I was shocked at the editorial “Party or Country” where the editor was blaming Republicans, specifically Sen. Jeff Sessions, if we go over the fiscal cliff because they signed a pledge not to raise taxes.

We’re in this mess because we have a president and liberal congressmen who don’t get it. President Obama flies across the country on our dime to be on Hollywood talk shows. He gave $500 million of our money to his cronies at Solyndra so they could pocket the money. We have a Senate controlled by the Democrats and Harry Reid who haven’t submitted a budget in four years. President Obama has wasted more money in the last four years than all the previous presidents combined.

Both Presidents Reagan and Bush tried to have good fiscal policy by approving tax increases partnered with reductions in government spending. They took Congress at their word. Guess what? Congress did the tax increases upfront and then didn’t follow up with the government spending reductions.

We can’t keep kicking the can down the road and continuously raise taxes thinking this is going to solve our problem. Stop wasting our money!

Do you have a budget Mr. Editor? I suspect you do, and if you don’t adhere to it, the TimesDaily will go out of business just like our country if we don’t stop wasteful spending. Stop pedaling your falsehoods, Mr. Editor, and tell the truth. Sen. Sessions is the answer, not the problem.

James C. Eastman

Florence

It’s that time of year when we start thinking about how to give back, how to appreciate the good fortunes we’ve shared and how we can help those who are less fortunate. Especially this year, when the news is full of tales of loss and economic concerns for the future, making a charitable holiday commitment is the ideal way to show goodwill towards men - and animals.

One of the best ways to help is by making a charitable contribution to your local pet shelter. While big, national organizations grab the headlines and inundate the airwaves this time of year with tales of woe and pleas for support, the truth is that you’ll get far more bang for your charitable buck by giving locally. Though most people don’t realize it, national organizations like the Humane Society of the United States aren’t affiliated with local pet shelters, and very little of their money goes to help shelter homeless pets, or help the local groups that care for these animals.

A seasonal contribution to a local shelter is the best way to make lasting impact on the lives of homeless pets in your community, and help make theirs a truly happy holiday.

Diana Culp

Director

Humane Society for Shelter Pets

Frederick, Md.