Getting it straight

There are some things about our government that many Americans fail to understand: First, the president doesn’t spend a dime. The president requests money to fund projects, but it is up to Congress to allocate money. Secondly, the president doesn’t raise or cut taxes. He can suggest a change in taxes, but Congress must authorize it.

Bill Clinton didn’t raise taxes, nor did he produce a surplus. He requested, and the Democratic-controlled Congress passed higher tax rates. George W. Bush didn’t create the financial mess we are in, either. It was unlimited spending by the Democratic-controlled Congress and its loose banking policies that caused it. The policies that were begun with the Republican-controlled Congress during Bush’s first term gave tax cuts to everyone and allowed the people to determine how best to spend their own money. Had Bush vetoed the spending bills that came from congressional Democrats and Republicans, we might have a surplus now.

We must return to fiscal conservatism. We can’t spend our way out of debt. We can’t tax our way to prosperity. Something must be done about the money that is being requested by President Barack Obama and being spent by this Congress. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must not continue down this road to unsustainable debt.

Johnny Stephens

Hewitt

Gender barriers

Like Trib editor Carlos Sanchez wrote in his Feb. 28 column, “Submarines and little girls,” I am usually thrilled when traditional barriers to female fulfillment come down. I raised my daughters to resist any limits placed on them by society. But unlike Sanchez, I’m ambivalent about women in the military.

Every time a barrier to women in the military comes down, it’s a step closer to young women having to register for the draft and possibly be drafted in the future. I recall the relief I felt when my daughters turned 18 and, unlike their male peers, did not have to register for the draft. I also realize it’s a double standard.

Why should women be able to serve alongside men in submarines and elsewhere in war zones when they are excluded from draft registration? As barriers to women in the military decrease, their potential for being equal with men in conscription to military service increases.

So, as the editor celebrates women being able to serve in submarines, does he also look forward to the day when girls have to register for the draft also?

Roger Olson

Waco

Please ‘do not call’

I’d love to get my hands on whoever is buying and selling lists of names. How they did it, I don’t know, but the “right-wingers” have me on all their lists, the “left-wingers” have me on their lists, along with those trying to do something for the soldiers overseas and even animal rescue groups.

I don’t send any money, but they still keep sending me stuff. I’ll bet I’m personally responsible for the death of one huge tree.

I ask to be put on the “do not call” list, but despite this request the calls keep coming. Anyone else out there in this same boat and irritated?

Nancy Cagle

Waco