I consider myself a conservative and an unaffiliated or independent voter, and I only want what is best for our country.

Give serious thought to what a prolonged government shutdown could have meant for our country and our fellow citizens. First, with the possible exception of our military and the defense of our nation, what if we asked our politicians in Washington not to shut down the government but to please take the necessary actions to balance the budget or at least significantly reduce the huge $9 trillion-plus deficit we currently owe on the national debt over the past eight years.

Ask yourself what you and your family would do if you personally were in debt for $9 trillion, or more than $31,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States. Most of us would be forced into bankruptcy.

Rather than kicking the can down the road to our children and grandchildren, it’s time we put a stop to spending money we don’t have. A balanced budget amendment or at least a significant reduction in federal spending should be our priority. What Washington needs is a good course in fiscal responsibility. Please join me in writing our members of Congress.

— Ronnie Smith

Salisbury