This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In "Still friends?" (Forum, Oct. 31), Carl Clark is confused about what Republicans believe.
Republicans believe we have a spending problem, not a revenue problem (a key difference with Democrats). No party has a monopoly on irresponsible spending. That is why Utah's Republican senators advocate a balanced budget amendment.
Republicans believe Americans make better decisions with their money than government does. This is why they support tax cuts. When Americans have more money, they invest more, finance entrepreneurial endeavors and put more money into the economy. The problem arises when we lower taxes but not spending.
Republicans do not believe in casting the burden of our national debt on any single group. We do not support cutting necessary programs; we believe in reform. Social Security and Medicare are jeopardized by our failure to reform them.
Republicans do not want government to control women's health issues. That's why we didn't support Obamacare. Still, many believe life begins at conception, so abortion is difficult. But the Supreme Court has ruled — shouldn't that discussion be over?
We've seen what fierce partisanship has done to our nation. It's time to see what working together to find appropriate compromises and good solutions can do.
Jeremy Roberts
Saratoga Springs