Rep. Paul Ryan’s Budget Plan

I agree we need to seriously consider Ryan’s budget plan. There are some very sensible ideas in it, and if we don’t take some action, we’re all going to be riding bikes to work. At least it is a place to start. Increased taxes on business owners/the wealthy and expansion of government and its workforce has never brought the economy into prosperity!—Lucy Harris, Palm Springs, CA

It is readily apparent that the Republicans and the Democrats are miles apart with regard to what spending cuts should be implemented. However, both sides have picked an amount of $4 trillion to cut over the next 10 years. In my mind, it is doubtful that a meeting of the minds will be achieved. Hence, in my business, when cuts had to be implemented and concurrence could not be achieved, we cut proportionately from each department. Cutting $400 billion from the next budget authorization and requiring the same amount of cuts in each budget over the next 10 years would bring our budget into balance, improve our financial ratios, and force the government to live within its means. I am, like so many citizens, so tired of listening to the squabble over funding without a negotiated settlement being achieved.—Gene H. Anguil, Milwaukee, WI

I failed to see in Congressmen Ryan’s budget where he and other members of the House joined the rest of the country in a shared sacrifice. Congressional staffs should be cut to at least match the unemployment rate. Congressional staffs are full-time campaign staffs paid for by taxpayers. Travel, office expense, and other perks of the office should be slashed. Free parking? Free shuttle?  These benefits should be taxed or eliminated. Cut Congress by 25% in the House and 50%  in the Senate. Think of the cost savings for taxpayers.—Bill Duff, Cleveland, TN

Education Reform

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policy is making teachers teach to the test. There are children with learning disabilities of varying degrees that will never be able to test at grade level. To punish the school for this is wrong. I agree that accountability is important, but to punish a school because it is also serving a population of special needs is ridiculous. As this education act is being reviewed, it is important to consider the big picture and all the students within it.  The level of stress around this has been detrimental to teaching and learning.—Tanje Brekke, Bozeman, MT

It’s time for us to realize in this age of scarcity and need that some children will have to be left behind because they do not have the physical and mental abilities as other children and will need to adjust their goals and pursue different career paths and lifestyles. Only when parents and students alike realize they cannot be made to perform if there is no native desire will our educational system improve.—Paula Prentice, Hephzibah, GA

When it comes to education, many different ideas must be considered. There seems to be a push in the education system for all kids to get the same education and attend college. Not all kids have the capability to attend college, want, or can afford to attend. Many aspects of the education system need revising, and if we don’t start sooner rather than later, we get what we deserve—people who are not interested or excited about what they do.—Peter Schaming, Voorheesville, NY

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