To the editor:

Historically, many Republicans have been in favor of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring that the federal budget be balanced, though lately they have decided that deficits incurred in order to further favor the fortunate aren’t really so bad. Should they wish to propose again a balanced budget amendment, I think there might be greater public support for such an amendment at this time, provided only that its second clause read, “In the absence of complete and current appropriation for all operations of the government, neither the president nor any member of Congress shall receive any compensation.” That might dampen some of the anarchistic fervor on the right.

Dan V. Johnson,

Lawrence