First: If Ms. Runyan’s reasoning were correct (Letters, July 10) and all our government needed to do is borrow more money to pay for unemployment extension, the past 19 months of borrowing and spending with TARP funds would have pulled us out of the recession.

Second: Folks who are receiving unemployment do not get “living wages” and they must spend it on necessities. This money does not create any new jobs, as shown by our past actions and the results.

Third: The Republicans urge President Obama to use available TARP moneys to cover extension of the unemployment instead of borrowing more money to do so. Ms. Runyan should endeavor to find out what both parties are suggesting/proposing before becoming critical. She has a right to her opinion, but it needs to be an “informed” opinion.

Fourth: Neither party seems willing to accept blame for their actions, as usual. In this case, I agree with the Republican plan to use available TARP funds (already borrowed and available) instead of borrowing more. The politicians will spend it all if they have access to it.

Ed Zierlein

Coeur d’Alene