To the editor:

As I listen to the news prognosticators try to explain why we are in this financial mess, I do not hear the base line fact that the United States of America is so far in debt that for the first time in our history we are borrowing from foreign countries such as China. Bush and Republicans like Brownback and Roberts have destroyed the notion that America was the focal point of capitalism, the world leader of the free enterprise system. They are now saying the blame belongs to the Republicans and Democrats.

Eight years ago we had a surplus; today we are wallowing in debt. Eight years ago, Bush and his faithful followers eliminated the economic sanctions that safeguarded the average citizen from the corporate greed that eventually destroyed the housing market. When the Democrats tried to bring change two years ago, when they achieved a majority in the House and the Senate, the Republicans like Roberts, Brownback and McCain continued these destructive policies and would not allow good reform to go through. The president’s veto power was sustained. Yes, Bush is at fault, and so are all those who backed him when they knew better.

I cannot imagine the pain we are going to go through over the next few years. I do know that if we do dig out of this mess we must elect representatives who will look out for the people and not the party.

E. Kent Hayes,
Lawrence