Letter to the Editor: Let us learn from our mistakes

There are those who know how the world works, that it must be carefully managed, and there are those who risk all assuming it can be taken for granted. We are where we are because too much has been taken for granted. Our politicians asked us to take it for granted that war in the Middle East would benefit us. I'm old enough to know this argument preceeded 9/11 and that those who made it defended Saudi Arabia while it positioned those who would carry out the attacks that made it a reality. As if this 10 trillion dollar debacle were not enough, the same group then forced tax cuts that would deprive the government of another 12 trillion dollars in tax revenue, leaving it 22 trillion dollars in the hole. And, impacted by the economic decline brought about by these policies it spent 8 trillion dollars bailing America out. That's 30 trillion dollars of debt spending that did nothing for America. The other 10 trillion in debt that it carries is the cost of maintaining America while it suffers the ongoing impact of these policies and the interest on that debt incurred. America can't indefinitely function as it did before it began carrying 40 trillion dollars in debt. To argue it should, while refusing to address this predicament, is insane. You must argue against the policies that put it here and in favor of those that might return it to solvency. It isn't enough to argue for Medicare, for instance. You must also argue against the military and economic policies that put the government at risk of no longer being able to maintain it. The spending we can't afford is that which enriches a few while it returns precious little to government. The military and economic adventurism we've seen this government engage in isn't making the situation better. In fact, it often enriches foreign actors who don't intend to help America at all. This is the end of the road. We have seen all that this approach has to offer. Now, let us learn from it and move on. Jamie Beaulieu Farmington, ME Opinion pieces reflect the views of the individual author, and do not reflect the views of the Daily Bulldog, Mt. Blue TV, or Central Maine Media Alliance. Publication of an opinion piece does not equate to endorsement of the content of the piece.