| Republicans
and national debt
John Hicks makes a good case for placing most
of the blame on the Republicans for the debt
(“Republicans to blame for national debt,” Jan.
19). However, I’m afraid he is not getting his
point across with most of them as they live
in a fact-free environment. Facts roll off of
them like water off a duck’s back. It has been
said that they drove our economy off a cliff
and have suffered from amnesia ever since. For
example, many middle class voters buy into the
new tax schemes such as a flat tax or the 9-9-9
plan even after the tax experts point out that
under such a plan they will pay much more and
the rich even less. Emotional appeals carry
more weight than facts. After all, we want a
simple plan, right?
My advice to Prof. Hicks and others of like
mind is to stick to simple slogans such as,
“people before profits.” As well as simple questions
such as “Is that the morale thing to do?” and
“Is that best for the country or just for your
party?” These slogans and questions have to
be repeated often. Fortunately not all Republicans
are in this category, and facts could work with
these people. Maybe there is some hope. It would
be too much to expect a rise in Teddy Roosevelt
progressive Republicans, but it would be nice
to see the moderates stand up.
Ed Rethman
West Des Moines
National debt
It’s as if Dr. John Hicks freaks out about
a candle on the dining room table while behind
him a wildfire blazes unchecked in his recent
commentary (“Republicans to blame for national
debt,” Jan. 19). Search for “national debt road
trip” on YouTube, and you’ll find a video that
I think even most Democrats will understand,
as it shows how much and how fast the deficit
has grown in the years since 1900.
James Jones
Des Moines |
