Letters to the editor
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Altmire is failing us regarding the debt crisis
Self-proclaimed Blue Dog Democrat Jason Altmire continues to perpetuate the myth that he is a "fiscal conservative" despite a voting record that shows no sense of the urgency of the debt crisis facing our nation ("Blue Dog Democrats Less Blue Than After November's Election," April 6). Instead of discussing his own poor fiscal record, Rep. Altmire, who recently was described by the Post-Gazette's Early Returns column as "right-wing," speaks of frustration "with the direction that the far right is going."
Our country is facing a debt train wreck due to a decade of politicians of both parties, including Jason Altmire over the past four years, who preferred to pass the buck to our children and grandchildren. I would not describe the 49.2 percent of people in our district who voted for me as "far right"; I would describe them as very concerned about the $14 trillion national debt these politicians have racked up.
Mr. Altmire voted against a continuing resolution that cut $61 billion, a mere 1.6 percent of projected federal expenditures, off the current budget. And then there's his vote against repealing Obamacare, the president's health care bill that further compounds the debt. A real Blue Dog, Dan Boren of Oklahoma, voted for the continuing resolution and to repeal Obamacare.
Real action is needed to address the debt crisis today, not quarter- or half-measures that do not make even a dent in the problem. It is past time for politicians to cease acting as such and to begin acting as statesmen and -women.
KEITH ROTHFUS
Edgeworth
The writer was the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional District seat in 2010.
Threatens a treasure
I once got a fortune from a fortune cookie that read: "Education will never cost as much as ignorance." Unfortunately, Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget scorns this simple truth. While education is foundational to our society, and to providing the trained workers that employers are seeking, the governor's budget makes draconian cuts in education. What especially concerns me are the proposed cuts in funding to the University of Pittsburgh.
First Published April 11, 2011 12:00 am
