Deadlocked Deficit

To the Editor,

Our nation’s politicians are locked in a battle over how to reduce the deficit. Left wing extremists will not consider any changes to social security; right wing extremists will not consider any revenue increases. Once again we are facing deadlock.

Poll after poll has demonstrated that a large majority of Americans want compromise: tax increases for the wealthiest along with reductions in the entitlement programs.

Recently, Senator Jim Demint (R-SC) penned a letter to the Super Committee (the Joint Select Committee for Deficit Reduction) insisting that no tax hikes be part of the solution. Thirty-three senators, all republicans, signed the letter. North Dakota’s Senator John Hoeven did not sign the letter. Thank you, Senator Hoeven, for remaining open to compromise.

Another letter, this one submitted by a bipartisan group of members of the House of Representatives, urged the Super Committee to recommend a balanced approach, spending cuts and tax increases. Forty republican Representatives signed that letter. North Dakota’s Congressman Rick Berg did not sign the letter. Thank you, Rick Berg, for again showing us the face of right-wing extremism.

Greg Wentz
Bismarck, ND