Editor:
The motto our founding fathers chose to represent the values of this great country was "E Pluribus Unum," literally, "From Many, One." Now, the irresponsible spending of Congressional Democrats over 40 years has threatened to alter our motto to "Buy Now, Pay Later." The current budget talks in Washington revolve around the choice between these two ideas of America.
Julie Lewis ("Republicans have sold students out of aid," Nov. 8) would have students believe they are the late, lamented persecuted class. Unfortunately, all sectors of our society, in the spirit of "E Pluribus Unum," must come together and contribute to the alleviation of our national debt. Should our children and our children's children ever ask, as Ms. Lewis is fond of, "Who sold us out?" we should all be ashamed, for it is up to us to unify, and balance our budget as we balance our checkbooks. The stakes are too high to continue on that failed road of ease and irresponsibility as the Democrats have led us for 40 years.
Just as there can be no doubt Republicans were able to unify this country to eradicate the threat Communism once posed to our future generations, today the party of Lincoln has been chosen to eliminate the specter of eternal indebtedness facing our children. While a strong national defense proved to be an effective instrument in that earlier struggle, a balanced budget is today's instrument of choice and all Americans are invited to practice.
While every special interest group has numbers and statistics to play on the emotional violins in our hearts, Republicans ask that we listen to the entire orchestra which crescendos to the tune of a $4 trillion debt. We have all been players in this regretful suite. It is time we put aside out selfishness and together compose a symphony of prosperity. This was the clear message sent in 1994 by the patrons of the American Symphony. So let us put aside our differences, for the choice we face today is a choice we have no right to pass on to our children. It is a choice, not of figures, but of philosophies. As a unified country, we will repel the red ink, and make clearer the beautiful music of American freedom and opportunity. E Pluribus Unum, and God bless America.
Eric E. Clingan
Political Science and Theater Arts Junior
Chairman, College Republicans