Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Joe sells hamburgers. He lives off the proceeds that remain from these hamburger sales after he covers his expenses. Regrettably, these are insufficient to meet his needs. What to do?

A. Cut his expenses by reducing the materials and services that go into making his hamburgers, or

B. Increase the number of hamburgers sold through improving the value of the hamburgers, increasing sales to the point that they cover expenses.

It’s a dilemma that’s faced hamburger sellers since the business began. It’s not unlike the dilemma we face as a nation. The government sells services to the citizens and gains its return through taxes. When the taxes don’t cover the cost of the services, the same options exist:

A. Reduce the services provided, or

B. Improve the services, allowing growth of income by the increased prosperity of the citizens, returning sufficient taxes to cover the expenses.

Experience has shown, in both cases, the more effective course of action is the latter. President Clinton balanced the budget through prosperity. The Republican approach of cutting out the lettuce is more likely to put us out of business.

John Sweeney

Cobbs Creek, Va.