When was the largest deficit in the history of this country created? Under the Bush presidency! And the Republicans weren’t squealing then, were they?

Poor Obama takes the helm in this hurricane financial storm (in which no captain could manage with less than maximum courage), and the Republicans shift all the blame to him on spending.

As an American taxpayer, I don’t mind higher taxes as long as I’m getting something back for it, and I believe most Americans feel the same way.

I’d rather pay $150 per month more on taxes for health care reform than the $350 a month premium the health care industry wants me to pay now – and they won’t even guarantee they will pay my health insurance expenses if something were to happen!

I am 63 years old and do not qualify for Social Security, so when I reach 65 I will have to pay $550 per month on a $1,900-a-month retirement income.

The Republicans have broken this country and now all they can do is blame, blame, blame.

It’s not about socialism. It’s about our government using our tax dollars toward our benefit.

Liz Earlywood

Valley, Wash.