To the Editor:

The coronavirus has brought many hardships to people and I am in favor of lending a helping hand, via volunteer organizations or the government. However, I do not understand why our elected officials seem to spend money like it grows on trees.

Several months ago, I received a check, even though I did not lose my job. Two weeks ago, I received a check for $600, even though I did not lose my job. Now the politicians in Washington want to send me another $1,400 even though I did not lose my job. Money does not grow on trees, although the paper to print it on comes from trees.

All this money must be paid back, with interest. What gives the Washington politicians the right to assign so much debt to our children’s future?

Some would suggest that I send the money back if I do not need it, but it does not solve the problem of unrestricted spending. Rather, politicians on both sides of the aisle must take the time to help those in need, not just pass out money in the hope of gaining more votes.

They were not elected to mortgage the future; they were elected to lead and make difficult decisions. That is what leadership is about.

I will put my money in the bank to save for the coming tax increases. Then again, perhaps I should spend it because history teaches that, when there is too much debt, inflation follows and the value of money in the bank decreases.

David Erickson

Knox