Spending Priorities
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The debate over a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is not only a fiscal debate; it is a philosophical and theological debate. The Constitution calls for the Congress to protect the general welfare, the common good.
In the event of an economic downturn or a government crisis, Congress would be faced with two alternatives. One would be to cut programs, the other to raise taxes. The politically easy way would be to place the burden on low- and middle-income families.
What is needed is not a balanced budget amendment but a continued realignment of federal spending priorities for deficit reduction.
DOROTHY L. CHAPMAN
San Clemente
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