spending cuts must be made with raising the debt ceiling.

Note that in the Senate no Democrat voted for Obama’s budget for 2012. Does this make them mean and hateful and wanting “to get President Barack Obama out of office”? Maybe it means they all want what is best for our country, not just a party.

Jim Cantrell, Axtell

Perry: Use state money to help us

The famous sociologist, author and Christian inspirational speaker Tony Campolo was asked at the close of a women’s missionary society meeting to pray for the poor people in Haiti who needed $500 for a new generator. His answer: “No. Lock the doors. I noticed expensive cars in the parking lot. You have on nice clothes today. Pass the hat until we get $500.” Which they did.

Gov. Rick Perry, go thou and do likewise. Perry recently invited governors to a prayer and fast session. I suggest they study the Bible, particularly the story about rich man and Lazarus.

Then he should pull in some of the billions of dollars he controls and help those whom his austerity program has hurt. 

There is a lot of money in this state. He should use it for good, not for greed.

Richard V. Evans, Hewitt

Hard workers in the Texas heat

I enjoyed the picture of lawn care worker Leonardo Heredia on Wednesday’s front page. His company does our yard each week. These workers are always professional, on time and friendly. They do an excellent job. I am grateful that they work in the heat to do a job I cannot possibly do.

It is great that the Trib recognizes those members of our community who labor in this heat. We should all be grateful for them.

Sallie M. Luedke, Waco