A deficit is what occurs when you spend money you don’t have. For example, giving tax breaks without paying for them. Another would be starting two wars without paying for them.

We need thoughtful leadership to put the country back on solid financial footing, not representatives reacting to an angry, ignorant mob.

During the past several weeks, I have reflected on many people – staff and clients. Two wonderful people stand out, John and Jean Carson. Both were instrumental in starting and maintaining mental services in Highland County.

In response to Mr. Rentz’ letter to the editor “GOP needs a name change,” I would like to point out the errors in his thoughts.

I wonder what might your greatest wish be this Christmas? This is the one time of year where we are allowed to indulge in our dreaming, why even our Christmas cartoons tell our children this is the time of year, a special time, where dreams can and do come true. They say that if we can dream it, it can happen.  
 Many of us have spent the last several weeks listening to our children telling us what they wish for this Christmas.

If I were to meet someone on the street today in some brief encounter, it's certain that I would wish them "Merry Christmas." Not "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" or anything else. It would be "Merry Christmas."

In response to a letter last week by Mr. Ken Rentz who wrote, "The super-rich have had lower taxes for 10 years now...",  I ask that you please print some information from the irs.gov website.

When asked by Lesley Stahl in an interview of John Boehner on 60 minutes why the Republican Party, supposedly dedicated to reducing government spending and balancing the budget, would support an agreement that would add nearly a trillion dollars to the nation's debt Mr. Boehner took time out from crying to say that deficits are caused by government spending, not by reductions in government income.

Can people afford to leave Hillsboro to try to find work or hold a job? Draw your own conclusions.

To the editor:
 As Highland County and surrounding counties mourn the loss of one of our  faithful and wise friends, colleague, professor, mentor, and example, Bill Horne, I am pleased to take the time out and write to you all about how he inspired my  life, and others.

We seem to have a president playing the part of the turtle in the story of a turtle giving a scorpion a ride across a river with Republicans playing the part of the scorpion. Like the scorpion, Republicans will lash out at the entity that is transporting them across treacherous waters, even if that means they will drown as a result, because it is their nature.

Those of us in Greenfield are very fortunate to have a Senior Nutrition Site in Greenfield where people 60 or older can get a hot noon meal five days a week. The meal includes a hot meal, dessert, and drinks of juice, tea, and milk. The Senior Nutrition Site is located at 1230 Greenhills Village Drive (across from the library) beside Pamida.

To the editor:
 The holidays are a natural time to enjoy family and get-togethers – sharing festive meals, exchanging gifts and celebrating traditions. But for the 65 million Americans taking care of someone with a life-limiting illness, finding holiday cheer can be difficult.

Republicans oppose this health care bill because it is a horrible piece of legislation, not because we oppose health care reform. I believe that Congress can do better and expect them to do so.