Budget picture not pretty

Reps. Paul Ryan and Cathy McMorris Rodgers have done a great service by clearly spelling out their vision of priorities of the country as we attempt to address the budget deficit. At least we know where the tea party would lead the nation if given a sympathetic president.

First of all, at all cost, preserve and expand the tax cuts for the top 2 percent of wage earners. Second, privatize Medicare and shift the burden to seniors. Third, block-grant the Medicaid program and cut education, Pell grants, environmental programs, food safety, homeland security, etc.

How does any of this serve the needs of Eastern Washington folks? How many of you earn $250,000 per year? My priorities would start with the $2 billion per week expense that we incur for two very, very stupid wars. Next, I would start taxing corporations like G.E. at least at the rate of a Spokane small business rather than paying zero.

Let’s not forget how we got from almost no debt in year 2000 to massive debt today. The remedy is not to double down on failed policies that favor the rich while driving the middle class to the brink.

David R. Canterbury

Spokane