Budget Debate

Let me see if I understand the budget debate. Clinton wanted to balance the budget in eight years, but the Republicans insisted on seven. Medicare has to be cut by $270 billion to save it. A $245-billion tax cut is needed for symbolic value.

As the economy continues to grow and the federal deficit comes down, shouldn’t it be possible to use that $245 billion to eliminate the budget deficit in five years instead of seven? Does this smell like pay-back time for the GOP’s wealthy benefactors, or am I missing something?

BERNARD D. ROTH

Santa Barbara